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I take a few bites to buy more time from possibly running into Jagger, then return to work. I don't look in his direction and try to refocus on work, but it's hard. One thing is clear. Our chemistry is still as strong as it was the night we met. And that only adds more butterflies to my stomach.
By early afternoon, the ranch has settled into its usual rhythm, boots on gravel, the distant clang of somebody working on machinery in the equipment shed, and horses nickering at each other across the pasture fence. I finish up with Renegade and log his progress. I'm halfway through updating Roy's spreadsheet on my phone when a text pops up.
Jagger: Three hours until our date.
It lands on me like a bucket of cold water.
A date. An actual date.
I have exactly nothing to wear.
Me: Where are we going?
Jagger: Not telling.
Me: I need to know what to wear.
Jagger: Whatever you want. Or nothing. I'm fine with both.
"Is there anything else I can do?" Beau asks.
I look up from the cell. "Um… No. That's all for today. Thank you."
"See you tomorrow," he replies, nodding, and leaves.
I stare back at the text messages, silently cursing myself for not bringing anything nice. Then I curse Carla and shoot her a text.
Me: Damn you for making me dress all fancy last New Year's Eve.
Carla: Okay… Why?
Me: Because now I've set the bar high.
Carla: I'm lost.
I start typing and my phone rings.
I hit the green button, glance around, and move farther into the corner of the barn, far away from others. "Seriously cursing you right now."
"Well hello to you too, Lainey," Carla teases.
"Sorry. But I'm in a pickle now."
"Because…"
I sigh, and lower my voice further, even though no one else is around. "I have a date tonight and nothing to wear."
"Oh! You have two minutes before my next appointment to fill me in. And I expect a photo as soon as we get off!" Carla rambles.
I blurt out, "I took a job at the Cartwright ranch."
The line turns silent.
"Carla? Are you still there?" I ask.
"Yep."
"Are you going to say anything?"
