Page 7 of Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire

Betty returned with two mugs and a coffee pot.“Sorry I took so long, but I brewed a new pot for you.”

Chase looked up at her, his lips turned up.“Thank you.That was very kind.”

Her mouth split wide as she grinned, set the mugs on the table and poured them both a cup of coffee.Then she pulled three Irish cream pods from her apron pocket.She turned toward Meri.“Those are all I could find, but I’ll check the other tables and be back, if I find more.Do you want breakfast?”

“Meri?”asked Chase.

She nodded.“Yes, please.I’d like a small stack with a side of bacon.”

Betty turned toward Chase.“And you, handsome?”

Chase looked up at the waitress.“I’ll have the same.”

“Great.I’ll be back soon with your breakfast.”Betty walked to the booth behind them and took their order before returning to the kitchen.

Meri opened each of the little pods and poured the contents into her coffee, then stirred and sipped the creamy richness.“Mmm.That’s good.”

Chase smiled.“I like seeing you enjoy something.This dreamy look comes over your face before you close your eyes and smile.”

Meri laughed.With her elbows on the table, she held her coffee cup.I could say so many things about who I am and what makes me happy, but I’m keeping this professional and only talking safe subjects.“This is only my second cup today, and that’s unusual for me.I tend to drink coffee all day, though I switch to decaf around noon.Otherwise, I don’t sleep well at night.”

He nodded.“I have to tell you, you’re very talented.I understand you studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design.”

“Yes, I went to SCAD.It’s the best school in the country, some say the world, for creative endeavors.But how did you know that?”

He lifted a brow.“Meri, I run full background checks on everyone who works for me or want to work for me.It’s standard operating procedure.”

“Oh, of course.I didn’t even think about that.”

“Based on the painting you showed me this morning, I’d say you were at the top of your class.”

Her face heated until tiny spikes centered in her cheeks.“That’s kind of you to say.”

He placed a hand over hers where it rested on the table.“Nothing kind about the truth.”

She didn’t move her hand.His palm was warm and yet it wasn’t soft.He had a workingman’s hands, though perhaps not as rough.She liked he wasn’t in the office all the time.

Betty returned with their breakfast, setting each order in front of them.Then she set a pitcher of syrup on the table.“That’s real maple syrup, in case you were wondering.The boss says do it right or not at all.”

Chase grinned up at her.“I think I like your boss already.”

Betty winked at him.“Just wait until you taste the food.You’ll be back, I guarantee it.”

Meri felt a tinge of jealousy flare at the waitress’s flirting.That’s crazy.I’m not involved with him.He can flirt with whoever he wants.“So…um…Chase.What do you do when you’re not working?”After buttering her pancakes and pouring on the syrup, she took a bite and moaned.“Oh, my gosh.Forgive me for interrupting, but these are heaven.”

Chase took a bite of his and nodded before swallowing and taking another bite.“I’m sorry, but you’re right.I haven’t had pancakes this good in ages, perfectly light and fluffy, soaks up just enough syrup.And where else would you find real maple syrup being served?”

Meri leaned forward and whispered.“No where.I want to keep this place a secret and at the same time shout their virtues to the sky so everyone will come and they’ll stay in business.Now, back to my question.What do you do in your downtime?”

“I own that little ranch in Montana.I raise some cows and some horses.I go there whenever I can to relax.Do you still ride?”His tongue slipped out and wet his lips.“Horses, I mean.Do you ride horses?”

Betty returned with a coffeepot and warmed their coffee.“I’ll just leave this for when you’re ready.I’ll also be your cashier.”She set their ticket on the table and then turned and headed to another table.

Meri turned her attention back to Chase.“I haven’t ridden in years.But like I said, I loved it when I was a kid.I haven’t had access to a horse in a long time.”

“I know we don’t know each other very well, but I’d like to change that.Would you have dinner with me?Tonight?”

Meri’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.She tried again.“I…I don’t know what to say.”She lost her appetite, her stomach doing too many flips to eat.