1109 Cowboy Way

Not anymore.

Not ever again.

My hand moves up to the side of my face as I pretend to listen to what he’s saying. Nodding here and there. Touching the puckered skin reminds me of how I’m not pretty anymore. A man like Grayson Doss dates the beauty queens of the world, not the ones hiding from it.

“What do you think, Hadley?” Rosie asks, and I look over to her and blink. Shit. I had been daydreaming about the cowboy.

“I’m sorry what?” I have to clear my throat. I am blushing.

“What do you think about Grayson?” Rosie asks again, and this time she has a knowing smile on her face.

What do I think about Grayson? I turn to look at him and open my mouth, ready to say thanks but no thanks. But something stops me. I lean against the counter, alleviating a slight pain in my hip, and for a moment I wonder if it’s going to rain. Just the thought has me feeling exhausted beyond belief. There is always extra work when it rains.

I should say no and move on.

But I am so tired, and I know Rosie’s right. I do need help. I can’t keep working the way I am. I’m running on fumes and about to break down completely if I don't figure something out.

I cross my arms at my chest and stand as tall as I can manage as I look at the handsome cowboy.

“It’s a lot of work for just room and board,” I point out and probably shoot myself in my foot. What am I doing? I could feed the guy and not break the bank! Plus, the bunkhouse is clean and empty. Anyone else would probably need that and more. “Are you sure that’s enough?”

“Yes, ma’am. Room and board is plenty for me.” His voice sounds like smooth whiskey. Warm and deep.

“Okay then,” I sigh. I will probably regret this. “When can you start?” I ask, and his eyes smile back at me.

“Immediately.” I was afraid he was going to say that.

“Well isn’t this the bee's knees!” Rosie giggles. “I am so glad you stopped by here, Grayson. Our girl needs help!” I frown at Rosie and her cheeriness. Ignoring her, I give him my attention, trying to keep my scarred side away from his view.

“Do you know where the Hickory Homestead is?” I ask, and he nods with an easy smile. Too easy of a smile. I want to take the words back the moment they slip through my lips. God, what am I doing? I open my mouth, prepared to take the offer back when he cuts me off.

“What else do you need?”

“Excuse me?” he asks, and my mouth goes desert dry. Images of everything he could take care of for me bombard my mind. Tangled up in my sheets and—Oh no! I shake the dirty thoughts away.

“Supplies,” I whisper and grab the list from my pocket and hand it over to him. “I need these.” Our fingers brush lightly against one another, and for a moment I freeze. A tiny zing zips through me, and I pull my hand back like his touch burns.

He clears his throat, ignoring my silly reaction. God, he must think I'm a freak of epic proportions!

“This looks good, Hadley. I’ll take care of this list and be there shortly with everything,” he says, and the idea makes me want to hug him and skedaddle out.

Not having to load and unload the truck with everything sounds like a slice of pie after a two-day fast. But I’m stubborn, and I don’t want this cowboy to think just because he’s handsomer than any man has the right to be, I’m going to be a doormat. No sir, no how. Not after busting my hump all this time.

“You do understand I’m the one giving orders here. Not you?” I sound overbearing, but I need him to understand that just because I’m a woman it doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing.

He shrugs and holds his hands up.

“I meant no disrespect,” he apologizes and keeps talking. “I figured I could take care of this while you went back home and made a list of things you want me to do. But if you wanna help load and unload, I’m more than fine with that. Suit yourself, whatever you wanna do here. You’re the boss.” I lick my lips. The wind slowly comes out of my sails, and I hear someone cough. I glance behind me, and my eyes go wide.

Anxiety hits me hard. A line has formed, and my face goes super hot. I’m usually really good about my surroundings, or so I thought. Obviously not. I can't seem to put my head down as I look at the men behind Grayson looking at me. Some of them are talking to one another, and others are flat-out watching and listening to us.

“I..I…” I stutter and am completely overwhelmed. Everyone is overhearing us, and Grayson is looking at me. I am suddenly too exposed and at a loss of what to do next. I can't seem to get my head together.

“Hadley?” Rosie calls my name, and I turn to look at her. She gives me a smile, and I nod, my head dipping down, my eyes back on the ground as my hair swings at the side of my face. I adjust my hat.

“Fine,” I mumble, my face slightly jerking in his direction before quickly glancing at Rosie. “Thank you Rosie. Grayson…” I don’t even know what to say.

So I don’t say anything.