Page 32 of The Cowboy's Country Charm
“Straw, right? Hay is too dusty.” Rusty growled the words. He’d finally gotten Kristy’s agreement, sort of, that they could see each other, maybe, and here he was in her face again. She was sure to feel set up. Hell, he felt like he’d been set up.
“Whatever she decides. She seemed eager to come out.” His sister pasted on a smile as she moved past him. “Kristy. So glad you could make it. Perfect timing. We just got in from doing some fence work.” She reached out her hand.
“Great.” Kristy shook it. “And Rusty, I see you don’t spend all your time with flowers.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “If Lexi had her way, I’d spend all my time here.” That was the truth.
“And Junie would have you spend all your time there. He’s a popular guy.” Lexi patted his back like he was a little kid. Right then he felt like one. “Well, Rusty can show you the hay and straw we have, and you can see what works for you. We just baled the straw, though it’s still in field. We have some hay in the back area, and we should be cutting again in a few weeks, so we could bale it in a form you can use. In any event, I’m assuming once you’re done with the bales, we can take them back, ’cause we sure have a use for them.”
“Absolutely.”
“Great. I’m going in to see my mom.” Lexi waved a hand toward the house. “When Rusty’s done showing you, come on in and let me know what you’ve decided. Rumor has it Mom’s made a peach cobbler.”
***
Kristy was about to decline—meeting Rusty’s mother was not on her agenda—but Lexi had already moved on toward the house. Here she was with Rusty again. If this continued, he’d think she was stalking him. He was a sight for her tired eyes, looking all cowboy in his hat, boots, jeans, and T-shirt that stretched over his chest. A big buckle accented his trim waist.
She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I hadn’t expected to see you. I mean so soon.”
He had stopped a few feet from her, his eyes traveling from the top of her head to her sneakers. Had she known, she would have taken a little more care this morning. Dressed in a shirt instead of a tee, maybe even put on her cowgirl boots.
And when had she cared about her looks? Not since Dean. And now?
“Me either. You might not believe this, but I didn’t find out you were coming until I saw you standing here.”
Seeing the angst in his eyes, she did believe him.
Was Rusty’s sister playing matchmaker? Kristy wasn’t sure how she should feel about that. Flattered? Annoyed? Scared?
Maybe she should just enjoy the beautiful day accompanied by a handsome companion and all-around nice guy.Ifshe could keep things on the friend level.
She couldn’t fall for his charming ways. Charm didn’t last. She’d learned that lesson. Hadn’t she? Guess she was going to find out.
“Well, lead the way.”
“Hay’s in the old lean-to in the corral. As Lexi said, we’ll be cutting more, so they could bale it differently, and there should be enough to make a maze in the big hall. Straw is out in the fields. I can take you out in the pickup…” He cocked his head. “Or we could ride out there. It’s not far. We’ve two horses already saddled, if you’re inclined.”
She’d always loved to horseback ride. It had been a few years since she’d had time or opportunity for it though.
“Maybe you don’t ride?” he asked.
“Oh, I ride. You can’t grow up in Wyoming and not ride.” She’d never had her own horse, but she’d taken lessons and ridden at a friend’s ranch.
“And?”
“Let’s ride.” It would be wonderful to slide onto a horse again. She glanced in Rusty’s direction as he led the way along the corral fence. His face was taut and his shoulders tense. Not his usual calm, cool, and collected self. She wondered if seeing her had caused that unsettled look on his face.
She could understand. Being close to him again so soon after their little tête-à-tête had caught her off guard too. But any unease was being replaced by curiosity to see him in his element. See what made him tick. Understand better why he’d never wanted to be a rancher.
And for what reason.
Was her curiosity a sign that she was more interested in Rusty than she’d planned to be?
Why did relationships have to be complicated?
Friendship was a wonderful thing. She shouldn’t need anything more. At least not right now.
Two horses were in the corral, already saddled and indulging in some high grasses. She wished she had her cowgirl hat with her, because it would be hot out on the trail. From her vantage point, the mostly flat land was sparsely dotted with trees and only a low hill here and there to break things up. The chestnut horse raised its head as they strode by.
