The Chef Chases his Cowboy Dream (Silverstone Ranch Book 3)

by April Murdock

  It was too soon to tell if Christian was relationship material. She’d never thought about him that way. At one point, Mia had a crush on him. Wouldn’t it be something if she ended up with Christian after all this time?

  Her stomach growled in earnest. Fine, she’d sneak downstairs to get something to eat, then get back to bed. Lily glanced at the clock on her side table. Nearly midnight. Everyone would be asleep now.

  She stood to leave the room and stopped. Her phone vibrated on the table. Who could be messaging her this late? Maybe Mia finally got home and wanted to talk about how the rest of the party went. Or it could be Christian. He’d said he’d give her a call this week.

  Lily approached the phone and picked it up.

  Wesley: Are you still awake?

  The space between her brows wrinkled. Why on earth was Wesley messaging her at this hour? She bit her thumbnail. Maybe he wanted to talk—like they used to. Her heart skipped a beat.

  Lily: Yeah. Couldn’t sleep. Why are you up?

  Three little dots rippled on the screen. The dots disappeared. Lily sat on the edge of her bed. What if he’d messaged her by mistake? She poised her fingers to type another message when the dots appeared again.

  Wesley: Come outside.

  She shot to her feet like a rocket and hurried to the window. Pulling the drapes aside, she looked down at the lawn. Wesley stood in the moonlight, staring up at her window. He gave her a small wave.

  Flashes of memories floated to the surface. Junior year after he’d had a fight with Mia. He showed up under her window and convinced her to sneak out. They stared at one another until he lifted and dropped his shoulders. His phone glowed in his hands as he opened the screen and started typing.

  Wesley: You coming down, or am I coming up?

  Lily laughed, shaking her head. She held up one finger then dropped the drapes. She glanced at her flannel shorts and white tank top. She could change, but he might not be patient enough for that. Besides, Wesley had seen her in her pjs before. It wasn’t anything new.

  She slipped her feet into her flip flops and headed down the stairs. The house was dark. No one stirred. The floorboards creaked under her light steps and her pulse quickened. She really shouldn’t be sneaking out to see him, not with the swirl of emotions going on inside her.

  Soon, the door was the only thing standing between them. Her hand hovered over the doorknob. This was the turning point. If she walked outside to see him, alone, it could be the first step in betraying Mia.

  It wasn’t a betrayal if nothing happened. Slowly, she took in a deep breath and grabbed the knob. She hurried outside, closing the door quietly behind her. When she turned around, Wesley stood in front of her down the few steps of the porch. He gave her a crooked grin.

  “You know, you probably shouldn’t be here.” She tried to make her voice sound stern. But who was she kidding? His smiling face seemed to make all her anxiety float away.

  Wesley’s hands were behind his back as he stepped toward her. “And you should probably be in bed, asleep.”

  She walked to the edge of the porch and leaned her elbow against the post. Lifting a shoulder, she looked up at the sky. “You know what they say, there’s no rest for the wicked.”

  He got up on the bottom step. “What makes you think you’re wicked?” His voice lowered, and chills erupted along her spine. The husky tone was musical. She’d dreamed he’d talk to her like that. Then again, it was probably just because it was midnight and everyone was asleep.

  Lily cocked her head to the side. “Why are you here, Wes?”

  “I couldn’t sleep either.”

  “You could have called.”

  “True.” He chuckled. “But then, I couldn’t have enjoyed these under the stars.” Wesley pulled out a container.

  Lily eyed the plastic Tupperware with curiosity. “You brought me food?”

  Wesley shook his head. “I brought food for me, but I guess I could share.”

  She gasped and shoved his shoulder.

  He chuckled, then jerked his head toward a giant oak tree. “What do you say we go to our favorite spot?”

  It was the little things like this that had made her fall for him in the first place. She was headed for dangerous waters. They wandered over to the tree and she plopped down on the cool grass. The edges of the blades tickled her bare legs. Wesley lowered himself beside her and set the container to his side.

  “So, what did you bring me?” Lily held out her hands.

  “Not so fast, you have to earn them.”

  She lifted her eyebrows. “You’re not serious. You practically dragged me out of the house.”

  “But you didn’t know I brought treats. You were coming out to see me.”

  He had a point. Dang it, he was right. She let out a sigh. “Okay, what do I have to do?”

  Wesley’s face broke into a wide smile. “Wow, I thought it’d be harder than that.”

  “You better hurry and decide, otherwise I might just steal them out from under your nose.”

  He laughed. “I’d like to see you try.”

  Lily got up on her knees. “I seem to remember a certain someone has a ticklish spot.”

  His hands came up between them. “You wouldn’t.”

  “Hand over the goods and I won’t have to.”

  They sat facing each other. She waited for him to make a move—any move, so she wouldn’t have to follow through. It had been an obvious bluff. But he’d practically dared her. Inhibition thrown out the window, Lily lunged at him. He dodged her, and his arms wrapped around her waist as she tumbled to her back.

  Wesley propped himself above her, his arms on either side of her head as he grinned down at her. “You missed.”

  “You have some new moves.”

  His gaze grew serious. “I have a lot of new moves.” His gaze ticked to her lips.

  Lily shifted. His face hovered only a few feet from hers. The silence closed in on them. She licked her lips and broke eye contact.

  He must have noticed her uncertainty because he broke the silence. “I seem to recall another certain someone has a ticklish spot too.”

  A small grin stole across her face and she shook her head. “I grew out of it.”

  “I don’t believe you. What do you say we test my theory?” Without missing a beat, Wesley pushed against the ground and his hands targeted her sides.

  Lily let out a squeal and did her best to squirm away from him. Her eyes grew wide and she covered her mouth to muffle the giggles. Wesley eased back, allowing her to sit up. She held her side and scowled at him. “You’re going to wake everyone up.”

  Chuckling, Wesley scooted back. “Wrong. You’re going to wake them up. You should probably keep it down.”

  She snorted and held out her hand. “Fair’s fair. I’m pretty sure I earned my treat after that experience.”

  Wesley reached behind him and picked up the container. “You’re right. And it was worth every second.”

  Lily grabbed the container, shooting him a questioning look. She’d never understand why he chose to spend time with her. Even as kids, he had so many other options for friends, and yet he constantly sought her out.

  Her fingers pried open the lid and a burst of sweet and sugary smells filled the air around them. It wasn’t too dark to see the cupcakes topped with an elegant twist of frosting. Eyes widening, Lily gave Wesley an incredulous look. “Please tell me you didn’t just make these.”

  Wesley shrugged. “I bake when I’m stressed.”

  She paused midbite. “You’re stressed?” The muffled question pulled a smile from him. Lily covered her mouth and finished chewing. Heat rose up her neck, but it was quickly forgotten as the divine combination of butter, vanilla, and almond hit her taste buds. She moaned. “This is so good.”

  He plucked a piece of grass from the ground and tore it apart. “Thanks.”

  Lily nudged him with her toe. “Why are you stressed?”

  He cleared his throat and glanced away.
“Did I say that?”

  “Wes. Does this have to do with what’s waiting for you back in New Jersey?”

  His eyes slowly met hers. “Yeah. That’s probably it.”

  “You wanna talk about it?” She took another bite, savoring it this time. She’d never had cupcakes that tasted this good.

  “Nah.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Wes, you made gourmet cupcakes in the middle of the night, came to my house, and threw pebbles at my window. Maybe you should let it out.”

  He sighed. “Maybe.”

  “Wes!”

  Laughing, he rubbed a hand down his face. “Okay. I was dating this girl.”

  “Ah. A girl.” She nodded in understanding. “Who needs ‘em?” He was running from a girl. Figures. And now he’d come back to woo Mia.

  Wesley chuckled again. “It wasn’t super serious. We’d been dating for a few months but it didn’t work out.”

  Lily tilted her head to the side. “I’m sorry.”

  He waved his hand through the air. “You realize it’s for the best when you walk in on her kissing your friend in the restaurant freezer.”

  She gasped. “That—witch.” Why anyone would want to chase after someone else was beyond her. Wesley had it all. Heck, if she could have a second shot with him, she’d take it.

  Wesley smiled. “It’s fine. She’s happy. He’s happy.” He shrugged. “And now I can find someone who wants me.”

  “No use wasting your time on someone who doesn’t want you.”

  “Exactly.”

  She smelled the cupcake. Its scent was similar to his. She grinned at him. “What else?”

  “Huh?”

  “Something tells me that’s not the only reason you’re back. You don’t strike me as the type to come running home over a failed short relationship.” The Wesley she knew wasn’t easily beaten down.

  He leaned back on his hands and stared up at the branches above them. A breeze ruffled through the leaves. The buzzing sound of cicadas had been replaced by crickets. He closed his eyes and smiled. “I didn’t realize how much I took this kind of thing for granted.”

  “What thing?” Lily grabbed another cupcake and peeled off the paper.

  Wesley gestured around them. “The quiet. The sweet-smelling air.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “You mean the obnoxious bugs and the smell of manure?”

  He laughed. “I guess you have a point on that one.” He stilled and his features became pensive. Tipping his head to the side, his eyes narrowed. “Can I ask you a question?”

  Lily lifted a shoulder. “Sure.”

  “Why Christian?”

  Her arm froze, the cupcake hovering midair in front of her mouth. “What do you mean?”

  “What do you see in him?”

  “That’s a loaded question. You realize I only went on one date with him, right?”

  “Two.”

  “Huh?”

  “You went on two dates. Tonight was your second date.”

  Lily let out a quiet laugh. “Okay, sure. Two dates.”

  “So why him? Why not me?”

  She closed her eyes briefly. So they were back to that again. “Wes—”

  He held up his hands. “I’m just curious. You guys left the party early and I want to know—how things are going.”

  Lily put down the half-eaten cupcake and dusted the crumbs from her hands. “I don’t have an answer for that.”

  He frowned.

  She let out an exasperated sound. “Geez, Wes. What do you want me to say? I’m smitten or something? Your brother is nice. He’s kind of fun. Am I going to marry him? Probably not. Now, can we please talk about something else?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  For some reason, her answer didn’t comfort him like it probably should have. She didn’t seem too invested in Christian. But then, Lily was a different person now. She could be hiding her feelings for his brother.

  An awkward silence filled the air. Once again he’d put his foot in his mouth. Why did Christian have to be the one who got all the charm and confidence? Wesley lay back, placing his hands behind his head as he stared at the sky. His chance with her was probably too far gone anyway. He might as well raise the white flag and stick with the intentions she thought he had.

  Wesley glanced at her. The temperature of the air had dropped a few degrees. She was probably chilled. “Alright, I’ve got another topic.”

  Her eyes narrowed as a half-smile crossed her face. “You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t believe you.”

  He chuckled and returned his gaze to the sky. “Why did you come out wearing that?”

  Lily pulled at the hem of her shirt as she stared at her outfit and shrugged. “This is what I wore to bed.”

  “You’re not cold?”

  “Maybe a little. But it’s not like I’m sleeping out here.” As if simply admitting it caused a chill to come over her, she rubbed her arms. “Maybe I ought to head inside.”

  No. They were finally getting to have some uninterrupted time. Who knew how this week would go? From the way Christian made it sound, he’d be calling on Lily more often. He frowned as he raised up on his elbows. “Come on, Lily. Where’s your sense of fun? What happened to the girl who used to stay up until two in the morning discussing her dreams?”

  She pulled her legs to her chest and hugged them. “That girl grew up, Wes.”

  “Maybe she needs to come back just for a little while.” His face lit up. “We need to do something fun.”

  Her hand trailed over the tips of the grass. She didn’t look at him, but he could tell she was considering his proposition. “What did you have in mind?”

  So close. He just had to come up with the perfect thing. “Does Marguerite still have a store of Solo cups?”

  Slowly, Lily lifted her gaze to meet his. “Yeah…”

  “How many?”

  She shrugged. “Cases. Vendors usually leave some behind at the rodeos.”

  Wesley sat up. “Let’s go get them.”

  “Why?”

  He got to his feet and held out his hand. “You’ll see. But it’s gonna take some time. I hope you don’t have to get up early tomorrow.”

  Lily slipped her hand into his. Sparks flew up his arm from her touch. Her skin was so soft and warm despite the cool air. He never realized just how perfect her hand fit inside his. She released him and brushed off her shorts. Obviously, she hadn’t been as affected.

  His heart sank a little. Clue after clue that she was perfect for him, and there was nothing he could do about it. She didn’t feel the same way, and he wouldn’t force himself on her. Lily picked up the container of cupcakes and pushed it at him.

  “You put this in your car and I’ll get the cups. How many cases do you want?”

  “Two?”

  A wicked smile lit her face. “Done. I’ll be right back.” She hurried off toward a large storage shed, moonlight lighting her way. Her hair bounced around her face. There was the Lily he knew.

  He popped open the trunk and put the container inside. A few minutes later, she returned, balancing a large box on top of another. The boxes were probably two and a half feet on all sides.

  His brows shot up and he lunged to take one from her. “How many cups are in those boxes?”

  She let out a laugh. “Do you really think I know the answer to that? You said two cases.”

  Wesley put a box in the trunk and turned to her. “Yeah, because I thought it would give us about two hundred cups.”

  Lily lifted the box still in her hands. “You want me to put this one back?”

  He placed a hand on her forearm. “No, I didn’t say that.” An impish grin crossed his face. “I’m sure we can come up with something.” He took the box from her and set it beside the first one. Then he opened the passenger door for her and gestured for her to get in.

  “Where are we going?”

  “My place.”

  She climbed in, looked up at him, and cocked her head to the side.
“Wes, what do you need with two thousand Solo cups?”

  His arm rested on the door as he leaned closer to her. “We’re going to prank my brother.” Before she could argue, he shut the door and ran around to the driver’s side. He started the car and stared straight ahead. Was she up for it? Did she think he was being childish? It didn’t matter. He got to spend time with the most beautiful woman in his life, and she was willing to play along. She was perfect.

  They spent the better part of two hours filling up all the cups to the brim, then placing them around his property. Each cup was about two inches apart and they covered the entire porch, the doorway to the barn, the back patio—everywhere Christian had to be to do his morning chores.

  Every few minutes, Lily’s eyes would meet Wesley’s and she’d giggle. “I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

  “Not me, us.”

  “Oh no, this is all you, Wes. I’m not willing to get on your brother’s bad side for you. I remember how mad he got when you had his truck wrapped in neon pink right before graduation.” She giggled again.

  Wesley put down another cup on the bottom step of the front porch and straightened. He placed his hands on his hips. “Don’t you dare pin this on me. If I go down for this, you’re coming with me.”

  She giggled louder. He shushed her but she didn’t pay him any heed.

  His gaze shot to the dark window a few feet away. Christian wasn’t a deep sleeper. “You’re going to wake him up,” he warned in a whisper.

  Lily continued to laugh. She had to be tired. She used to get fits of giggles when they stayed up too late.

  He had to do something or their cover would be blown. He threw her over his shoulder and hurried away from the house. She bounced on his shoulder, snorts mixing with laughter. He snickered despite himself. They made it to the storage shed he’d hidden beside earlier that evening.

  Lily held her side. “I’m sorry,” she let out between fits of giggles. “But to be fair, you knew I get like this.”