Alice's Story

He heard a low whistle behind him and turned to look at his friend Dakota. “What’s gotten into you?”

Dakota laughed, his brown eyes dancing. “Something wrong with your baby blues? That sweet young thing wants you.”

“The blonde? I saw her.”

“If I were you I’d grab her before anyone else does. She’s hot and it looks like she has a friend.”

Burke laughed, turning back to catch sight of the young blonde. He didn’t have to look far, as she was coming his way. He signaled to the waitress. “A bottle of champagne and four glasses please.”

“Anything for the champ,” she replied with an eager smile.

Burke smiled back but he wasn’t quite feeling it. Everyone was his friend when he had money. It was the people who stuck by him in the hard times that counted. He’d lost his parents a few years ago and had been working 24/7 trying to get ahead. Funny, his burden lightened considerably at the thought of the money and the girl. It had been a long time since he’d seen anyone as sweet looking.

Her green eyes sparkled at him. He reached out a hand to her and she took it. Her hand was so soft, so small, so unlike himself. Her blonde hair was the blondest he’d ever seen. “I’m Burke, Burke Dawson.”

She smiled and her bow shaped lips were perfect. “I’m Alice Spinner.”

Burke squeezed her hand. The champagne had arrived and he poured the bubbly liquid into the fluted glass. He handed it to her. She was gorgeous. He looked next to him and noticed Dakota talking to Alice’s friend. He handed the dark haired woman a glass of champagne. He gave one to Dakota, almost laughing. Dakota was strictly a beer and whiskey man.

He had to hand it to Dakota, he played his part well. There was nothing wrong with living the high life every once in a while. Burke toasted with Alice and his heart swelled at her smile. He’d forgotten how good life could be. There was a world besides horses, cattle and manure. He planned to enjoy every aspect of the evening.

“I just love a man with dark hair and blue eyes,” she murmured.

Burke was no school boy but he felt a blush creep up to his face. He looked her over. Her boots were scuffed, a good sign. She was not a tourist. Her red western shirt matched her nail polish. Her denim skirt was short without being too short and her legs were so long, he easily imagined them wrapped around him.

The thought of her naked under him had him worked up. He hadn’t felt this way in a very long time.

“So, tell me about yourself.” Alice took a step closer to him, until her lush breast touched his arm.

Swallowing hard he stared into her magical green eyes. “I own a ranch.”

“You’re a rancher? I love ranches. You must love living on one.”

Her words worked their way into his heart. A ranching woman. This might lead to something after all. He leaned down to talk to her. The music was getting quite loud. “Yes, I love ranching life, you?”

Alice smiled and nodded.

“Listen, I can hardly hear in here. Would you like to take a walk?”

Alice whispered into her friend’s ear and put her glass on a nearby table. “I’d love to.” She grabbed his hand and he led them out of the bar.