Page 7 of Texas Made
“I know what you mean. I went to grad school in North Carolina. I liked it but I missed Texas.” Sighing, she drank her beer.
“Something on your mind?”
“I suppose. People are always telling me I’m a workaholic and that I need to not let work take over my life. That never worried me because I had to work that hard to make my business succeed. But I was sitting in the cottage just now, working, as usual, and I realized that’s what I do. I work. I rarely do anything else. Damaris is always telling me I need to take some time for myself that doesn’t involve work. I finally realized she was right.”
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“I’m not sure.” She slanted him a look and added, “Got any suggestions?”
Man, that was a loaded question. He could see her lips quirking. He didn’t bite. Yet. “You could ride more. You’ve only been out a couple of times, haven’t you? Seems like you used to enjoy riding.”
“I did. I do. I was afraid it wouldn’t come back to me since it’s been so long since I’ve ridden.”
“How long?”
“Not counting the recent two times, I haven’t been since the last time I was here, right before Damaris and I graduated from college.”
“Did you miss it?”
“Yes, but I didn’t realize that until I rode again.” She drank another sip of beer. “I’ve been so busy with the company I haven’t had time for much else.”
“Nothing like a good ride to clear your head.”
“True. Any other ideas?”
Talk about a perfect opening. “You could go with me to Boots & Bangles.”
Jaclyn narrowed her eyes at him. “Did Damaris put you up to this?”
“No. Why do you ask that?”
“Because your sister is nosy and often very managing.”
He laughed. “That’s a good description.” She was still looking at him like she didn’t believe him. He decided to come clean. Mostly. “Damaris mentioned you didn’t have a date.” She’d done a lot more than simply mention it but why tell Jaclyn? “But I wouldn’t have asked you if I hadn’t wanted to.”
“I’m not sure I believe you, but as it happens, I don’t have a date and Damaris is really gung-ho about me going. So, thanks. I’d like that.”
“Great. Want to take a ride with me tomorrow? I’ve got some things to check out.”
“Morning or afternoon?”
“Whichever works for you. I can adjust.”
“Afternoon, then. I’ll get my work done early.”
Better watch out, cowboy. You’re playing with fire.
*
By the nextafternoon, Jaclyn was more nervous than she’d ever thought she’d be. True, she’d ridden a couple of times with Damaris but she was still getting reacquainted with riding and didn’t want to look stupid in front of Marshall.
Of course, that wasn’t the only reason. He’d asked her to Boots & Bangles. He was taking her riding. Both of which meant he wanted to be with her. At least, why ask her if he wasn’t at least alittleinterested?
Admit it. You’re sure as hell still fascinated.Not just interested. More like enthralled. She wanted to find out if the kiss she remembered from so long ago had really been as great as she’d built it up to be in the intervening years. She’d kissed a lot of men since then. She’d had lovers. Not a lot of them, but a few. But no other man had ever made her feel what she had when she kissed Marshall.
Still, she’d only been nineteen. And a major crush at that age would certainly color your reactions and your perception of those reactions.
Jaclyn put on her favorite jeans, a long-sleeved pink T-shirt, a lightweight quilted white vest, and her most comfortable boots—brown leather with a stacked heel. Not cowboy boots but they’d have to do for now. She’d been meaning to go to the Kelly Boots store, but she hadn’t made it there yet.
