Page 3 of Backup Cowboy

Chapter 2

Caspian

Iarrive at Timbertop Steaks and Ales in the town of Indigo Hills twenty minutes early like Nash requested. Both my bosses grew up here, and being a fifteen minute drive from the ranch, it’s easy to get to.

I head toward the lounge, really wanting to turn and leave. I absolutely do not want to be on fucking a date right now. I’m not that guy, but I’m also not the guy who will let my boss down. Laughter drifts in from the main dining room, and it’s not lost on me that I used to be personable. Not the life of the party, but get me around my friends, and I could hold my own.

These days, I prefer to live quietly, not going out except for the occasional dinner with my sister Ruby and her husband. The problem is that she’s always on me about settling down. Since she found true love, my dear sister wants to sprinkle her happy all over the damn place.

Not for me. I used to enjoy dating, was even married once, but after the accident... let’s just say I’m not partner material.

A family of five walks past, the young mother holding hands with her son while the oldest carries a girl who looks to be two.The man’s hand rests at the small of the woman’s back as they walk into the dining area, and I feel an unfamiliar twinge in my gut at the small act. For some reason, the image of that siren in a pencil skirt from earlier today pops into my mind.

My chest tightens, and my pulse quickens as I picture the way her voluptuous curves filled her form-fitting clothes. Even as she lay sprawled on the grass, it was obvious she’s a well put-together business type, and something about her made me feel things even my ex never did.

So I left without getting her name.

I did what I was paid to do. A ranch guest needed help. It’s the job of every Echo Ridge employee to make sure visitors are safe. It was nothing.

I shake my head to clear it, focusing on the reason I’m out this evening. I was surprised at the ask, to be honest. I guess it makes sense on account of my hand in festival prep. As the new equipment manager, I was put in charge of power and utilities to the artist area along with the safety and security infrastructure.

But Nash knows a lot of people. He could have asked anyone. It makes me wonder if Ruby’s talked to him. I wouldn’t put it past her.

Hands in my pockets, I stare out the window at the garden courtyard where we’ll be dining. It’s enclosed by high, exposed brick walls with pendant lights hung every few feet. In the center sits a single round table with five curved booths surrounding it in a perfect circle. Each one seats two, with narrow passages between them allowing guests to slip in and out.

There will be five couples total, and my job is simple: enjoy the steaks, make good conversation, and support the festival. Ready to get the evening started, I tap my boot against the polished concrete and wait for Nash and his wife to arrive with my dinner companion. I don’t know much except that she’s some business type whose out-of-town date broke his toe.

The room’s energy makes a subtle shift as a group’s conversation drifts closer.

“Cas. Thanks for coming, man.” At the familiar drawl, I steel myself for the evening ahead and wheel around to face Nash and company.

For the second time today, my body stills as if my muscles are frozen. All thoughts escape me, and I blink several times to overcome my sudden dry eyes.

It’s her.

I can’t help but grin, remembering how she fell flat on her ass in the grass. Now, she’s standing across from me looking like she stepped out of a dream. Long brown hair, eyes the color of shallow creek water in summer sun. She’s got on a bronze blazer and matching miniskirt with thigh-high boots in the same shade. Only six inches of her legs are showing, but damn if that little bit of skin doesn’t make my dick thicken on sight.

Nash claps my back hard, an eyebrow raised in question. “Caspian Phillips, this is Alexandra Tate.”

I clasp her hand, her grip firm and all-business. “It’s nice to see you again, Ms. Tate.”

She blinks at my formality, not letting go of my me. “You, too. Call me Alex.”

“Call me Cas.” We grasp hands a full second too long and immediately drop them. I check the sleeves of my button down just to find something to do with my hands.

“You two have already met?” Nash’s new wife, an attorney named Rebecca, seems confused.

Alex tips her head to the side. “He saved me from rolling in an ant bed earlier today.”

Rebecca smirks, eyes darting between us. “I know there’s a story here, and I can’t wait to hear it.”

We follow the newlyweds into the garden and scoot into opposite booths as Alex relays her mishap from this afternoon.I help her get adjusted in the seat before walking around and sliding in on my side.

I can’t believe she’s the date. Just sitting next to Alexandra has turned this whole evening into the kind of torture I’d gladly sign up for again.

“How was the Philippines, Rebecca?” Alex’s voice is warm, her smile genuine. “You honeymooned there for two weeks, right?”

Nash’s wife nods in response as a server pours water for each of us. “The resort was on a private island with gorgeous views.” She takes a sip from the stemmed water glass. “The staff was so welcoming.”