Stepping closer, his body inches from mine, he asks, “No, little girl?”
I’m trying to pretend to be unaffected, but it isn’t easy. Tapping his broad chest with my hand, I shake my head. “No. You seem like a gentleman. Although I see the wickedness in your eyes, I know you’ll back away if I ask.”
“You’re right. So how about I take you inside for some food and then I’ll drop you off?”
“Sounds good.” With his hand in mine again, he starts to lead the way to the main house when a man comes running in our direction, slowing down as he gets closer, attempting to catch his breath.
“Hey, Jefe. We have a problem with one of the pregnant cows. She’s going into labor and it’s too soon. She doesn’t look so good.”
“Shit. Okay. Have you called the vet?”
“Yes, she’s on her way.”
“How about a raincheck?” I offer.
“Do you want to wait? I need to take you back to your apartment.”
“Can I stay with Knight?”
“Sure. I’ll be back.” He leans in and brushes his lips against my forehead and quickly turns on his heel. I gasp and then give the horse my attention. My heart races out of control, knowing that I wanted more and that I would have let him have his way if he tried.
“You’re a good boy, aren’t you?” I say, petting the horse. He neighs as if in agreement and then gently nudges me with his snout. “Your daddy must sing your praises.”
An hour later, Cowboy is back and looking down. “The vet came and neither of them made it. I don’t know what the hell happened. She was doing so well yesterday morning and then I found out she hadn’t eaten last night.”
“I’m sorry. You don’t think someone did something to her, do you?”
“No. Why would you….”
“I’m just saying…never mind. I really need to get going. Look, if you can’t drop me off maybe one of your hands can take me.”
“No. I’ll do it. I have some things to handle in town as well.”
“Okay.”
We drove to my apartment in silence. He didn’t say a word, but I just made myself look guilty after slinking around. Still, I’m not happy with the way he’s judging me. He can’t really believe that I would do anything to his animals. “I’m really sorry about your cow and her baby. Thanks for the lesson. I won’t forget it.”
****
It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen Cowboy. I’m doing my best to get over what he implied, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes that sticks with me. It’s hard because I miss him more than I thought. Pursuing a relationship with him isn’t an option, but that doesn’t mean I don’t envision a life with Raymond. I just can’t let him be a priority. I have a mission and it’s important.
Still, I follow Sammie around from time to time, keeping my distance. With the shift in the weather, it’s a little easier because she’s stopped riding. The temps have had ups and downs this week, but it’s only October, so we have time before it really gets cold. I have my coats, but my time may be up by then.
I’m already a month into my assignment and have little to nothing to report which actually brings relief to Danny. He’s happy that she’s chill because that means she’s safe.
Either way, I feel like my time’s up here. I only have a month left on the lease so I have to return to my real assignment before things get out of hand while I’m gone.
Chapter Four
Cowboy
She’s been avoiding me for the past two weeks. I knew the forehead kiss was a mistake as soon as I did it, but I couldn’t stop myself and I still don’t regret it. Today though, Sammie’s coming in for her ride, so hopefully my little spy is back in action. If I didn’t have a ranch to run full time I would be on her ass, dragging her to the ranch and making her fall for me.
It’s nearly Sammie’s time and Angel’s nowhere to be found. Now, I’m pissed. She should be here with me, letting me adore her during my downtime. It’s total bullshit, and I’m ready to kill a fucker.
“What’s got you down?” Sammie asks, stepping up to me while I stare out to the main road that leads to the house.
“Nothing,” I mutter, turning to head inside the barn.
She quickly catches up with me. “It’s got nothing to do with the adorable little brunette with streaks that I’ve seen around town from time to time.”
“No.”
“You need to work on that poker face. Anyway, I saw her leaving earlier today.”
“What do you mean ‘leaving’?” I stop in my tracks and stare at Sammie, blood boiling with that news.
“I mean she was heading out on the main road out of town.”