Page 10 of More Than a Little Spark (Cowboys of Stargazer Springs Ranch #9)

Carson

Carson

I hand Daphne a cup of water, then ask, “What else do you need? How can I help?”

She shakes her head as she swallows her pills. “You’ve done plenty. My foot isn’t throbbing as much now that it’s propped up, and these pills will help immensely. I really just want to close my eyes for a bit.”

I glance at my phone, trying to decide if I should stay here or get some chores done while she sleeps. I don’t want to hover, but I also don’t want to leave her helpless.

“It probably feels weird to leave me alone in your house, but I promise not to snoop or anything. I’ll stay on the couch. Unless I have to go into the bathroom.”

“I got the wet towel off the floor and cleaned up a little. Your crutches are by the couch, and you have my number.”

“Thank you.” She flashes a smile as she settles her head onto the pillow I brought out.

This woman is stunning, and I’m shocked that she wants to go out with me.

I pull on my coat and head to the door. “Call or text if you need anything. I won’t be far away.”

My phone dings as I climb into the truck, and I read the message from Rose.

Rose: I’m so sorry about all this. Once Dallas gets the downed trees cleared off the main road, I’ll drive over and get Daphne. Thank you so much for everything.

Me: No problem.

As I pull away from the house, my stomach growls, and I drive toward the main house because I know Ava will have a hot meal waiting.

It’s rare that all us guys sit down to eat at the same time in the middle of the day.

But she keeps food hot for a couple of hours, and we take a break between getting stuff done.

Since it’s close to the end of that window, I’m not sure who I’ll see in the mess hall.

But I’m hoping to bump into Kent. I want to take him up on the offer he mentioned this morning.

Dating wasn’t even a thought then. But that all changed because of Daphne.

I like that when she has something to say, she says it.

And now that she knows I’m not good at catching hints, we’ll be able to communicate better.

I pull in beside Kent’s truck. Today is turning out to be a good one.

He and Poppy are sitting alone at the table when I walk inside. Ava is in the kitchen, holding Clara. Kent and Poppy’s youngest is a cutie, and she loves her grandma. That’s not a surprise because everyone loves Ava.

“Carson, come on in. Everything is still hot. And dessert is at the end.” Ava waves a hand toward the counter. Then she goes back to playing with Clara, who is giggling up a storm.

“Thanks. I’m going to make an extra plate for my friend. She’s at my place.” I scan the counter, wondering if I should eat here or hurry the food over to Daphne.

Ava sets Clara down and hands her a cookie. “A friend? It’ll be a mess if you try to take the tacos on a plate. Let me get you a better container. You need two?”

The guys have all told stories about how Ava got excited when they met someone special. And now, as the only single guy, I’m seeing the same thing.

“Please. I’ll eat at the house with her.”

Ava fills two containers, then adds dessert to another smaller one. “If you want a Coke or something to take her, you know where they are. Enjoy your lunch.” She’s grinning from ear to ear.

Why couldn’t I have won the mom lottery and ended up with someone like Ava? At least I’m here now.

I step around the counter and give her a hug. “Thank you.”

She pats my back. “Anytime. And she’s always welcome. There’s always enough.”

“Appreciate it.” I gather the containers and walk to the table.

Kent and Poppy have heard everything.

Grinning, he raises an eyebrow. “Poppy and I wondered if maybe Fred wanted to stay over again this weekend.”

“That’d be great.”

Poppy leans forward. “Rose’s friend?”

I nod. “We’re going to go on a date, but since I’m not sure how this will go, I don’t want Fred to know. At least not right now.”

She rubs Kent’s arm. “When kids are in the middle, it makes things more complicated.”

He laces his fingers with hers. “A little, but it worked for us. However, I completely get why you want to wait. Just plan on us keeping Fred Saturday evening for an overnight.”

“Thanks.” I stride out to my truck, then shoot Daphne a message.

Me: Hungry? I’m bringing you a taco plate and lemon bars.

Daphne sends a heart in response.

She’s sitting up when I get to the house.

“I know you wanted to nap, but the food was hot. Well, not the lemon bars. Those aren’t hot.”

“Tacos sound amazing. Thank you.” She pats the cushion beside her. “Come sit.”

I ease onto the couch, then set the containers aside. “You really should elevate that foot. Why don’t you put it up here on my lap?”

“You don’t want my foot right there while you eat.”

“If it means you won’t be in as much pain, then I do.” I shift her legs so that her feet are resting in my lap. Then I hand her food. “Ava tucked a fork in there for the rice and beans.”

“This is a feast. You are seriously amazing.”

“Ava’s great. She keeps us all fed. Goldie too. Have you ever met Ava? She’s what I wish my mom was like.”

Daphne gives me a knowing smile. “I met her at the wedding. She’s darling. And I know what you mean. Once upon a time, my mom was great. But she was a different person after my dad died. It was like I lost both of them that day.”

“Sorry about that. I’m glad Fred is getting to live around people like this. He doesn’t talk much about what life was like before, but it wasn’t good. That’s something I love about the ranch. It’s like a family.”

“That’s what Rose says.”

Talking about our dysfunctional families isn’t smile-inducing conversation. So I find a new topic. “How long do you have to be off your foot? And what about your job?”

“I need to keep weight off it for two weeks. So I’ll stay with Rose until I can at least put weight on it. Then I’m not sure. I wish my apartment wasn’t on the second floor.”

“I’m glad you have a place to stay. It’s good that you aren’t by yourself. Also, I’ll be free on Saturday night. Would you like to grab dinner? Or would it be better to wait until your foot can bear weight?”

“Saturday is great.” She leans forward and clasps my hand. “Did you mention something about lemon bars?”

“The best you’ve ever had.” I hand her a square. “And I’ll text you about dinner.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” She takes a bite and moans. “You aren’t lying. These are incredible.”

“They are.” I choose not to add that she is too.

I park in front of Rose and Dallas’s place and take a deep breath. It’s been ages since I’ve been on a date, and never have I gone out with someone as hot as Daphne. This still feels a bit like a dream, and I’m waiting for the part where I wake up at the worst moment.

After drying my palms on my jeans, I walk to the door. And after I knock, Dallas opens it.

“Come in.” He nods toward the hall. “She’s making her way to the door.”

“It’s great that y’all are letting her stay here.” My gaze is fixed on the end of the hall because I’m eager to see Daphne again. And I guess Dallas notices.

“She’s just as excited as you are.”

I give an awkward laugh. “I won’t keep her out super late.”

Daphne rounds the corner on her crutches. “Hey there. Dallas hasn’t given me a curfew.”

“But you’re staying here, and they care about you.” I help her slip into her coat.

Rose eases up beside Dallas. “I like you, Carson.”

“He’s great, isn’t he?” Daphne hooks her purse on her arm, then steadies herself on her crutches. “Okay, I’m ready.”

I walk beside her out to the truck. Then after helping her in, I wave at Dallas and Rose, who are standing at the door like I imagine engaged parents would be. The whole scene is funny.

“I wanted to find a place where you wouldn’t have trouble getting around. Dallas mentioned a place in Keyhole, so I scoped it out yesterday. It’s not fancy, but the food’s good.” I glance at Daphne to see her reaction.

“Sounds great to me. I just want to spend time with you.”

“I’m glad it worked out so that we didn’t have to wait long before getting together. And how are you feeling? Your foot and your ribs?” I have two possible settings when nervous: rambling or quiet. But tonight, I’m trying hard to find a middle ground.

“I’m pretty good. The foot is healing, and I cannot wait until I get the all-clear to put weight on it. And my ribs are better than they were. Sore at times, but not so bad that you can’t be funny.”

I shoot her a side glance. “Uh-oh, now the pressure’s on.”

“No pressure. Just be you. I think your humor comes naturally.” She reaches over and rests a hand on my upper arm. “Don’t think about it. Say whatever pops into your head.”

“You are by far the prettiest woman I’ve ever been on a date with.” That may have been too much honesty out of the chute, but I did as I was told.

She grins. “Thank you for that. After having to be creative with showers because my foot can’t get wet, I don’t feel very pretty.”

“You are. I promise.” I park in a spot near the entrance, then go around and open her door. “Here are your crutches.”

She slides out and gets situated. “This place is cute.”

“Inside, the walls are plastered in signs and other décor. It’s cool. And I saw a sign about live music on the weekends. Not sure if it starts tonight or next weekend.”

“Fun! What kind of music do you like?”

I keep pace beside her, ready to catch her if she wobbles. “All kinds. But mostly I listen to country. That’s probably not a surprise.”

When we step inside, the waitress looks over from across the room. “Y’all can sit anywhere. I’ll be with you in a sec.”

Nodding to a table near the door, I ask, “Want to sit here?”

“Let’s take the corner booth. I can put my foot up.” She leads the way to the table farthest from the door.

After the waitress has taken our order, Daphne and I resume our discussion of music, and we talk about our favorite artists and most listened to songs. From there, the conversation naturally moves on to other topics.

And when the food arrives, I realize that not once since we arrived have I worried about what to say. Talking to Daphne comes easy. I like that.