As he walks around the vehicle, I stare at the dark sky and brightly lit stars. It’s a warm night, but there is a slight wind blowing, creating the perfect spring night. He gets behind the wheel and starts the truck. “I figured we could have some dinner at the steak house here in town, and then maybe have a few drinks?”
I nod. “That sounds good to me. I haven’t been out in forever, so anything sounds good to me.” I laugh.
He looks at me from the corner of his dark eyes. “Really? You?”
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
“It’s just that you’re beautiful. I find it hard to believe that some guy hasn’t scooped you up yet,” he admits, keeping his eyes on the road.
Another laugh escapes my lips. “No, I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”
“What do you do then?” he asks, glancing at me for only a moment. “Other than work,” he adds on.
“Well, every Saturday I volunteer at the local animal shelter. I do check-ups on the animals. Help with bathing them, walking them, whatever they need really.” I think about how I spend the rest of my time. “I usually spend Sundays with my family or help my dad at the shop. Through the week…I work.” I shrug. “I’m usually too tired after work to do anything other than eat and veg out in front of the tv.”
He pulls up to the restaurant and shuts off the truck. “Ready?”
I nod. “Let’s do it.”
After we’re seated, there is an awkward silence as we both try to think of something to say.
“Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself, Tyler.”
He smiles wide and lifts his water glass to his lips, taking a sip. “What do you want to know?”
“I already told you what I do. How do you spend your time?” I push a section of my smooth hair behind my ear and lean in.
“Well,” he places his hands on the table, folding them together as he thinks over my question. “I work the ranch for Liam O’Connor. That keeps my hands pretty full. He’s almost never there.”
“Why isn’t he? What does he do?”
“He’s the CEO of O'Connor Oil Company. He inherited the ranch from his grandpa on his Mom’s side and got the company after his Dad passed away last year. I guess it keeps him pretty busy because he’s non-existent around these parts.”
“You must feel pretty passionate about animals to put so much of your time into someone else’s ranch.”
He nods. “I do. I love my job. I hope to own my own ranch someday.” His dark eyes meet mine. “What are you passionate about?”
I don’t even have to think about it. “My animal hospital. I just opened a few months back, but I hope to, one day, bring in more employees, maybe expand across the state. But for now, I’m just trying to keep the lights on and animals coming through the door. It’s just me and my friend, Amy. She’s a lifesaver. She’s my assistant, but she handles the phones and appointments.”
“It sounds like you’re going to stay pretty busy in the future.”
“Hopefully,” I agree. “Which is why I’m not looking to start a relationship right now. New relationships need time to grow. Whoever I end up with, I want to give them my time, and I don’t have any to give right now.”
He nods. “I completely understand, Ves. If you’re not looking for a relationship, I won’t ask for one.” He offers a kind smile that makes his dark eyes burn. “What do you say we enjoy our dinner, then us friends can go grab a few drinks, maybe dance a little?”
I feel my smile widen. “I’d like that.”
6
After a wonderful dinner, Tyler takes me over to Regan’s to kick back and have a few drinks. Just like any other night, the place is in full swing. The bar is lined up with patrons asking for drink after drink. The dance floor is crowded with swaying bodies that move along with the beat of the country music, and nearly every table is full of groups of friends out having a good time.
It’s been years since I’ve even stepped my foot in this place. I notice that the brick walls, once painted black, are now a light gray color, making the small bar feel bigger and more inviting. There is a new wooden dance floor in front of the stage that has a live band playing, and there are a couple of pool tables and dart boards up front.
Tyler reaches out and takes my hand, pulling me to the only available table on the floor. I take my seat as he looks down at me. “What’s your poison?”
“Just a beer, please.”
He nods before heading off toward the bar.
I sit back and watch people having a good time. The music turns to a softer, slower song, and the dance floor almost empties, leaving nothing but couples that are holding one another tightly. Watching them feels like I’m invading their privacy, so I direct my eyes to the pool table where two guys are playing.
“Fancy seeing you here,” Amy says, walking up to my table with a drink in her hand.
I turn my head in her direction and roll my eyes. “Imagine that, huh?” I stand and pull her in for a hug.
“Which one is your date?” she whispers in my ear.
I release her and turn to point him out as he walks back up, holding two beers. “Tyler, this is my best friend, Amy. Amy, this is Tyler…my new friend.” My eyes grow wide with that last part, hoping everyone here knows we’re not together-together.
She offers him her biggest, brightest smile and holds out her hand. He quickly hands me a beer and lifts her hand to his lips, to press a kiss on top.
“It’s nice to meet you, Amy. I’ve heard many good things about you already tonight.”
She blushes as she turns to me. “Really?”
I laugh. “Not at all. I told him all the bad stories.”
She fakes innocence and swats at my hand. “There are none of those.” She turns back to him. “Don’t listen to anything this one has to say.” She points at me.
“Well, I guess I’ll let you two get back to it. Have fun.” She gives us both her best smile as she walks away, leaving us alone.
“So, that’s the infamous Amy, huh?” he asks, looking back at her.
I smile and nod. “Yep. In all her glory.” I pick up my beer bottle and tip it back, letting the cold liquid spill into my mouth and down my throat, where it settles in my stomach, cooling me.
Tyler and I sit, having several beers while talking. I learn that he grew up in Illinois but moved to Colorado when he was sixteen when his parents split. He moved with his Dad and helped him at his job at the ranch. Tyler fell in love with the work and the animals and hasn’t wanted to do anything else since.
I told him about always wanting to be a veterinarian, about how I nursed a bird with a broken wing back to health when I was six, and how when I went to adopt Ace, I wanted to take the whole litter home. He wasn’t surprised.
After several rounds of beer, he holds out his hand and bats his staggering brown eyes at me.
“What?” I ask, looking at him, nervousness rolling off of me in strong waves.
“Dance with me,” he requests, standing up with his hand still outstretched.
I take one more long gulp and place my hand in his. He pulls me to the center of the dance floor and tugs me against his chest. Embarrassment washes over me. His hands are on my hips, holding me close, and his hot breath blows against my cheek. His heat sinks into me, and I can’t help but relax when his comforting scent drifts to my nose.
I look up and meet his gaze—his eyes seem even darker as they stay locked on mine, unmoving. His jaw flexes, and his Adam’s apple bobs in his throat. “Are you sure about not wanting to get into a relationship?” He offers up a sexy grin that I’m sure most girls can’t deny.
My smile cracks, unable to hold it back as I nod. “I’m sure. But if that changes, you’ll be the first to know.”
He lets out a long breath. “Fair enough.” He steps back and spins me in a circle before pulling me back against his strong chest. The quick motion makes my head spin, and a laugh slips out.
“I don’t know
how I’m supposed to resist you, but I’ll try my best.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m sure you’ll manage.”
When the song ends, a faster upbeat song blasts through the speakers. But instead of walking off the dance floor, he pulls me back against him as he moves to the music. I’m not much of a dancer, but he makes it fun. He smiles and laughs and does the stupidest dance moves. He doesn’t care if people are watching or laughing. He is just having fun doing his own thing. I could learn a thing or two from him.
I push all my insecurities away and dance just as silly as he is. I raise my arms above my head and spin in circles. My hips move of their own accord, and my cheeks start to hurt from smiling so much. By the time we leave the dance floor, my stomach is sore from laughing so hard.
I take my seat and finish off my beer. “That was so much fun,” I breathe out, practically breathless from laughing and dancing.
He finishes off his drink and sets the empty bottle down on the table between us. “You’ve got some moves there,” he jokes.
I snort in laughter. “Yeah, okay,” I say, sarcasm dripping from my words. I stand and grab our empty bottles to get us another round, but he stands and takes them from my hands. “I’ll get it. I’m taking you out, not the other way around, remember?”
I hand him the bottles and hold up my hands in front of me, palms facing him—showing him that I’m throwing in the towel. He shoots me a grin and walks away while I fall back down into my chair.
It’s only a few seconds before Amy runs over and sits in Tyler’s seat. “Oh, my God!”
“What?” I ask, clueless.
“The heat between you two nearly set the building on fire. What do you mean, what?”
I laugh. “You’re so off base. We’re friends. Only friends. He knows that I’m not looking for a relationship and he’s okay with that.”
“He may have agreed, but he’s not okay with that.” She shakes her head and leans in. “He’s hoping a friendship will break down those walls of yours, and eventually, you’ll give him a real shot.”
“No, he’s not.” I look over my shoulder and see him walking back over with two more beers. “Go away! He’s coming back,” I shoo her with my hands.
“Fine, but you better call me later!” She points her index finger at me as she stands from his seat and walks back across the bar to her spying spot.
Tyler and I have just finished our beer when I realize it’s going on midnight. “I really should get home,” I tell him, placing my empty bottle on the table and pushing it away.
He looks at his watch, and his eyes grow wide. “Wow. I had no idea it was so late. I have an early morning with the horses.” He stands and holds out his arm, and I slide mine through.
He leads me out to his truck and once again opens the passenger side door for me.
“Such a gentleman,” I say as I step past him and slide into the seat.
He bows his head and shoots me a wink and a grin. “Just remember that, for when you are ready for a relationship.” He shuts the door, rushing around the truck to take his seat.
When we pull back up to my apartment building, he insists on walking me inside. The entire walk to my door, my nerves are growing inside of my stomach, I feel like I could puke. He seems to understand that I’m not looking for a boyfriend, but will he expect a kiss at the door?
I stop and take out my keys, unlocking the door before turning around to face him.
“Thank you for tonight. I really did have a lot of fun.”
He slides his hands into his pockets, his dark eyes downcast. “You’re welcome. I really enjoyed the time we spent together too.”
“So…I guess I will see you at the ranch on Monday?”
He nods as he takes a step back. “See you Monday.”
I stand at the door and watch him turn around and leave, not asking to come inside or trying for a kiss. He really is a good guy. It makes me wish that I did want a relationship because he would be the perfect guy for it.
7
I walk inside to find Ace dead asleep in the kitchen sink. I laugh and shake my head. “You silly cat,” I say as I walk through the kitchen and down the hall to my bedroom. I tug off my dress and put my comfy sweats back on, more than happy to lose the heels. It takes me another fifteen minutes just to get all the crap off my face, but finally, I’m ready for bed.
The alcohol and all the excitement of the night have sucked the energy right out of me. It only takes me minutes to fall into a deep sleep.
I wake up to my phone ringing. I groan as I stretch and open my eyes to the blinding morning light that’s streaming in through my windows.
“Ow,” I cry out, closing my eyes and feeling for my phone on the bedside table. I feel it beneath my palm, so I quickly grab it and answer it, to stop the high-pitched ring that is makings my head throb.
“Good morning, beautiful!” Amy says on the other side of the line.
“Grrr,” I growl.
“What’s the matter, sunshine? Drank a little too much with that sexy cowboy?” She’s using her overly cheerful voice just to piss me off.
“No, I’m just tired,” I lie.
“Excuse me, but Ms. Vesper Lawrence never sleeps past seven a.m., and my calculations say that it’s going on ten!”
“Ten?” I ask, forcing one eye to open enough to see the clock next to my bed. “Wow. Maybe I did drink a little too much. I don’t know how you do this. I’d be sick and tired all the time.”
“Meh, practice,” she replies. “So, are we going down to your Dad’s shop to help out with the anniversary sale?”
I groan and kick my feet. “I don’t want to. I feel like vomit.”
“Then get up and get it out.” She laughs.
“No, I don’t have to vomit. I feel like vomit that’s on the toe of some drunk girl’s shoe,” I explain.
“Gross. A little too much information there, Ves. Get up, shower, eat something greasy, and I’ll be over in an hour to pick you up. Got it?”
“No,” I flatly state.
“Too bad,” she laughs, hanging up the phone.
Damn it. Note to self: never drink again.
About an hour later, I’m dressed in my John Deere t-shirt and standing over the stove, trying not to gag as I fry an egg. Why does it have to be greasy? Will this really make me feel better or is Amy just trying to mess with me?
I hear the door open behind me and I turn around to see Amy. She places her purse on the table, then pulls out a bottle of Tylenol and a red sports drink. “The magic cure to a hangover.” She holds them both out.
I take both items, opening the bottle of Tylenol and washing a few back with a swig of the sports drink. I flip my egg out of the pan and onto a plate, then take my seat at the table across from her.
“How’d the rest of the date go? You never called me, you know?”
I shrug as I poke at my egg. “It went well. Tyler is sweet and fun. And there was nothing to call you about. You pretty much watched the whole date like you watch a reality tv show. He brought me home and walked me to my door. Then, he left.”
Her mouth is hanging open. “You mean, you didn’t invite him in or give him a goodnight kiss or anything?”
“Nope.” I press my lips tightly together. I know Amy doesn’t mean any harm, but it’s slightly annoying that she’s butting in as much as she is, especially today.
I manage to choke down my egg and we hop in her car to head down to the shop. Dad is making the rounds, greeting all the guests and trying to sell tractors, while Mom is manning the refreshment table.
“Vesper, how was the date?” she asks, holding out her arms and pulling me in for a hug.
“It was fun,” I say, pulling away and picking up a homemade cupcake from the table.
“She had a blast, Mrs. Lawrence. Look at these pictures,” Amy says, pulling her phone from her back pocket.
I spin around quickly. “You took pictures like some kind of creepy paparazzi?”
S
he looks at me with her eyes wide. “I’m your biggest fan, Ves,” she says in a monotone, stalker voice.
I laugh and smack her arm. “Shut up, weirdo.”
“Oh, look how beautiful you looked, Vesper,” Mom coos as she flips through the pictures Amy took on her phone.
“Yeah, yeah. I hope you’re happy. That dress and those heels had me in pain by the end of the night.” I take a big bite on the cupcake in my hand.
Mom rolls her eyes and scoffs. “You’re lucky you weren’t born back in my day. Dresses every day for school.”
“Hi, kitten,” Dad says, walking up and pulling me against his side, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
“Hi, Daddy. Sold any tractors today?”
He grins wide. “I just sold one. We’re heading back now to start the paperwork.”
“Congrats!” I say, smiling up at him.
“I’ll talk to you ladies later.” He steps away with a man following close behind.
“Oh, Amy, would you mind helping me carry the drinks inside? I left them in the car until your father,” she looks at me, “had time to get them, but it seems he has forgotten.”
“Sure, Mrs. L. Lead the way.”
They both walk off, leaving me to stand alone, looking like a weirdo as I chow down on my cupcake.
I shove the last bit into my mouth, licking the green icing from my fingers, when I hear someone say my name.
“Hey, Ves.”
I turn around to see one of my dad’s employees standing in front of me.
“Oh, hey, Jason,” I mumble around my mouth full.
He lets out a soft laugh. “How’ve you been? I haven’t seen you around in a while.” He runs his hand through his dark hair, causing it to stand in all directions.
I swallow down the cupcake, my throat so dry that I feel like it’s still lodged in my throat. “I’ve been around. Usually on Sundays. It’s all I have time for, you know?” I cross my arms and shrug.
“Ah, that’s it. I’m never here on Sundays.” He looks around quickly before his green eyes land on mine. “Except today that is. Your Dad needed help with the anniversary party. I can’t believe it’s been twenty years.”
Claimed By Him: (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 4
