Cowboy Ever After

Chapter 10

When Matt arrived at La Cantina, he slipped the hostess a nice tip to ensure he and Gretchen had the best table in the restaurant, one in a little alcove that afforded a bit of privacy.

He wasn't sure what it was about Gretchen, but he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her since he'd first laid eyes on her that morning. She was like those pancakes and sausage, an excellent cup of coffee, the way the sunrise looked after a rain when fog still hugged the land-the perfect blend of different elements to make a perfect whole.

He shook his head, wondering when he'd become so freaking poetic. The guys he competed with would laugh themselves into a hernia if they could see inside his head right now. But no matter where the thoughts came from, they were the God's honest truth. Not only was Gretchen beautiful, she also possessed a mixture of strength and vulnerability that she probably had no idea others could see. Or was he the only one who'd noticed it?

He hadn't been seated long when he looked up to see Gretchen standing in the entryway in a bright blue dress that went perfectly with her eyes. For a moment, his lungs forgot how to function. Stunning was the only word that came to mind.

She appeared to be nervous as she approached the table. While part of him liked the idea that he made her nervous, another part wanted nothing more than to calm her so she could enjoy herself.

"You look beautiful," he said as he stood to greet her.

"Thanks," she said with that shy, slightly startled way she had about her.

"I brought you a little thank you for the tour this afternoon." He lifted the small package from where it sat in the booth next to him and placed it on the table.

"Matt, I can't accept anything else. You do remember the way-too-generous tip you left me this morning, right?"

"Too late. Can't take it back now."

She sighed in what looked like mild exasperation, but her eyes darted to the package with obvious curiosity. Why did he get the sense she wasn't used to getting presents? Someone as beautiful and nice as her should have guys lined up around the block offering her gifts. He hadn't even asked if she had a boyfriend before inviting her to dinner, but he took her sitting across from him as a sign she was single. Lucky for him.

After another couple of moments, she picked up the slim package and started ripping away the wrapping. When she was finally able to see the contents, she lifted a hand to her mouth. Was she going to cry?

"I'm sorry. I thought you liked it."

She looked up at him, her eyes a little brighter than usual. "Oh, I do. It's just...it's so thoughtful, and you barely know me."

"I know enough."

She shook her head as she set the book back on the table, but he noticed how she gently traced her fingers over the painting of a pink flower on the front. His imagination rocketed to how those soft fingers would feel against his skin.

No, he couldn't go there right now, not unless he wanted to get really uncomfortable really quickly. Instead, he leaned forward.

"You're friendly, honest, a hard worker, knowledgeable about Blue Falls, a lover of books, and the most gorgeous woman I've seen in a very long time."

"Now that's an exaggeration."

He reached across the table and wrapped her hand in his. "It's not."

She swallowed and lowered her eyes for a moment before lifting them to his again. "Thank you. That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

"Then I'm glad I said it."