6. Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Joy
I f I ever see another shot of vodka, it’ll be too soon. Not because I have a hangover, but because I’m so damn tired. I spent the evening with Tate Garrison. Tate Fucking Garrison. And he was nothing like the man I assumed he was based on our first meeting. He’s kind. Polite. Caring. He’s everything a cowboy should be. At least the cowboys in my mind, anyway.
The shower has done nothing to wake me up. I can’t even remember the last time I went out and danced like that. It was probably when I was in my twenties, in which case I’m certain it didn’t take this long to recover after staying up too late. But, oh my god, why did it have to be Tate Garrison who had occupied my time most of the night? There’s no doubt he picks up women all the time. Women who know what a man like Tate expects.
I’ve been working at Boulder Ranch for months and have never laid eyes on the man. I’m not sure why I’m allowing myself to get so stressed out this early in the morning. Stepping into my boots, I head outside to Rayna’s car. Mine is still at the Thirsty Pony, and even if I did have Tate’s number, there’s no way in hell I’d be calling him for a ride. I’m too old for any version of the walk of shame, so no matter what, I would be finding my own way to my car.
“So,” Rayna says, waggling her eyebrows as soon as I get in beside her. “Tate Garrison, huh?”
I let out a groan. It would be nice to ride to work in peace, but I know she’s dying for details. Especially since she has to drive me back to where I’m still parked. At the Thirsty Pony. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s suddenly taken an interest in roughstock events.
“What about him? We danced. He drove me home.”
“I know you’re lying.” She stops to laugh. “I watched the way you two were looking at each other. That’s why I was surprised you needed a ride to your car.”
I cross my arms and do my best to glare at her. “Really? Your horse is awfully high considering I only live here because of your vacation fling.”
Her laughter fills the car as she pulls out of the driveway. I’m looking forward to working at the ranch, and it’s not just because I love my job. It’s the anticipation of seeing Tate Garrison on the back of a bucking bronco. I nearly fan myself just thinking about it.
Rayna raises a sculpted brow when I finally snap out of my fantasy and look her way. “So, you’re telling me I was imagining all of that? The way he stared at you like you were the last slice of pizza?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. We had a good time. Talked. He told me what happened to his hand. He wasn’t looking at me like anything.”
“If you say so. I’ll see you later. Wyatt’s off in the woods and I want to see for myself what those Garrison boys can do,” she says as she pulls up beside my car.
I give her a quick thanks and then nod. Of course she wants to watch them ride. More like she wants to watch me. Boulder Ranch is only a mile or so down the road from the bar. Not nearly far enough away for me to get my head together before I have to face people.
By the time I get to work mucking stalls, I’ve finally stopped looking for Tate. I hadn’t seen him before last night so there’s no reason I should expect to see him now. Officially getting on my own nerves, I pop in my earbuds and start singing to myself as I work to drown out my stupid thoughts. I met a new person, danced, and had fun. The end. I’m not some thirteen-year-old girl who has a crush on every boy who’s nice to her.
A firm grip on my shoulder nearly causes me to shriek loud enough to spook the horses. With a death grip on my shovel, I whip around to see who’s trying to give me a heart attack. I find Tate Garrison smiling at me with his hands raised. His smile is—wow—it’s breathtaking.
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says with a low chuckle. “I called your name, but you didn’t hear me.”
I can’t believe I missed the opportunity to hear my name on his lips. Stupid fucking earbuds. And stupid me for continuing to behave like I’ve never spoken to a man before.
“Sorry. Did you need me to do something for you?” I hate the way that sounds.
“No.” His smile widens. “There’s nothing I need that I can’t handle myself. I’m over here to see you.”
I’m pretty sure my brain has just shorted out. He’s smiling down at me with those damn dimples. And the short beard I’d like to feel—nope. I will not let my mind go there. It’s obvious he’s here for a reason. The quicker he gets to it, the faster I can get back to trying to forget about him.
“To see me for what, if you don’t need anything?”
“Oh, I need something, alright. I just don’t need help with anything.”
Despite my best efforts, I laugh. We shared a kiss last night, but I never thought I’d be standing here flirting with Tate Garrison. I lean my shovel against the wall and cross my arms.
“Semantics. What do you need, sir?”
He takes in a sharp breath before swallowing hard. Good to know. No. It is not good to know ; what the hell is wrong with me? My face must betray my thoughts, because I look up to find him staring at me, his gaze dark.
“You didn’t give me your number,” he says as he passes his phone over with the contacts pulled up.
“I didn’t know you wanted it.”
His gaze darkens further as he once again swallows hard. “I thought I made myself pretty clear about wanting to see you again. Do I need to refresh your memory?”
My brows shoot up and I look around to make sure no one is near us. His question was vague, but it spoke straight to my core. I can practically feel his mouth on mine as last night replays in my mind.
“You don’t want me to kiss you?” His voice is a low gravel, sending goosebumps over my body.
“Not when everyone can see us. I haven’t worked here very long, and I don’t want people to think I came to work here so I could pick up a cowboy or something.”
He places his hand on the wall above my head and steps closer. “Who cares what people think? You going to watch me ride tonight?”
I pass his phone back to him. “If I’m not too busy.”