I shrug, not wanting to dis the company. They’ve changed owners, and the service and product quality has gone way down, but I don’t want to get into all that. “If you have a credit app you need me to fill out, I can do that. I’ll have a foreman and myself that places orders.”
Rusty waves me off. “Austin, I knew everything I needed to know about you when I got off the phone with you the other day. I don’t need a credit app to tell me anything. I’ve already learned you’re honest to a fault, a hard worker and take pride in your ranch. I can’t ask for more than that in a client.”
I sit back in my seat. I was nervous about moving my accounts to Whiskey Run, but already I know it’s the right decision. Rusty Ogle is my kind of people. “Great. I appreciate that. If it’s okay, I would like to see a price list. We have some special orders we make, and I can get you that information.”
Rusty nods his head. “Sure, sure. My daughter, Millie, takes care of all the ordering. She’ll be able to help you.”
At the mention of his daughter, it hits me then what I need to do. I just met her, but already it’s important to me that I take the right step. “Actually, that’s something I would like to talk to you about.”
He squints in confusion.
“I mean, your daughter, sir.”
“Do you know my daughter?”
I nod and shrug at the same time. “Well, I actually just met her. I brought her a piece of cake.”
He sits back in his seat. “You brought her a piece of cake?”
At this point, I know I have to just put it all out there. “Yes, sir. Uh, I actually saw her at the diner. She turned down cake and she really seemed like she wanted it, so I bought a piece and brought it to her. I, uh, asked her out, sir, and she told me no.”
His face has no expression. I don’t know what I’m going to do if he decides not to do business with me, but I’m not even really concerned about that. I’m more concerned about the fact that he may just kick me out of here and tell Millie that I’m some kind of stalker and to stay away from me.
He finally leans forward. “Did she happen to tell you why she wouldn’t go out with you?”
I move to the edge of my seat. “Yeah, she doesn’t want to go out with someone that is doing business with her father or the co-op.”
He throws his hands in the air. “So you gave up... chose the business instead of going out with my daughter.”
I laugh then, because that can’t be further than the truth. “Actually, I told her I would take my business elsewhere then.”
I wait for him to be offended, but he’s not. His eyes spark at me, and I can’t help but feel like I passed some kind of test. “Actually, she seemed worried about me being late for this meeting... that you needed to get home. But no, sir, I’m not giving up on your daughter. I would like to take her out.”
He doesn’t even hesitate. “Why? Why do you want to take out my daughter?”
My thoughts instantly go to her curvy body, how she’s sexy but doesn’t seem to realize it, and the excitement I saw her in her eyes when I first asked her out. But none of that I can say to her dad of all people. “She doesn’t seem to smile a lot. But when she does, it about takes my breath away. I want to see if I can make her smile more.”
He’s quiet, as if he’s weighing my words before suddenly he bangs his hands on his desk and stands up. “Right answer. Now let’s go get you a date.”
“Uh, sir—” I try to stop him. The thought of him playing matchmaker fills my head, and I know nothing good will come from that.
“Rusty. Call me Rusty.”
I follow behind him. “Rusty, I don’t think it’s going to go well if you force her to go out with me.”
“I’m not going to force her. She’ll have the final say-so. But Austin, let me tell you this. I don’t care how much business you give me. If you hurt my daughter, nothing will save you.”
It’s as if I can actually feel my heart palpitate at the thought of hurting Millie. “I won’t hurt her, sir. You have my word.”
He holds his hand out, and I know when I put my hand in his, it’s not just a handshake. It’s a commitment I’m making. And instead of being unsure or overwhelmed, I welcome it.
I shake his hand, and he turns again. “Follow me.”