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That is, until I spot the crackling fire and the pot of coffee steaming on a tray in the center of the small coffee table. All this, along with a plate of cookies and...a note.
My tears instantly change to a smile as I lift it up and read his neatly printed handwriting:
Mariah,
This isn't me running out on you, I promise. This is just me hitting the pause button and asking for a raincheck (pun intended.) I'd still love to spend a long and leisurely evening doing anything besides getting to know you. You intrigue me, city girl, so I'm probably gonna want more than just an evening. Since you have two whole weeks in town, how about you let me be your adventure guide while you're here? I'll show you the ins and outs of country life, and if you're a good little city girl, I'll take you out to dinner Friday night, and you and me can cash in that raincheck in a way that will make that kiss by my truck look like child's play.
I know this sounds like a ploy to get to know you better. But what can I say? Maybe it is. Either way, I have a feeling there's no way I'll get you out of my head any time soon. You're something special. I just can't tell what kind of special you are to me just yet. But we'll find out soon enough. I'll make sure of that.
If you're game, meet me at the feed supply store on Route 7 tomorrow afternoon. I'll bring the coffee and the entertainment.
Yours,
Clark
P.S. I'm thinking of you naked in that bath right now, and I'm hard as a rock.
I clutch the note to my chest, then read it over and over again, a smile slowly spreading across my face. Even though I'm feeling a little disappointed that he left without saying goodbye, I can't help but appreciate the thoughtfulness—and heat—behind the note.
I grab a warm cookie from the plate and take a sip of the coffee, letting Clark's words roll around in my head. An adventure guide. I have to admit that the offer intrigues me. And while the last thing I'm here for is to start a relationship, the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring a different way of life is kind of appealing. No clients pulling stunts. No board rooms. No ringing phones or pinging emails. Just me, the country, and a super hot cowboy. I mean, who am I to turn down such a generous offer of adventure—especially if it might lead me to something even better than that roadside kissing...
CLARK
The bunkhouse is rowdy as usual when I walk in, soaked to the bone and shivering.
"Whoa there, you look like a drowned rat!" Austin calls out with a laugh as I drip water all over the floor.
"What happened to you?" asks Joey, who's my closest friend on the ranch. "Thought you were headin' off with that redhead from the bar."
I shake my head, drops of water spraying everywhere. "Got caught in the storm is all. Blew a tire on the way back to her place."
"And she still let you take her home after that disaster of a date?" Austin smirks. "I'm impressed."
"Wasn't really a date," I say, peeling off my wet shirt. "She's a city girl, not here long. Says she's not lookin' for anything serious."
Joey lets out a low whistle. "A girl just here for some fun? That's every man's dream. Can't say I blame ya for tryin' to tap that. I'm guessing you didn't though since you're back so soon. Failed hard, huh?"
I roll my eyes at his crassness. "It's not like that. I chose to keep things PG."
"Sure you did," he scoffs.
"Whatever, man. All I know is she's...different. Got this spark about her."
"Don't go catchin' feelings now," Austin warns. "I know I'm not really one to talk since my wife's a city girl. But a short timer like that'll break your heart. I've seen enough guys get all twisted up over somethin' that was never gonna be, to spot someone fallin' for a fantasy."
"I'm not gonna get twisted up," I insist, despite the zapping energy still lingering from our kiss in the rain. "And this ain't no fantasy. I know exactly what I'm gettin' myself into. All I'm doin' is showing her ‘round town while she's here. I know this has an expiry date, and I'm expectin' nothin' more."
Joey smacks me on the back. "I'm sure you'll be showin' her arealgood time while she's here. Hope she likes the view of Cedarwood Valley from on her back."
Joey cackles out a laugh, and both Austin and I shake our heads.
"Y'all are ridiculous," Austin says as he turns for the door and waves over his shoulder. "I'm heading back to the main house to spend some quality time with my wife. Maybe clean out my ears after that last comment."
I grab a clean change of clothes. "And I'm hittin' the showers before I catch my death."
Joey grouches, but helps himself to another beer from the fridge. "Well, ain't you boys just a couple of party poopers," he grumbles, flipping through an old dog-eared copy of Field & Stream since he refuses to read anything new since they went online.
I head into the bathroom and ready the shower. The hot water feels glorious against my chilled skin. I close my eyes and let the water cascade down my body, trying not to wash away the memories of her body pressed up against mine. I get instantlyhard again at the thought of her soft skin, the way her lips tasted, and the way our bodies moved together in the pouring rain.
