Page 16 of More Than a Fling

“I’m just sayin’ you are lit up from the inside and you may be fooling yourself, but I have not seen you look this wound up for a very long time,” Zoey pointed out.

“I’m nervous as all git-out. I haven’t been out on a first date in over four years,” Annie admitted.

“You will be fine darlin’. I can’t help myself… I have to say it…save a horse, ride a cowboy,” then James began laughing hysterically at his own joke referencing a line from a country song. She and Zoey couldn’t help but join in, not because the joke was so funny, but because James was getting such a kick out of it.

“I may have to do that.” Annie responded after their laughter had subsided.

“You go girl,” James said. “Giddy up,” he said, then more laughter ensued.

“You are terrible J.J., I can’t tell you anything,” Annie said. She pretended to be annoyed.

“You know you love me,” he replied. “I love you too by the way. I’ve lived vicariously through you my dear—after fifteen years with the same partner, there isn’t much new to talk about,” he said, belying the truth that he was completely content and still madly in love with William.

“We are all jealous of you and you know it,” Annie said. “We all wish for a love like yours.”

“Mark my words, you will have it, there is not a doubt in my mind,” he declared.

“I hope you are right, but for now I am happily single.”

“Not for long,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.

“Stop it. I mean it.” She was embarrassed at the scrutiny of her dating life before it had even started.

“Okay I’ll lay off for now. Go and have a good time.”

“I plan on it, thanks.” She was relieved to finally move away from that subject matter as her first customer walked through the door.

8

“Oh, why did I agree to this,” Annie said, talking to the dogs who were watching her as she paced the hardwood floors waiting for the knock at the door. “I must have been out if my mind.” Suddenly the dogs began barking, which could only mean one thing…

Annie opened the door as Gabe held up his fist to knock. Surprised to see her standing there, he quickly recovered and handed her a bunch of daisies with the stems wrapped in soggy paper towels and a baggie secured with an elastic band to keep them fresh.

“Thank you, Gabe,” Annie said. Taking the offering from his strong tanned hands she said, “I’ll put them in water. Please come in; don’t mind the three canines, they are very friendly.” He stooped to their level to greet them.

“Nice place,” he said, looking around from his crouched postion.

“It’s not mine, it’s Darcy’s place. I’m housesitting for her,” she explained.

“Not a bad gig.”

“I’m not complaining.”

Gabe was dressed casually in faded blue jeans and a tucked-in gray Bob Seger concert tee-shirt. He wore his old worn brown leather cowboy boots, which were a big turn-on. She almost laughed out loud thinking of James’ joke yesterday. Yes indeed, riding a cowboy was becoming more appealing by the minute. He looked as fine as anything she had ever laid eyes on. The laugh lines around his light brown eyes told their own story, and they sparkled as if he was in on a joke nobody else was aware of.

Annie had decided to keep it simple herself, choosing a black cotton spaghetti-strap jump suit which showed off her slim honey-toned arms and curvy figure. She had slipped on a pair of open-toed sandals, which exposed Rachel’s handiwork, a pedicure with brightly painted pink toenails. Throwing the dogs their treats, she stepped out into the beautiful spring evening, anticipation tingling her senses.

Gabe felt aroused at the sight of her. The swell of her breasts through the soft cotton fabric, with a hint of cleavage, made Gabe long to see more. Her red hair was held away from her face by two combs, leaving it to cascade down her back in thick waves. He wanted to pull the clips from her hair and see her naked flesh writhing with desire for him.

Pressing his hand into the small of her back, he led her to the passenger side of his old blue pickup truck where he opened the door for her. His hungry eyes lingered on her creamy skin as she climbed in. Gabe closed the door and jogged around to jump behind the wheel.

He turned in his seat to face her, “Annie…” His eyes glittered with heat.

“Gabe.” She looked down because she suddenly felt too exposed and vulnerable.

“You are so beautiful; do you know that?” he asked.

“Thank you.”