Single Dad Cowboy. Brenda Minton

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      Chapter Three

      After a meal spent sitting next to Dylan as he cajoled the two children into eating vegetables, and even forced her to finish her fries, Harmony walked out the door of the Mad Cow. She knew that their departure would set off a firestorm of talk. She convinced herself she didn’t care. It had been a good hour of being entertained and not thinking. It was exactly what she’d needed, in ways Dylan Cooper wouldn’t have known.

      The sun had set and the evening air was cooler with a breeze kicking up from the north. It didn’t matter what people were saying. For tonight, Harmony had enjoyed herself.

      Dylan held on to the two children, Callie and Cash. She watched him wrangle them, holding their hands and keeping calm as he led them across the parking lot.

      “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” he asked as he opened the truck door and hefted Cash with one arm.

      “Compared to what, a tetanus shot?” she teased.

      She unlocked her door and waited as he put the children in their car seats. As much as she wanted to sit down, she didn’t. Instead she backed against her car and watched him lean inside the truck. His husky voice carried as he talked to the kids about bedtime and baths. He sounded for all the world like a man who had been a dad for a long time. As much as he smiled and joked, though, she’d noticed the weariness evident in his face, in eyes that looked as if they’d seen too much of life.

      He finished with the kids, then mirrored her, backing against his truck as if they had all night.

      He pushed his hat back and she could see his too-handsome face. Traitorous memories returned, of the one kiss they’d shared. Even though it had ended with him teasing her, it had still been a kiss a girl couldn’t forget.

      “So, what do you think?”

      She opened her car door and sat down. If he was going to take forever, she needed a seat. “About?”

      Of course she knew he meant his idea. And she had yet to tell him she’d already put his plan into action, letting Wyatt and Rachel Johnson think that Dylan’s help was the only help she’d need.

      He moved away from the truck and squatted next to her as she sat in her car, hitching up his jeans as he bent long legs. “Tonight worked out well. You didn’t have to eat alone, dodging people asking how you’re doing. I escaped more discussions on prospective wives. I saw Wyatt and Rachel Johnson’s truck heading up to your place a while ago. I guess that isn’t their first visit?”

      “No, it isn’t.”

      “I heard my mom say she’s coming by tomorrow to check on you.”

      “I love your mom.”

      “But you don’t need a daily check-in.”

      She smiled at that. “No, I don’t.”

      He stood and leaned on the side of her car, bending down to look in at her. The distraction of his Old West looks, mountain-man cologne and cinnamon gum kept her from hearing what he said. She had to focus.

      “You did agree to sit with me tonight.”

      She smiled up at him. “I might have already told Wyatt Johnson that we’re helping each other out.”

      “Perfect. So that’s it, we’re an item now.”

      His easy statement shocked her.

      “No!” The word rushed out. “I’m not interested in being half of a couple.”

      “Don’t worry, I’m not going to buy you a ring. But I will be here if you need me. I’ll help you out with that horse. I’ll mow your lawn. Whatever it is people are lining up to do for you, I’m your huckleberry. And if you want to fix me a roast for dinner, that’s even better.”

      “You think I cook now?”

      “Probably not.”

      That hurt. “Well, I do.”

      He winked. “Don’t get all upset, Princess, I’m teasing. I have to go, but you think about what I’ve said. I’ll be over tomorrow.”

      He leaned into the car and kissed her cheek, surprising her. “Dylan, don’t.”

      “Just a good-night kiss from a friend. Call if you need anything.”

      “I’ll add your number to the dozens I already have,” she called out to his retreating back.

      “That’s exactly what I’m trying to save you from,” he tossed back as he climbed in his truck.

      Harmony СКАЧАТЬ