Cowboy Baby Daddy

“Do you not think it's a little weird that you just go into her personal space?” I asked when he returned.

“First of all, I own the place. Secondly, I'm watering her plants, dude. It's not like I am going in and going through her drawers. Although...”

“Don't you dare.” I warned him, and he turned back to me with a huge grin on his face.

“I wouldn't, just funny to see you get all protective.”

“I'm not protective. I just wouldn't want you in my space if I really didn't know you very well.”

“I've known her longer than you, and you asked her if she needed help putting sheets on her bed.” He cocked an eyebrow at me.

“I was just being nice.”

“Yeah. I guess that's why she got all flushed and basically ran us out of the house. I get that you like her, but you crossed a line there.”

“I did not. I just wanted to help her.”

“I think we overwhelm her. I don't think it's anything more than that.”

“Whatever. I’m gonna get some work done.” I pointed toward the shop.

“Are we back to regular schedule Monday?” he asked.

“Yeah. The break was nice, but if we are going to keep the top spot then we have to keep it up.”

“Man, it's good to be on top, but it truly depends on who you are underneath,” He said with a wink. “I’m gonna get going. Let me know if you hear from Emmy, okay?”

I nodded and said goodbye, then went to work.

Twenty minutes or so later, I heard a door slam and figured Ryan had left something, but when he didn't appear in the doorway, curiosity got the best of me. I walked out into the late afternoon sunshine and saw Emerson’s truck in the driveway.

I hurried over to her door and stopped when I saw her taking grocery bags and setting them on the porch.

“Where have you been?” I said with a bit more intensity than I had intended.

“Excuse me?” Turning, she narrowed her eyes.

“Sorry. It’s just that you left without a word, and we and Ryan both tried to get in touch with you.” I stood there placing my hands over my eyes, shielding the sun. Her expression was one of annoyance.

“My grandfather was sick, and I had to leave. I didn't know I had to check in with you.” She turned to grab the bags, but I grabbed her shoulder and turned her back to me.

“I was worried,” I admitted softly and gave her a small shy smile.

“Why? I'm a big girl and can take care of myself.” I had heard this song more than once from her. I had to tread lightly here.

“Is it so bad that I was worried about you? You left your door unlocked for pete’s sake.”

“I did?” Confusion spread across her face.

“Ryan went in and watered your plants. We were just concerned for you. You might not like me all that much, but I like you, and I don't want to see you hurt.”

Her lips turned up slightly, but she didn't smile exactly. “I like you too, even when you are loud and obnoxious.” The smile that spread across her face was instantaneous. She liked me, and she admitted it. I may or may not have mirrored the smile she gave me.

“I'm sorry. It's just been a long week.” She lowered her eyes and rolled her hands into each other.

“How is he? Your granddad?” I asked.

“He had a heart attack and is doing a lot better than I thought he should be. I just know that I'm going to have to move back to Portland sooner than I expected to help him.” Reaching for the bags, she started loading them into her arms. I reached for the rest of them, and for the first time she didn't object. I followed her into the house and stopped when she sighed.