Worth It Chapter 12

Chapter 12: JUST SHUT UP AND KISS ME


Noa in sweats and a ponytail, slipped out for an early walk, saw the town by daylight and was savoring breakfast alone in the hotel restaurant. She was finishing her bacon and eggs when the cowboy walked in. It was 6:20 AM and the rest of her family was still sleeping.


Oh my God, that’s him. . The cowboy was dressed in last night’s clothes sans chaps. He looked fresh out of bed and he looked just as good in the light of day, maybe better. The crumpled denim shirt and wrinkled jeans added to his don’t-give-a damn-charm. Noa could not explain her nervousness or was it excitement?


This is ridiculous. He’s a kid. Damn, he has to be the sexiest man alive and Time Magazine has no idea he exists. The women of the world are really missing out on this one. The restaurant was deserted save one lone diner at the bar. Noa was facing the cowboy as he gave his order to the waitress behind the counter.


She listened to his radio voice for the first time. “Could I get three eggs easy, three pieces of bacon crispy, sourdough toast and coffee black? And serve it at that table over there.” Noa watched as the cowboy motioned toward her.


What the hell? Noa was immediately flustered. Perhaps she was mistaken, she gulped the last of her tea and diverted her eyes. No, she was right. Noa held her breath as he approached.


“I hate to see a lovely lady dining alone so early in the morning, and I like it even less when I have to do it. Mind if I join you?” The baritone Texas drawl was another cord in his seductive symphony. The lopsided smile disarmingly sexy.


Before Noa could respond, the cowboy was seated across from her. This is not happening. Noa had no idea what to say or do. She was seventeen again. Caught without makeup and any defenses against overpowering desires, she felt fully exposed.


“You don’t mind, do you?” The cowboy removed his hat to reveal a shock of sun streaked wavy brown hair and the most stunningly handsome face Noa had ever encountered. He took her breath away.


“Oh, no. Of course not. I was just finishing up.” Noa felt the heat rise up to her cheeks and she avoided his dark blue eyes. She countered her lightheadedness with a deep breath.


“What brings you to Jackson Hole?” The cowboy acted as if he dined with a stranger every morning.


“Vacation. What brings you?” Noa was surprised at her ability to converse with this coveted prize in real time. She would have preferred him to stay comfortably safe in her fantasy.


“Rodeo.”

“Hmm. Rodeo. Here?”


“Yes, Friday night. You ever been to a rodeo?”


“Once, when I was a little girl.”


“Then it’s time for another one, and bring that pretty little daughter along.”


Noa’s eyes widen with the realization he saw them last night. Blushing even deeper with embarrassment at being outed, she lifted the empty cup to her lips.


“Busted.” The cowboy’s hearty laugh displayed white even teeth despite his tobacco habit. “Sure, I saw you last night. I’d have to be blind to miss the two best-looking girls in town. I was tired after the bus ride from Cheyenne, but not blind, Cupcake.”


“Ahh, you flatter me—girl and cupcake.” Noa felt herself relaxing and enjoying his company, and as far as she could see the cowboy remained flawless. This is harmless. Just enjoy it.


“I ride the bulls and that’ll be happening about eight o’clock. Bring the family.” The cowboy leaned forward and pushed a gate pass toward Noa. “I don’t have any family attending, so you might as well use this.”


Noa’s hand brushed the cowboy’s as she took the ticket from his open palm. She withdrew her hand quickly in reaction to the current that coursed through her body from his touch. He smiled.


He’s playing with me and it’s working. I need to leave—now. She hurriedly excused herself as the waitress arrived with his food, and went to the restroom to compose herself. Noa splashed cold water on her face repeatedly, and was half laughing, half crying, when the door opened.


She opened her mouth to protest as he turned to lock the door. Before she could speak, he placed his index finger over her wet mouth and wiped the dampness from her cheeks. Noa began again to utter words of protest.


“Just shut up and come over here and kiss me.” The cowboy smiled irresistibly, reached out his arms and leaned back against the door.


The kiss curled Noa’s toes and tilted her world.