13. 13
Cowboy found his mind drifting, and not for the first time today. He shook his head, trying to shake loose thoughts of a certain blonde, then bent his head back to the sketch he was trying to finish. The client had called this morning with some changes he wanted made, and now Cowboy was trying to make his ideas work on the bike they’d been back and forth on for the last three months.
He was hopeful this last design would be approved. Then the client would send the next payment installment and they could start fabrication. That was the part Cowboy really loved. The designing was good, but the building was where his heart lay.
The goal was to finish this sketch and send it off to the client today, so it could be approved or reworked yet again. And the sooner he finished the sketch, the sooner he could go help with the finishing touches on the last bike he was working on. It would be ready for its new owner within the week, so he wanted to make sure everything was just right.
A few more pencil strokes and he leaned back to take a look at it. That was perfect. He scanned the images and emailed them to the client then lifted his arms over his head and arched his back as he stretched. Ava slipped into his mind again, he couldn’t help but wonder what she would think of some of the bikes he’d designed. Would she like a ride on one?
He needed to check in with her. The new bike would need a test drive. Maybe she’d like to go along with him? Cowboy rolled his eyes and shook his head at how flighty he’d become over this woman. Still, he reached for his phone and typed out a quick message.
Cowboy: How’s your day been?
He stared at the screen for several seconds as if her reply would appear instantly on his screen then realized he was being stupid. He stood, shoved his phone in his pocket and headed out to the shop.
The noise in the shop was loud but familiar. He checked on what each man was doing, making sure things were turning out the way they should before he went to the bike that had just finished painting and needed to be assembled. He ran one hand along the gas tank, making sure the finish was smooth, then got to work fitting pieces into the frame, assembling the bike. Of all the construction, this was one part he insisted on doing himself. The final assembly, making sure everything was just right before they delivered the product.
He didn’t know how long he’d been working when Deke walked in.
“What are you doing still here?”
“Working, obviously,” Cowboy bit back the urge to snarl as he replied. Why did people have to ask such stupid questions when the answer was obvious?
“I was surprised you weren’t at the clubhouse. We’ve got a meeting in fifteen minutes. A meeting you called, if you’ll recall.”
Cowboy looked up from where he was fitting one particularly difficult piece into place. “Shit. Is it really that late?”
Deke didn’t dignify that with a response, just looked at him as if to say, would I be here if it weren’t?
Cowboy stood, grabbed a rag, and started scrubbing at his hands. He was in the final stages, so they weren’t too dirty, still, he needed to get washed up and go. He glanced down at his overalls and shrugged. They’d have to do. He didn’t have time to change right now.
Cowboy leaned back in his chair, tipped back his drink, and drained the last few swallows. The meeting had gone better than he’d hoped. Not only had all his proposals passed, but the men had been enthusiastic at his ideas, even when he’d said he wanted it mandatory that everyone make at least one of the brothers only events each month.
He pulled his phone out and turned it back on, as he’d shut it off for the meeting. As it powered up and found signal, it buzzed with several incoming messages. The only ones he cared about right now were the ones from Ava.
Ava: Day was good. Work was boring but busy and went by fast. I’m exhausted and headed to bed.
Ava: Want to do something this weekend?
He stared at the screen and cursed that he had to be on the ride this weekend. He was looking forward to the ride and since he’d ordered it organized, and had it made mandatory to make at least one ride a month, he couldn’t really say sorry, I’d rather spend the time with my girl. Especially not for the first event.
With a sigh, he typed up a reply.
Cowboy: I’d love to. I’m busy Saturday, but I can do Friday night or any time on Sunday. When are you free?
He hit send then checked the time. Ten-thirty. She was probably fast asleep. He should probably head home and go to bed himself. Cowboy couldn’t help but feel accomplished as he stood.
“Headed home?” Deke asked.
“I am. I want to finish that assembly tomorrow. You going to come by?”
“I may. I’ll let you know.”
“All right. Have a good night.” Cowboy tipped one hand in a wave.
“You too.” Deke watched him go.
Cowboy walked across the parking lot to where he’d parked his bike in front of the shop, stepped astride it and headed home, his thoughts not on the bike he needed to finish assembling, but instead on Ava and what they might do this weekend.
He didn’t know if she was ready to go all the way to Billings on the bike, but he could take her in his truck, if she wanted to see a movie. On the other hand, bowling had been fun. What other things like that could he suggest? Things that weren’t common date things but could be fun. He was halfway home when he wondered if she might enjoy going to the batting cages. It wasn’t bowling, but it could be fun. He didn’t think there was a laser tag place in town, but he’d investigate it. Then he’d give her some options, see what she was interested in.
He liked that she opted for less traditional dates. It was fun and kept him wondering what she would pick next. Maybe he should investigate some more offbeat options. He’d love to find an option she hadn’t thought of.
Cowboy pulled into the parking lot at his complex, parked and went up to his apartment. He needed to research what kind of activities they had locally. It had been too long since he’d looked for anything new to do.