The Cowboy's Sweetheart Read online

  “Just the two of us?”

  He contemplated her for a moment. “Definitely just the two of us.”

  “Okay.” She went back into the room and grabbed a jacket. And her backpack. “I was going to the bar for lunch, but this sounds way better.”

  They headed toward the pickup, and as he buckled up, Rory could see she was having second thoughts. A look of pure terror passed over her face. “You okay,” he asked. There was no way he would make her do this against her will. He wanted her to feel comfortable about it.

  “Yeah, sure. Just not used to this pickup,” she said, clearly not telling the truth.

  * * *

  The ride to Rory’s ranch was done mostly in silence, which suited Missy perfectly.

  She didn’t want to be answering questions. More importantly, she didn’t want to have to lie. Rory seemed like a nice guy, and he was obviously trying to help her, but she didn’t want him caught up in her… problems.

  What had happened was unfathomable. And totally out of her control. What she’d seen would never be erased from her memory. Her heart would never be repaired.

  She was deep in thought when the engine stopped and Rory announced they’d arrived. Missy looked around. Pure beauty surrounded her. They’d traveled for around half an hour, she guessed, but it was worth it.

  The view was stunning, and it was quiet. So very quiet. She could hear birds singing, and the tinkle of water somewhere in the background. A nearby stream perhaps?

  “What do you think?” Rory had a cheesy grin on his face, waiting for her opinion. He obviously loved this place.

  She rushed toward him and hugged him tight, feeling suddenly emotional. “It’s gorgeous,” she said, only realizing what she was doing when Rory’s arms went up around her. She stood enveloped in his arms for a few minutes before backing away. “Sorry,” she said. “That, er, that shouldn’t have happened.”

  He grinned at her. Apparently, it was as good for him as it was for her. It had been a long time since anyone had held her close. “I, ah…..” She was interrupted when another pickup arrived.

  A cowboy, every bit as tall as Rory, and looking very similar, jumped out. “Kody, my man!” Rory went toward this person, his hand outstretched. The pair hugged, then walked toward Missy.

  “Missy, this is my brother Kody.” She gingerly offered her hand and Kody shook it gently. “He’s a rancher too,” Rory added. “We work together quite a bit.”

  She shuddered. “I, I’m not sure this is such a good idea,” she said quietly. Hopefully he’d take her back into town.

  “It’s okay,” Kody said. “I’m here to pick up some paperwork, then I’ll leave you to it. Sorry to interrupt your cozy little rendezvous.”

  He grinned, and Rory frowned, pulling her aside. He put his arm across her shoulders and pulled her closer. “No one is going to harm you. I promise.” She nodded meekly, while enjoying his nearness, the comfort of being so close to this big, strong, cowboy.

  He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “This is purely accidental. Kody was not meant to be here today.” He gently kissed her forehead and wrapped his arms around her again.

  She enjoyed the warmth of his arms, and being near him. She knew she was being unreasonable, but Missy didn’t want to leave the comfort of his arms. Not ever.

  After Rory and Kody had completed their business and Kody had left, they moved into the kitchen where Rory began to make pumpkin soup.

  He peeled and chopped some pumpkin and potatoes, as well as some leek. He threw them all in a soup maker, and topped it up with water, then added salt and pepper.

  While the soup cooked, he prepared sandwiches.

  The soup sure did smell nice.

  Missy was already enjoying being out here, in the quiet, and the big open spaces. It was like she was back home again.

  She closed her eyes and pictured herself in her little unit, sitting back and chilling out with Josh. She opened her eyes abruptly and shook herself.

  This was not the time, nor was it the place. She was here with Rory, who, she admitted, was becoming very important to her.

  Her feelings for him were growing. Not by choice, but sometimes these things took on a life of their own.

  Rory placed a hot bowl of soup in front of her. She leaned forward and took a deep breath. It smelled heavenly.

  He placed a dinner plate full of sandwiches in the middle of the table. “Help yourself,” he told her.

  “We don’t stand on formality around here.”

  He smiled at her, and his smile lit up the room. It warmed her heart.

  Keeping herself distanced from him was going to be difficult. Keeping her heart intact, even harder.

  Chapter Two

  Rory sat at one of the front tables at the Bar and Grill eating a huge steak and veg.

  He didn’t often come to this place, although that had changed since he’d met Missy a bit over a week earlier. Something about her had him wanting to see her more and more. And if that was what he had to do to see her, so be it.

  He hadn’t been able to concentrate out on the ranch; he was thinking about her all the time. Just the other day he messed up some paperwork because his mind was elsewhere.

  And he wouldn’t even think about the sleepless nights, wishing she was in his bed, beside him, keeping him warm at night.

  Missy performed four nights a week, and Rory found himself at every performance. He knew in his heart why he was there. He was trying to drum up the courage to ask her out.

  Music played in the background, as it always did until the entertainment began for the night. Rory looked around, making sure Jacko wasn’t there. He didn’t want Missy hassled again. Although to be fair, Jacko had been a real gentleman since that night. He’d even cleaned up his act and laid off the booze.

  Perhaps he’d finally realized how much his behavior had deteriorated due to alcohol?

  He finished his meal and took a big mouthful of beer. Rory looked up as the pace of the music changed. The MC introduced Missy, and the show began.

  “And now, our star performer, Missy O’Reilly!”

  The audience applauded. She was probably their most popular performer to date. Rory stood up and began to clap, then sat down again as the show began.

  The room went silent as she sang slow and mournfully, but beautifully.

  The silence was palpable, her voice pure joy, despite the sad words. Rory glanced up to see Missy staring right at him. Was she singing to him?

  His heart began to beat rapidly, he was feeling a little light-headed. Did she have the same feelings for him that he had for her? It was time to find out.

  As Missy continued to sing, she kept her eyes locked on his. He squirmed in his seat, and wanted to be eaten up by the floor. He hoped no one else in the room noticed.

  Missy continued to sing – song after song – and finally took a break. “I’ll be right back y’all,” she said into the microphone, then headed straight for Rory’s table.

  “Do you mind if I sit?” She didn’t wait for an answer, but sat anyway.

  He signaled for the waiter and ordered a drink for Missy. She had a different outfit on tonight. This one had pink tones, instead of the gold she often wore.

  She still had those first three buttons undone, he noticed. His eyes seemed glue to that spot.

  “Rory? I was saying how nice it was of you to come and watch my performance.”

  Rory mentally shook himself. He was not being a gentleman tonight. “Sorry. My mind was elsewhere. Pretty outfit,” he said, not knowing what else to say.

  Her drink arrived, and Missy took a few sips while they sat in silence. The music got louder, and she jumped up suddenly. “That’s my cue to start again. You staying, or going?”

  Her eyes seemed to be pleading with him to stay. “Staying. Definitely staying.” He had to be up early, but he wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to spend some time with her.

  He sat back and enjoyed the rest of the performan
ce. He could watch her all day and night.

  It didn’t seem very long and her performance was over for the night. He never got tired of it.

  He’d already decided to ask her out. His heart beat wildly just contemplating it. He felt like a teenage boy, wanting to ask a girl to the prom.

  As soon as Missy was sitting opposite him again, he couldn’t help himself. “Go out with me Saturday night?” His hands were on the table, but he couldn’t keep them still. He was fidgeting, and leaned in, waiting for her response.

  “Sorry, I can’t.”

  Rory’s shoulders slumped. She didn’t want to go out with him.

  “But I can do lunch,” she added. “I have to perform Saturday night, silly.” She grinned at him, as though she realized how disappointed he was.

  “Saturday lunch it is!” He was more excited than he remembered being when Allie Keenan accepted his prom invitation, and just sat there grinning.

  “Well, I better go change and get home,” Missy told him.

  He had walked her home every night she performed. He didn’t want to risk her being attacked again. And if he was being truthful with himself, he was letting everyone know that she was his girl.

  Which, if he was honest with himself, wasn’t true. They were just friends right now, but he sure wanted to change that. Sooner rather than later, if he had his way.

  Now that they were going on a date, if you could call it that, things were heading in the right direction.

  He stood as she arrived back at his table. No words were needed, they both knew where they were headed.

  When they arrived at her room, Rory checked it out, as he’d done every other night. He was pleased to see the B&B owner had finally fitted a new lock. If he hadn’t, Rory was bringing one tomorrow. He wanted Missy to be safe.

  “All clear.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek, then turned to go.

  “Hey, big fella….”

  As he turned back toward her, Missy grabbed him and pulled him down to her, putting her arms around his neck. She kissed him lightly on the lips. His heart beat rapidly, he was not expecting that.

  Her arms came down and went up around his back. She hugged him tightly. For a moment he was taken aback, but quickly pulled her close.

  They stood like that for what seemed a lifetime. “I guess I better go and let you go to bed,” he said reluctantly. She must be tired. Performing was hard work.

  “Yeah sure,” Missy said. She dropped her arms, and suddenly there was emptiness. He wanted her back there again.

  He turned to walk away, but had a sudden change of heart. He spun around and grabbed her, pulling her close to him. Closer than before, and kissed her.

  His arms went up her back, rubbing gently, as though he needed to soothe her. He brought one hand up to her face, and cupped it, covering her lips with his mouth. His tongue sought hers, and he savored the taste of this beautiful woman standing with him. Enveloped by him.

  He heard her groan, and chuckled.

  She pulled back. “What are you laughing at, Cowboy?” She looked thoroughly annoyed.

  “At you. Groaning.”

  Now she looked peeved and put her hands on her hips. She turned and stormed into her room, slamming the door behind her.

  “Saturday lunch?” he called through the door, worried she would cancel.

  She opened the door a little, and stuck her head out, then kissed him lightly. “Of course,” she said, a smile on her lips, then closed the door again.

  * * *

  Rory smiled.

  Today was date day. He’d been counting down the days since they’d made it a definite date. Rory hadn’t been on a date since…. Well, it had been a long time.

  After he’d broken up with his ex, he’d thrown himself into his work at the ranch, vowing not to get involved again. Especially with someone who didn’t understand how a ranch worked. The fact was, it was sometimes a twenty-four hour a day job.

  Not that he saw it as a job – he loved his work on the ranch. And he’d worked hard to be able to buy it. But he admitted he’d been lucky. When the Elliot’s decided to retire into town, and not having kids of their own, they’d made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

  He’d worked hard for them from his teenage years, and they’d paid him back three-fold. He got the ranch for a song. He even felt guilty about the price he’d paid, but Mr Elliot wouldn’t have any of it.

  Rory looked around. Stared at the stunning landscape that spread out in front of him. Watched as horses galloped across the paddocks, and cows grazed.

  He was indeed a lucky man.

  He looked down as his border collie nuzzled against his leg, and Rory patted his head. “Hey Buddy. I’ve got to go out. I’ve got a date with a pretty lady.” He laughed at himself, explaining to his dog, but he knew it was something all dog owners did.

  Buddy originally belonged to the Elliot’s, but they felt it was unfair to take him off the land and into town, so left him with Rory. It wasn’t like he was being left with a complete stranger, because he’d known Rory since he was a pup. And because they lived so close, Buddy still got to visit the Elliot’s regularly.

  Rory shook himself. He needed to get moving, and get into town to pick Missy up for their date.

  Date. He was such a lucky man. If his brothers hadn’t cajoled him until he gave in, he’d never had met Missy. He took his hat off his head and threw it in the air.

  As he caught it, he realized that teenager had crept in again. Damn!

  He’d decided not to take Missy to the Bar and Grill, since she spent all her working hours there. Instead he was taking her to Aunt Lizzie’s Kitchen; a local hangout that had great food.

  The drive to town seemed to take forever. It had never been a problem before, but his anticipation was the issue. He was sure of it. He couldn’t wait to get there and spend time with Missy.

  He walked toward her room, but she opened the door before he got there. She carried that familiar backpack, and not for the first time, he wondered what she had in there. It was as though she couldn’t let it out of her sight.

  “Howdy.” He tipped his hat as she walked toward him.

  She stretched up on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. “Howdy,” she said, a mischievous grin on her face. Was she anticipating this date as much as he was?

  Today there was no decorated hat. There was no western shirt, and there were no fancy jeans. Instead she wore a black t-shirt and faded jeans, but she did have on her cowboy boots.

  She was pure Missy. No make up, no cover up of the real person. Just unadulterated, very sexy Missy.

  “I thought we’d go to Aunt Lizzie’s Kitchen,” he explained. “It’s on the main street.” He smiled when she slipped her hand into his.

  Missy smiled when the bell tinkled as they entered the café. It was a busy little place, and was full of cowboys.

  “Long time, no see,” said the older woman behind the counter. “I haven’t seen you in town, for I don’t know how long.” She had a twinkle in her eye, and she winked at Rory as though there was some kind of conspiracy.

  “Missy, this is Lizzie. Owner of this wonderful establishment.”

  “Happy to meet you, young lady. Now where do you two love birds want to sit. Somewhere quiet?” She winked again, and Missy watched the frown that suddenly appeared on Rory’s face. “Don’t look so worried, Rory. It’s only a joke!” Lizzie said, winking at Missy.

  Rory took the menus that were handed to him. “Missy is the entertainment at the Bar and Grill,” he explained.

  “Wonderful,” Lizzie exclaimed, rubbing her hands together. “I haven’t seen the show yet, but want to. Just need to get some time off from this place.” She reached for the backpack. “Let me take care of this for you.”

  “No!” Missy grabbed the backpack before Lizzie could get too far with it. “No. It’s okay,” she said, this time more calmly. Rory stared at her. What was going on with that backpack?

  Lizzie relinquished the
backpack, then disappeared. A short time later she returned with a pot of hot coffee, then left them to work out their order.

  “Wanna talk about it?” Rory thought it was time he found out about the backpack. She looked surprised at his question. Surely she expected him to ask about it sometime? But she wouldn’t divulge its secrets.

  “Nope.” Simple as that. She had no intention of telling him anything. It wasn’t as thought it was a matter of life or death, so he let it drop.

  Chapter Three

  He’d been thinking about it for awhile, but hadn’t broached the subject. Tonight was to be the night.

  Missy was up on stage, singing her pretty little heart out. Rory was at his usual front table, sipping on coffee, waiting for her break. He wasn’t sure how she would take to his proposition.

  The music stopped and Missy spoke clearly into the microphone. “I’m taking a short break now. Don’t go away y’all.”

  Rory had a glass of fresh lemonade waiting for her, as had been his habit the past few nights. “I’ve been thinking,” he began, but she interrupted him.

  “Never a good thing.” She smiled. They’d become very comfortable together, but the backpack situation had driven a small wedge between them.

  He put his hand over one of hers, in full view of anyone who cared to look. Something he’d not done before. “I know you love it out there, so why don’t you come and stay with me at the ranch?” There. He’d said it.

  He let out a long breath, and sat back in his chair.

  Her eyes widened. “What? Live together?” She looked shocked. “Uh, uh. Not happening.” She pulled her tiny hand away.

  “Not live together, live together,” he said, somewhat exasperated with himself that he hadn’t explained properly. “I have plenty of spare rooms. I’m in a big ranch house all alone, and I would enjoy the company. And…..” he spread his hands wide. “You can’t stay in that horrible B&B forever.”

  They both sat in silence and stared at each other. Rory wondered what was going on in her mind when the music became louder, signaling the end of her break. She looked at him apologetically, and returned to the stage.