Against the Odds A Love Story

Chapter 4

Surprises always come with the start of something new.

Four

It's amazing how one's opinion can change in a short time with just a little bit of effort.

As Hayden pulled his metallic gray Chevy truck back out onto the road exiting Dale Reed's farm, I couldn't help smiling as I contemplated how different I felt during the drive there than I felt now.

Not much had been said between Hayden and me as we drove out to the Reed farm to deliver the hay. He had asked me about myself and I told him a little about my life in Georgia, my modeling career, and some of my interests. When I in turn asked him about himself, his reply had come in two or three sentences, all of them referring to his work on the ranch, and that was it. He had said nothing about himself personally. But I figured what little conversation I managed to get out of him was better than if we were just discussing the weather, though it might have produced a sentence or two more.

When we'd reached our destination, I remained in the truck while he and the older man, who I assumed to be Dale, unloaded the back. There was no introduction.  Neither was there much conversation between the two men, but I did notice Dale occasionally glancing at me. I couldn't help smiling at his obvious curiosity.

After another moment, I took a deep breath and slipped into my bold mode. I got out of the truck, walked back to where they were unloading the hay and introduced myself. I could tell by the look on the man's weathered face that my action had been unexpected. Judging by the look on Hayden's face, I'd caught him by surprise as well. When I put out my hand, the man took off his glove and shook it.

“It's good to meet you, Raine. I'm Dale.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, too,” I said back. I moved out of the way to let them finish unloading the hay.

While they worked, Dale asked me the usual questions. Where was I from? How long would I be here? And how was I enjoying my visit? I found it amusing that I had gotten more conversation from him in just two minutes than I had in the twenty minutes I had spent with Hayden. I mentally chalked it up to Hayden just being a listener. Maybe he wasn't much of a talker.

Once they finished, Dale handed us a couple of Cokes from the cooler on the porch and paid Hayden. We thanked him and got back into the truck.

And now here we were, back on the road again.

The day was very warm and the cloudless sky was bright. As we drove toward the sun, I slipped on a pair of sunglasses and savored the breeze coming through the open windows as it whipped the billowing curls that had escaped my ponytail. Red mountains loomed in every direction and there wasn't a tree in sight. Having moved from a state where you couldn't see the forest for the trees, this was definitely different. The tree covered valleys at home were beautiful, but New Mexico was also beautiful in its own way, and the dry heat was a welcome change from the humidity of Georgia. At least now when I dried off after a shower in the mornings I actually felt dry.

I turned on the seat slightly so I was facing the silent cowboy a little. I took in the faded blue t-shirt he wore, which stretched and hugged his massive, muscular form. I mused that the mold must have been broken after he was created. His physique was absolutely incredible.

“Thanks for bringing me with you.”

He tipped his hat back some. “You're welcome.” He looked at me and smiled slightly. “I think old Dale's gone sweet on ya.”

I chuckled. “Oh, really?”

He nodded. “I ain't never heard him talk so much.”

I snorted. Listen to who's talking.

As if he'd read my thoughts, he said, “Maybe he was just trying to keep up with me in conversation.”

When I comically arched a brow, he grinned and I couldn't help grinning in return. His already handsome face was instantly transformed. His gray eyes sparkled and he suddenly seemed so much more approachable.  True, he had the looks of some giant western god, rugged and strong, but now I actually felt comfortable with him. Caroline was right. He really was good company.

“Hey,” Hayden said, pulling me from my musings. “You wanna see something fun?”

I smiled at his sudden boldness. “Sure. I'd love to.”

He smiled back and turned his truck toward town.