“Well, I don’t have the slightest clue what the hell’s wrong with it, and if you don’t get out there soon, Tractor Supply will be closed.”
Colton nodded. “I’ll get it done. Lord knows I need that damn tractor. I don’t have the time or the money for this shit.” Things weren’t as easy as he had once thought. When his dad was alive, ole’ Cole Stevens used to take care of everything—books, farming, Cattleman meetings—you name it. Now that he was gone, things were a little rough, seeing as he didn’t exactly show him the ropes. Death in your early 50s didn’t exactly prepare the rest of the world for your passing.
“Thanks for the heads up, Ted. See ya tomorrow morning.”
“Yep, I’ll be here. Jenny is having pot-roast tonight.” Ted’s whole demeanor changed when he talked about his wife of three years. Jenny. You’d think she was pulled out from the Angels.
“That sounds real nice,” Colton said, meaning it. He was jealous.
Ted looked at him and gave him a look of pity. “It’ll happen for you soon, boss. Jenny says there’s someone out there for everyone. Look at me. I’m not much to look at and I got her, so you’re definitely safe.” Ted laughed then patted Colton on the back and headed in the direction of his beat-up Ford.
Colton didn’t remark on that. Ted wasn’t the best looking guy, but he was a hell of a worker and a nice man. Colton had been told for years that he was good looking, but it didn’t seem to matter when you didn’t have much time to get out. Since his father’s death, it took everything he had not to lose the ranch. It took the last six years for him to figure out how to do most of the things that needed to be done. At times he cursed his old man for not showing him what to do, but then felt bad immediately after. His old man was well loved by everyone, including his mom who died the year after, leaving Colton an orphan and alone.
Colton took a deep breath and walked toward the tractor in the field beside his house. How the hell was he supposed to know what to do with it? He didn’t even know why he even bothered walking out to the field in the first place. His dad would have known what was wrong with it on first glance. He couldn’t fix a leaky faucet. Things needed to change around this place, and Colton knew it had to start with him. But first, he had a trip to the Tractor Supply to get over with.
***
“Casey, you are doing that all wrong,” Willie Andrews said. “I swear, girl, you repel technology.”
Willie had one of those voices that sounded as if he belonged in Mayberry. Casey shook her head.
“Willie, I’m sorry, I really have no clue what to do with this thing. Can’t you just put me on the floor. I can work the floor, Willie. I’m good with people.”
“Like that time with Ester Smith?”
Of course, Willie had to mention the one time with that old hag. Ester was walking in the store with her dog Mr. Lucky. Mr. Lucky didn’t like people petting him. Go figure.
Casey rolled her eyes. “You know that was an isolated incident, besides, I can’t do this work. You are just going to have to come up and help me each time I ring up an order.”
“Fine, go work the floor. But I swear, one more problem and you’re,” Willie said, gesturing with his hand slitting through his throat, “d—”
“Dead?” Casey asked, gulping. It was the quiet ones you had to worry about.
Willie blushed. “Gees, Casey! No, I meant, done. Finished… Last chance you’re going to get.”
“Okay, Willie,” Casey said, then smiled. “I’ll do a great job, you’ll see.”
Willie shook his head and motioned for her to walk around the floor to help customers. That’s when she saw him. The most beautiful man that God had ever created.
“Hi, can I help you find something?”
The man turned his body and faced hers. He was so breathtakingly beautiful that Casey was stunned speechless…for once.
“Y—yeah,” the man stammered. “I’m…who are you?” he asked, and put his hand out to shake hers.
“Huh?” Casey replied. The conversation reminded her of two children that were too shy to play together.
“Oh, I’m Colton. Do you want to go out some time?”
“Yes.”
Colton smiled. Well that was easy. “Tonight?”
“Yes.”
Colton leaned in toward her closer and closed his eyes. She smelled so good. He was really losing his mind. “I’m Colton.”
“Casey.”
“Casey, do you say anything other than one word answers?”
Casey grinned and placed her hand in his, exciting pulses filled her palm and she shook his hand. “Pleased to meet you?”
Colton chuckled. “Likewise. When do you—”
“I swear, Casey Anne, you don’t have to introduce yourself to people, you just get the orders and – oh, hi, Mr. Stevens, anything I can help you with,” Willie asked. Colton didn’t turn his head or even look at the old man. He just smiled at Casey.
“Casey is helping me just fine.”
“B-but, Mr. Stevens, we know you don’t have the time for…”
“That’s okay, Willie. This gal here knows what she’s doing,” Jake said, still holding Casey’s hand in his grasp. “Besides, she’s better looking than you are.”
Casey giggled and Willie blushed a violent red. “Glad to hear that she is doing her job,” Willie said then walked away.
Colton’s eyebrow quirked up and Casey rolled her eyes, eliciting another laugh from Colton. “I don’t do computers.”
Colton nodded. “Well, Casey-with-no-last-name, when do you get off work?”
“It’s Casey Elliot, and I get off in twenty minutes.”
“Well, how about I come back for you in twenty minutes then?”
“Sure, is there anything I can help you with?” Casey asked, feeling somewhat foolish.
“Oh, there is, but I’ll talk to you later about that.” Colton gave Casey a sexy grin, then walked away, leaving her skin tingling and anticipating their date in 20 minutes.
***
Colton sat in his F250 watching the clock. He had twenty minutes until he saw Casey. This had to be it, he thought. Casey Elliot, gorgeous little blonde, blue-eyed, angel of his dreams. His dad told him a long time ago that the day he met Colton’s mother he just knew. As soon as he saw Casey, that was it. Sure it had only been a few minutes ago, but when Colton Stevens wanted something, he got it.
And he wanted her.
It would be an odd night, especially if she didn’t agree to his… well, agreement. He was tired of doing everything by himself all the time. Tired of watching tv, eating dinner; hell, even reading lost its mystery.
A few seconds later his thoughts died as she walked out of the store pissed.
Colton watched for a moment then got out of his truck. She walked directly into his arms. Tears were clouding her eyes.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
“I just got fired! I swear I don’t know how these things happen!” Casey cried. “I really need the money, too. How the hell am I going to afford school now?”
Colton rubbed her back with one arm and kept her tight in his embrace with the other. “Slow down for a moment, Case,” Colton said softly. It was weird, feeling such a deep connection with someone that quick, but he did. Instantly he was pissed, but happy because now she may consider his agreement. “Why did you get fired?”
“Well, it wasn’t my fault, really… well, it was, but how was I…it doesn’t matter. I don’t want to talk about it.” Casey looked up and blushed. “I can’t believe I just ran to you like that! I am so sorry, you probably think I’m nuts.” Casey backed out of his arms and put her arms around herself. Colton smiled.
“I’m glad you did. And don’t worry about the tears, there’s nothing wrong with that. Ole Willie has been asking for a good punch for a while now, want me to go take care of it?”
Casey’s eyes widened. “You’d do that for me?”
Colton didn’t really want to, but he would. “Of course.”
Casey smiled. “That’s enough for me then, cowboy. I would really love to see him on the floor, but I’ll just have to do with the fantasy of it.” Casey looked up as if in thought then grinned even larger. “I really do hate that man.”
“Aw, hate’s such a strong word, besides; I wouldn’t waste it on him.”
“You’re probably right. So, you wanna get out of here?”
“I do. You mind riding in my truck?”
Casey looked at the large metal beast and laughed. “Not at all, but you’re probably gonna have to give me a boost.”
Colton chuckled. “Alright.” He took her hand and then led her around to the passenger side. Grabbing her in his arms he lifted her up then opened the door and gently placed her in the seat. Casey gasped at the contact.
“I was just teasing!”
“That’s okay, Casey, I didn’t mind at all.”
Casey watched as he shut the door then walked to the other side of his truck. He really was gorgeous, and she didn’t know how she got so lucky.
They drove for a little while, down winding roads and through a wooded area. Normally, Casey would have been terrified. Hell, normally she wouldn’t have been out with anyone, but for some reason she trusted Colton. There was something about a man—a real one—that wore a cowboy hat and boots and Levis that fit him like a second skin. Casey sighed picturing what was underneath the jeans. She felt her skin flush and a little flutter in her chest.
Colton looked over. “You okay?”
“Oh…yeah, no, I’m fine.”
“I’m not going to hurt you, Casey.”
Of course he would think that. “Oh, no I didn’t think that. I’m…No, where are we going anyway?”
“My place. I wanted to show you.”
“Oh, well that’s cool.” Casey looked out the window as Colton slowed down. When he made his last turn she saw an archway that had three ‘s’ in monogrammed style. “Wow! This is neat. I’ve never been on a farm before.”
Colton chuckled. “Well, it’s a little bit… I can’t believe you’ve never been on one since you live out here, and really since you work… sorry,” Colton flinched.
“That’s okay,” Casey said solemnly, “I worked at Tractor Supply because really there weren’t any other jobs around.”
“What are you going to school for?”
“Nursing.”
“Now it’s my turn to be impressed.”
“Thanks, yeah I’m in my last year of school, and now that I’m fired who knows what’s going to happen.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Casey turned in her seat, facing Colton as he pulled into the wraparound driveway in front of his house. “Wow! Colton, this is your place.”
Colton could feel his chest puffing out. “Yeah, it sure is. All mine.”
“Nobody else lives here?”
“Nope. My parents passed away several years ago, and now it’s all mine. I don’t have any brothers or sisters.”
“I am so sorry to hear about your parents.” Casey put her hand on top of his as he turned off the ignition and put the truck in park.
“Me, too. Thanks. What about you? Are your parents still alive?”
“Yeah, they live really far from here though. Ohio.”
“Wow, now that is far. How in the world did a little gal from Ohio end up in Texas of all places?”
“Well,” Casey smiled, “I fell in love… or so I thought.”
Colton grimaced.
Casey laughed. “I dated this boy, Jack Smith, in high school and he wanted to go to Texas A&M. Me, I didn’t care. I didn’t have enough money for a big school, so I’ve been doing community college work. We broke up three years ago. Turned out his… well, he looked for other pastures, if you know what I mean.”
Colton didn’t have a clue. “He cheated?”
“He was gay, and I didn’t know. I guess I should have. He was so neat…always cleaning, very muscular—in that pretty sort of way. Not the kind like you have,” Casey said, then her face flamed.
Colton laughed. “So, I’m …ugly then?”
“Oh God no!” Casey said quickly, a little too loud. “No.” She laughed and then started to talk again. “I meant, well you get yours by hard work. He goes out and lifts weights… or whatever. You get yours by a… Well, you look good, that’s all I meant.”
“Wanna go inside?”
Casey could have kissed him for the reprieve. “Yes, lets.”
Colton opened his door and went around to hers. She had never had a man open a door for her. It seemed like a little thing, but it wasn’t. When he opened the door, she smiled. He took her by the waist and placed her on the ground—slowly. Casey could feel the heat from his hands pressed in around her and almost swooned.
Before she fell over, making a total fool of herself, Colton grabbed her hand and then led her up to the porch and into the house.
If Casey was impressed by the outside, it was nothing like the inside. “Holy crap, this is spectacular.”
Colton laughed. “Thanks, my mom was one hell of a decorator. I haven’t done much with the place since. Well, I added a few things, but they’re in my room.” Now it was Colton’s turn to blush.
Colton led her into the spacious kitchen. Cabinets were everywhere. Her own mother would have killed to have a place like this, and then into the living room. Two long leather couches on beautiful teak flooring. The place was a showpiece.
“This is just gorgeous,” Casey whispered. Colton just smiled.
“Would you like something to drink?” Colton asked, as he led her to one of the couches.
“No, I’m fine,” she said nervously.
“Hungry?”
“No, I’m great.”
Colton nodded once more. “Listen, I want to make you an offer…”
Casey looked up, and for some reason all she could think about was when Richard Gere said the same thing to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. “What kind of offer?”
“Well,” Colton said, then took a deep breath. Now all of a sudden he was a ball of nerves. “I have this place, and I’m…well, I’ve been by myself for a very long time.”
“Yes?”
“There’s something about you, Casey. I knew it as soon as I saw you in the store.”
Casey gasped. Her eyes widened. “What?”
Colton licked his lips and then continued. “Well, this is going to sound nuts, but I’m just going to say it real fast.”
“Tear it off like a Band-Aid, Colton,” Casey prodded.
Colton liked the analogy. “I want a wife. And I want that wife to be you.”
Casey sat looking at Colton like a deer in headlights. She shook her head once then looked at him again. “You want a wife?”
“Yes.”
“You want me to be your wife?”
Colton took a deep breath and then said yes again.
“Why?”
Of all the things that he thought she would say, that wasn’t one of them. “As I said, there’s something about you. Something…special. I knew it from the moment I saw you.”
“Like love at first sight,” Casey said, half joking.
“Yes.”
At the sound of his answer Casey nearly fainted. This man, this gorgeous creature with the beautiful home, was offering her a life…with him. “And if I said yes, what would happen?”
“If you said yes, I would take care of you. You would live here; you would never have to work again if you didn’t want to. I could take care of college for you. You would be here with me, we will have dinners together, watch television, tell each other about our day, all the stuff married couples do—have children.”
“Children?” Casey said. Children with this guy would be awesome.
“You do want children, don’t you?” Colton asked, hoping she would agree to this crazy scenario.
“Yes, I do.”
Colton smiled once more, taking her hands in his. “This is a stable
life. Sure there are times when things get a little tight, and I do have to work a lot, but with you here, it wouldn’t seem much like work, because I would have someone to come home to. You can still be a nurse, and I promise to do everything husbands are supposed to do, more if you want. There is something about you, Casey, and I really think that if you will have me, you won’t be disappointed.”
Casey thought of all the romantic movies that she had watched over the years and not one could stand up to Colton’s proposal. Casey smiled and looked deep into Colton’s eyes. “Yes. I will marry you.”
Just then Colton stood up, pulling Casey into his arms, the look on his face made her heart pound in her chest. And then, he kissed her. One long, breathtakingly sweet, kiss. And she was gone.
Danielle Lee Zwissler was born in Dover, Ohio. A small town in North East Ohio. Her love of romance and cowboys took over in this novella. She is a big fan of William Shatner, Harry Potter, and all things Harlequin. Her first novel, “Her Last Chance”, debuted in 2010 with Firefly & Wisp Books. And then shortly after the sequel, “The Art of Seduction” came out.
Other books by Danielle that will be coming out this year:
The Stairs to Andeligh—a Fantasy, will grace the shelves in December of this year.
Thank you for taking the time to read this book, and don’t forget to review. To learn more about Danielle or her books, please go to her website at: www.danielleleezwissler.com or you can visit her author page on facebook at: www.facebook.com/danielleleezwissler
The Cowboy Takes A Slave (Cowboys & Cowgirls) Page 6
