The Cougar and the Cowboy

“Dad, what was the age difference between you and Mom?” Dani asked her father.

“I was six years older than her. Why?”

“Jace seems to think our age difference is a problem.”

“How do you feel about it? Is it a problem for you?”

“No. I know twelve years is a big gap but he’s still young and healthy.”

Dean laughed at that. “Sounds like you’re describing a horse, Dani, not a man you’re falling in love with.”

“I didn’t say I was in love with him, Dad.”

“Yes, you did…in a lot of subtle ways.”

***

“Dani, I’d like your opinions on a few ideas I’ve been tossing around in my head.”

She nodded as she sipped her iced tea. “Sure, go ahead. I’m always willing to give my opinion, Jace although you may not like it sometimes.”

He smiled at her before he leaned over and kissed her quickly. “I know, but whether I like your input or not, I like you…a lot.”

She grinned. “So what’s your idea or did you forget it already?”

“Dani, truthfully, you make me forget everything except how happy I am when we’re together. Now where was I?...Oh yeah, my ideas. I believe Will is an exceptionally talented cook, chef…whatever you want to call him…and he seems to genuinely enjoy the work. We couldn’t remodel The Branding Iron due to city codes and expense but I think there’s an abundance of unused or underused space in the kitchen. Perhaps a little readjusting would make it easier to prepare something other than just bar food.”

“And why do you want to change the menu?”

“Ever since the two weekends Hubie’s band played, we’ve been full to capacity in the evenings. Now that Ken is taking his ‘talent search’ job seriously, people seem to enjoy the entertainment he’s found but I’ve heard them talking about the food, too. I want to make certain our new customers keep returning and bring their friends with them.”

“I think it’s a good idea, Jace. While you’re at it, why not make use of Will’s expertise and use his input on the best way to implement the changes you’re considering?”

He nodded in agreement. “I’ll talk to him today. I’ve also been considering how I can bring my guide business back to life. If you come up with any brilliant thoughts, let me know. Now, my next question is about us.”

She cocked her head to one side and gave him a quizzical look. “What about us?”

“I know going steady is a term from my high school years and will undeniably date me but I don’t know exactly what else to call it. The point is I don’t want to be with anyone but you and I don’t want to think about you spending time with Mitch or anyone else either.”

“I think that’s called being exclusive, Jace.”

“Whatever you call it is okay with me, if you’ll think about it. I don’t want to pressure you or make it sound like a demand, Dani. You’ve made me happier than I’ve been in many years and I don’t want to lose you.”

She placed her hand on top of his. “The only way you’ll lose me is if you tell me to leave.”

***

Camille listened to her messages. The third one was a bit disconcerting. “Camille, it’s Allie. I know it’s early but I need you to come home right away. It’s extremely important.”

She couldn’t imagine what happened that was that important.

She returned Allie’s call and discovered her magazine was being sued by a man whose wife was certain he was being described in one of her columns. She was threatening to divorce him and he was suing Mavis’ Mag for defamation of character and numerous other complaints.

“Can’t our attorneys handle it?”

“They have been but now they’re going to need your deposition or possible court appearance. They will be contacting you but I wanted to give you a ‘heads up.’”

She thanked Allie and told her she would wait for the attorney’s call. Then she called Collier.