Leather and Lace

Indy's POV

I wake with a start from hearing the slam of a car door. I jump out of bed and put my black rain boots on and grab my shotgun. Catching a glance at the clock on the stove I see that it is 6:45 in the morning. Who in the world is here at this hour? Slowing approaching the door I peek through the curtains. Looking around and with little light from the sun coming up I see a man. He is carrying what looks to be a gas can. Panicking thinking, he is trying to burn my house down, I burst through the door. I plant my feet firmly, cock and raise the gun towards him hoping I wouldnt have to use it.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

He turns towards me, and I nearly gasp. This man is the embodiment of what you imagine a country man to be. Tall, dark hair, crooked grin, a tight fitted shirt, and the perfect pair of jeans. Coming out of my gaze, I realize he is staring at me. Feeling embarrassed, I lower the gun and ask, "What?"

He smirks and says, "Do you always greet your farmhands half naked with a shotgun?"

Now I understand the gas can. He's here to work on the farm. I'm glad Im going to have help on the farm. I just wish my parents had told me he was coming today. Or how attractive he was. Looking down at what I was wearing, I look back at him and retort, "I am not half naked. But I do apologize for the gun. I didn't know you would be coming by today."

"I don't mind just the shirt," he says as he scans my body. He wets his lips as he meets my eyes and continues, "Next time forget the gun. Instead, you could offer some coffee or a kiss if you'd like." He smiles.

I roll my eyes, "I'll go put a pot of coffee on now." Turning back to go inside I hear him say, "Maybe a kiss later then?" I just wave my hand back as a reply and hear him laugh. His laugh brings me a sense of warmth oddly enough. I could tell it was a genuine laugh. Not like a menacing laugh my ex had every time I did the same thing to him. When he laughed, I knew there was a hit that would accompany it. This mystery mans laugh was like a friend bantering with another friend.

Putting the coffee on, I decide to get for the day. Since I showered last night, it shouldn't take that long. Rummaging through my unpacked boxes, I found everything I need and head to the bathroom. Looing in the mirror I see the state my hair is in. debating if I can get away with people thinking I did this on purpose or not. Concluding that I should curl it, I plug up my curling iron. While that heats up, I brush my teeth and wash my face. I look at myself in the mirror. I don't even recognize myself anymore. My red hair looks more vibrant, the dark circles under my eyes are going away, my green eyes seem brighter and I'm gaining weight back. I'm starting to look like my old self again. I begin curling my hair and smile knowing that I'm slowly healing from him. Putting on light makeup, perfume, and deodorant, I go to my room to get dressed. Slipping on a green sundress and a pair of short heeled black booties. I grab my purse and keys and head to make this mysterious man coffee. I dont know how he likes it, so I'll just make how I like it. A lot of cream and sugar. Heading out the front door and rounding the house toward the back I see he is in earshot. He just headed out of the barn and towards the mower. I flag him down. He turns the mower off and faces me.

"Will you be here for dinner?"

He smiles, "Why, miss. Are you asking me on a date?" he says putting his hand over his heart. I chuckle and shake my head. "No. I thought buying or making you dinner is the least I can do to thank you for helping me out."

His eyes light up with appreciation or relief. "Well. Then in that case. Yes ma'am. I will be here for dinner. And if you can, I never pass up on a home cooked meal." As he finishes, he reaches me. He is standing so close that I can smell his cologne mixed with a hint of sweat. I'm looking in his eyes and see that they are the most beautiful shade of green I've ever seen.

"Yours are beautiful too."

Heat immediately rises from my neck to my face when he says that. "I said that out loud?" He just nods with a smirk. "Oh gosh." I look to my feet in embarrassment. I hand him his coffee. "I didn't know how you liked it, so I just made it how I like it. Cream and sugar." He takes a sip and smiles. "It's good. Thank you." I nod as a you're welcome and point to my jeep wrangler. "Well, I'm just going to go. See you at dinner." I turn and walk away.

"You look beautiful." I holler a thanks.

Heading into town, I start to think what I can make us tonight. I should have asked. Then realization hit. I never even asked his name. Hitting myself with my hand, "You idiot!" I say aloud. He could be a killer for all you know. Unlikely though. The air around him and his entire presence radiates honorable. Like he's a true country gentleman. I mean, heck, he called me ma'am. Pulling into the parking lot of my parents flower shop I look at the sigh, Montgomerys Daily Dos.

Growing up I always dreamed of running the shop when time come. But falling in love with the wrong boy changed all that. Unlocking the shops door, I turn on the lights and flipped the sign to open. Looking around the unorganized store, I realize this is going to be a lot of work. Lucky for me the season for fresh cut flowers is almost over, so I'll have time to work on it. Our family friends tried their best to run the store before I could come back home. They left me a mess.

Cleaning up a bit before customers come in, my mind drifts to the mysterious man at my house. He differs from my ex in every way. Chase was clean shaven, neat hair and clothes. Blonde hair and blue eyes. No accent and a stupid amount of money. I met him when I moved to Knoxville for school and thought he was a breath of fresh air from some of the boys I grew up with. The bell on the door chimes and my day begins.

5 o'clock rolls around and the last customer just left the shop. Cleaning up and gathering my thing to leave, I turn out the lights, put the sign to closed and lock the doors. In my jeep I start my drive, still trying to think of what to make. In the grocery store I gather the things I need to make my favorite meal. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, bake mac and cheese, with a glass of sweet, iced tea. Haven't had any comfort food in a long time and I think it's high time I deserve it. Paying for it and walking to my jeep, I start to get nervous. Why? Its not like its a date. But if he thinks it is? What if he tries to kiss me? Not that I would mind it. Shaking my head to stop my overthinking and get home safely.

Pulling into the driveway, I see his truck is gone. My first thought was he changed his mind about dinner. Which bummed me out. I was looking forward to getting to know him. Gathering the bags from the back, I walk up the steps and see a note on the door.

"Headed home to wash up. See you at 8. -SJ"

Smiling and comforted with knowing he didn't cancel I head in. I freshen up, change, and start cooking. Just as I finish making and setting our plates down, headlights shine through the curtains. He knocks on the door. I wait a beat before opening the door. I don't want to seem too eager. Even though I am. Opening the door I'm taken aback. I thought he was good looking in his work clothes but seeing him cleaned up is another level. He's wearing a dark pair of cleaned wrangler jeans, clean boots with a dark blue pearl-snapped button down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Exposing a multitude of tattoos. He's got a smile on his face when he notices I'm checking him out. He holds out his hand and in them is a bouquet of red roses and sunflowers. My favorite.