Page 16 of A Cowboy to Call Her Own

“Of course I know that.” Pauline wiggled her ring-bedecked fingers between them. “But culinary school is behind you and if I’ve learned anything since Mama T’s death, it’s that we must keep looking forward, not backward.”

Kelley nodded slightly, locked her grin in place and her focus on her boss then asked casually, “What’s ahead for you then after the diner sells?”

Pauline’s gaze flickered toward the end of the bar and narrowed. “I’m going to find myself a cowboy who knows how to treat a cowgirl right.”

Eric Grahame, the bartender and tavern owner, stepped closer to them and drawled, “Spoiling a cowgirl with things like fancy dinners and flashy sportscars that have no meaning is not treating her right.”

Pauline sniffed and swiveled her stool until her back faced the bar.

Eric chuckled then set a glass of white wine in front of Kelley and said, “This one is on the house. Don’t get too carried away by this cowgirl. She’s always been full of whimsy and unpredictability.”

Pauline muttered, “It is better than being full of passivity and regret.”

Eric laughed and said, “Hmm… Now, that depends on your point of view.”

Kelley thanked Eric and took in the stiff set of Pauline’s shoulders. Too bad she could not recall if there was history between the handsome fifty-something bartender and her boss. There was certainly something between them right now.

Eric moved on to greet new customers and Pauline exhaled slowly. Finally, she looked at Kelley, her bright smile once again on display. “I think that’s enough about me. Let’s discuss you.”

“I think I’m good,” Kelley hedged.

“That’s up for debate,” Pauline insisted and held up one finger. “I approve of your sunrise dance with a cowboy at the Galloping Fork to make your ex jealous. However, it would work exponentially better if you were dancing in New York, not Gold Finch.”

Funny how the locals moved at meandering speed and yet gossip traveled lightning quick around town. Kelley opened her mouth to correct her boss again.

“Although I must tell you that I am rather pleased to see you are making an effort. It’s important to keep looking forward,” Pauline said again. “When do you plan to head to New York to make a case to get your ex back?”

“I’m not. I don’t…” Kelley paused. Her gaze skipped around the bar as if she had suddenly lost track of her direction and no longer knew which way was up.

The front doors opened, and an all-too-familiar cowboy walked inside. His gaze locked on hers and his private smile came easy and slow as if it was all for Kelley. Now, that was some whimsy and foolish thinking. Still, Kelley held Asher Blackwell’s stare as if he was her anchor and her new direction. She held her breath as she watched him head straight for her.

Asher approached, touched the brim of his hat and said, “Evening, ladies.”

“If it isn’t Asher Blackwell. You’re certainly one cowboy I would not have predicted seeing here.” Pauline plumped her teased hair and said, “Welcome home.”

“Thanks.” Asher gave his name to the teenager manning the to-go station then leaned against the bar top and said, “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

He was not an interruption Kelley minded. Not even a little.

Pauline swiveled around on her stool to face Asher fully. “Kelley and I were just discussing her plans for her big return to New York City.”

Asher glanced at Kelley. “That sounds like you intend to make a splash.”

She didn’t even plan to dip her toe back in New York waters. But if Asher was there waiting for her. She might be tempted.No. Not tempted. Not even interested. But her pulse picked up. Same as it had that morning when she’d been in his arms dancing around the diner.

Her hopeless romantic stepped out of hiding and pointed out the dance floor not more than a grapevine and sashay behind them.Ready for take two, cowboy?

Kelley muted her hopeless inner romantic. Yet, she was flustered and fidgety on the bar stool. And convinced her eagle-eyed boss would notice. Suddenly, she blurted, “I was just about to tell Pauline that I can’t go back to New York anytime soon because I’m catering for Blackwell Stables.”

Kelley snapped her mouth shut. That was exactly what rattled and impulsive got her.Lies. Lies. Lies.

Asher arched an eyebrow at Kelley but remained silent. His expression was mildly curious.

Pauline tapped a nail against her mouth. “I heard a rumor about your cook, Vicky Sumner, swapping kitchens and heading over to Connelly’s place.”

Kelley had heard the same story from her regulars during the breakfast service. Between guessing wrong about who Kelley’s mystery dance partner was, her favorite trio of retirees had filled Kelley in on the latest buzz zooming along the grapevine. The Blackwell cook jumping ship to one of Blackwell’s biggest rivals after decades at the Blackwell stable was a highlight.

“Not a rumor.” Asher leaned in closer as if he intended to keep the conversation going.