Chapter 15 #3
The next day drags on, like it knows I’m excited for some-thing.
Minutes feel like hours, and hours feel like days.
To keep myself from panicking about this date, I’ve been messaging Averie, filling her in on all the details and using it as a distraction while I spend the day staring at cattle and the ass of Blake’s horse.
Averie:
What are you wearing for your date?
Sadie:
Something hot, and probably a little slutty.
Averie:
Get it, girl.
I have a few ideas of what I want to wear, not that I have any idea what we’re doing, or even the time, but I’m assum-ing we’re meeting after work.
Only another hour from now, if I don’t turn into ice from this shit Montana weather.
At least it’s not snowing today, and the sun is out.
But it’s still cold enough that it bites, leaving my skin feeling rough and dry.
Averie:
Make sure you show him what he’s been missing while he’s been such a grumpy asshole.
Sadie:
Oh, I plan to.
Averie:
That’s my girl. I’m so happy for you!! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Also, if the date sucks, I’ll rescue you.
Without a doubt, I know that Averie would. I’ve never had many people to count on in life, but knowing how much she cares sends warmth rushing to my heart.
“Hey,” his deep voice snaps my attention.
My eyes snap to his, and he smiles softly with the corner of his mouth.
Blush fills my cheeks, caught off guard by his smile and his tall presence approaching me.
“You’re working hard, I see. I’m surprised that phone even works out here,” Kit points to my blue flip phone.
I tuck my phone in my back pocket, gesturing to the cows in the pasture. “I’ve just spent the last six hours getting this giant herd in this pen.”
And doing most of the work, as the boys were too busy messing around. It wasn’t an easy task for a Friday when my body was sore from the past week, but it’s a feeling that I enjoy, so I have no complaints.
“Also, leave my poor phone alone. It was all the rage in the early 2000’s,” I defend.
“I’m well aware,” he laughs. “And good work, by the way,” he nods, waving at Blake and Hudson, currently in the pen doing wellness checks on the herd.
Hudson joined Blake and me today, and he’s still just as quiet as he was at the Thanksgiving party.
After spending the last six hours with him, all I know is that he’s a good rider, easygoing, and handsome if you’re into mysterious blondes.
But he’s nothing compared to the tall, dark, and handsome man standing next to me.
Kit glances at his wristwatch. “We’re going to lose the light around six. Can you be ready by five?”
I half expect him to find a way to back out, but his facial hair is back to its normal short and tidy length, framing his mouth and jaw perfectly, and his eyes are a bright blue. Like maybe he’s excited about going on a date with me, or maybe it’s just the light reflecting off the snow.
“If you still want to go, that is,” he adds, searching my eyes.
“Do you think I’d change my mind?”
“Last chance, Tequila.”
But he isn’t getting rid of me that easily.
I smile, shaking my head. “I’ll see you at five, Cowboy.” I brush past him, hearing him laugh under his breath as I hop into the pen to help Hudson and Blake.
An hour later, I decide on a little black dress, heels, and a sheer black shawl to cover my back. My hair is down in messy waves—about all the time I had after showering, shaving, and applying smoky, sultry makeup.
I grab a small leather purse and head for the door, finding Kit outside with both of our horses saddled and geared up like we were going riding.
The sound of my heels on the deck captures his attention, but he doesn’t meet my eyes.
His gaze goes straight to my smooth legs.
A small smile hides in the corner of his mouth, bringing attention to his chiseled jawline.
If I wasn’t half-pissed and confused about his idea for a date, I’d take his stare as a compliment.
“You might want to change, Tequila.” He tightens the girth on my horse, wearing his usual navy Carhartt, jeans, and ranching gloves, but no ballcap, leaving his brown hair soft and windswept.
“This isn’t what I had in mind.”
I want to whine, to scream… I’ve been in that saddle all day—no, all damn week.
The last thing I want to do is get back in it.
Plus, the effort it took to get into this damn dress, and after a week of being covered in dirt and grime, surrounded by cattle and dirty ranchers, I just want to feel like a girl again.
Does he realise how long it takes for a girl to get “date” ready?
“I can see that,” he smirks, glancing at his watch. “Look, you have five minutes. I recommend putting on something warmer.”
“Can’t we just go dancing?” I whine. It’s Friday night after all, guaranteeing a fun night at Elkhorn Tavern.
“No.” He snorts, shaking his head like that’s a ridiculous idea. “Now, are you coming or not?”
My nostrils flare as I turn on a heel, heading back inside the house. “Something warmer,” I mutter, closing the door behind me with force.
What a way to waste my little black dress.