Page 6 of Her Cowboy Blind Date
“What does he do?” An unemployed cowboy didn’t sound like a good prospect.
“Sam’s a farm mechanic and lives in Gilead. He’s a hard worker, and an all-around good guy.”
“Which brings me back to my original question. If he’s such a good catch, why’s he single?”
“That’s not my story to tell. He’s been burned like you but in a different way, and he’s reluctant to date.”
Everyone had a story. Bek was jaded by the whole dating merry-go-round, and she didn’t want a romantic entanglement of any kind. Her trip abroad was supposed to be a relationship-free zone where she could learn from past mistakes and reset for her return home.
“Cindy, honestly, I don’t think I’m your girl. Your cousin would be better off meeting an American girl and exploring if there’s potential for a future together. I’ve nothing to offer —”
“That’s not true. I’ve told him a little bit about you, and he’s interested.”
“What do you mean by interested? He wants to go along with your crazy blind date idea.”
“He does. Meet Sam at Heavenly Brew on Thursday night. Low key, no pressure. I can give you a ride there and back, since you don’t have wheels.”
“I’d get wheels if you all drove on the correct side of the road.” She’d driven on country roads with Zach and Billie last week but had found it stressful. A blind date was more stressful than navigating Nashville rush hour traffic.
“Ha ha.” Cindy grinned. “I can set up a coffee date for seven, or seven-thirty. What’s your preference?”
She sighed. “You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?” Heavenly Brew was a drawcard. Her favorite coffee shop, and essential detour for good coffee during her morning walk.
“It’ll do you good to get back in the dating saddle.”
Cindy had a point. Eventually she’d need to break her self-imposed dating exile. An American guy she’d leave behind in a few months wasn’t the worst idea. “Okay. One date. That’s all I’m prepared to do.”
“Sure thing.” Cindy stood. “I’ll make the arrangements. A casual coffee date. Nothing special.”
“If you say so.” Bek would meet the mysterious Sam on Thursday. They could talk for an hour while she drank hot chocolate. Cindy would get off her case and drop the whole dating thing. A second date, or a romance of any description, was not going to happen.
* * *
On Thursday evening, Sam carried empty pizza boxes and plates into his kitchen. Pete had stopped by with pizza for dinner, and they’d watched a replay of the Chief’s football win. Monday was pizza night during the season, and a few of Sam’s guy friends would visit after work for pizza and the game. Who’d have thought a big screen TV would improve his social life?
Pete had started stopping by on Thursdays after work while his fiancée, Emma, spent time with her sisters and friends. Sam suspected Pete wanted a break from his older brother and sister-in-law, Matt and Miley, who were working for the family business and staying with his folks until their new home was built. A three-month engagement followed by a Thanksgiving wedding hadn’t given Matt and Miley enough time to find their first home. Pete and Emma had announced their engagement over a year ago and started planning their wedding in the dying months of Sam’s long-distance relationship with Miley.
Pete entered the kitchen and placed more dishes by the sink. “Can I help?”
“Yeah, ice cream’s in the freezer.”
“Chocolate, I hope.” Pete grinned. “Em has put us on a no-dessert diet, and it’s killing me.”
Sam chuckled. “Have you done the tux fitting?”
“Not yet. It’s on February’s list.”
“Why the diet?” He passed Pete two bowls.
Pete scooped generous servings of chocolate ice cream at the kitchen island. “Em suggested it for a team-building exercise in our marriage preparation class. How could I say no?”
“Will she cheat by eating dessert, too?” He’d attempt a long run instead of his usual walk tomorrow, to burn the excess calories from Pete’s super-sized serving. Assuming his knee would cope with the exertion.
“I doubt it.” Pete paused, spoon in hand. “Em did her first fitting with the dressmaker before Christmas.”
“Okay.” He pulled out a stool to join Pete at the island. Miley used to fuss about her weight. She’d complained last year when he’d sent a Valentine’s chocolate box to her Illinois college, unaware she was on a new sugar-free diet. He’d been hurt by her reaction to his gift. Now, he was glad he’d dodged a bullet. Miley was Matt’s problem.
“Speaking of fittings and tuxes, I need your final answer to the question.” Pete’s phone beeped and he checked the screen. “Hold that thought. Gotta call a client.” He stood and left the kitchen.