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

Daphne

Daphne

C arson leans around me and snaps the seat belt into place. My hands work just fine, but if he wants to help, I’m not going to complain. Plus, this gives me a chance to sniff his shirt.

Do all cowboys smell this good? He smells like leather and citrus. And maybe juniper. I’m not sure how that actually smells, but I like the word. And it grows everywhere in these parts.

He pulls back and meets my gaze. “You good? Everything okay? I don’t want you to be in pain while I drive.”

“I’m okay. But I have a question.”

He puts his hand on the top of the door, which shows off his broad chest. He’s like a wall, only padded. “What’s that?”

“What did you do to smell so incredible?”

Carson blinks. “I showered.”

Laughing, I rest a hand on his chest. “You’re so funny. And I’m definitely going to need the details of what soap you use because I like it. A lot.”

“Awesome.” The apples of his cheeks rise as he grins. Then he glances down at my hand on his shirt. “I’ll, um, close this door, then walk around to my side.”

I pull my hand back. “Thank you for being my ride. I really appreciate it.”

“Happy to do it.” He gently closes the door and, a second later, slides in behind the wheel. “Any stops we need to make along the way?”

“Just the pharmacy. Other than that, I should be good. Rose bought me enough to get me through the next few days. Then hopefully, I’ll be able to go into my apartment and gather my own stuff.”

He turns out of the parking lot and navigates traffic, glancing at me occasionally as he drives. “How long until you can put weight on your foot?”

“At least two weeks. And I am not looking forward to using crutches.” I wince when he hits a pothole.

“Sorry.”

I pat his arm. “It’s fine. It’s not like you put the hole in the road.”

His grin widens when I touch him, so I’m thinking that there is a slight possibility that he’s starting to pick up the hints I’m laying down. At this point, they are flashing neon and sprinkled in glitter, but they’re still hints.

He pulls into the pharmacy lot, and I point toward the drive thru. When he gets to the window, the tech asks, “Who are you picking up for?”

“Daphne…” He turns to look at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. “They’re probably going to need your last name, and I don’t know that.”

“Emerson. Daphne Emerson.”

The tech grabs my meds, and I give my address to verify that I am who I say that I am, and Carson gets us back on the road.

“How long have you worked on the ranch? Have you always been a cowboy?”

He laughs. “Being a ranch hand is new. I’ve been working there a little over a year. And I’ve learned a ton. Before that, I worked in the oil fields. But once Fred came to live with me, I needed something different.”

“How did you end up at Stargazer Springs? Have you always lived in this area?”

Carson shakes his head. “I’m not from around here.

As for how I ended up at the ranch, it’s kind of a funny story.

” He checks his mirror before changing lanes.

“So I got the call from the social worker asking if I’d be willing to care for Fred.

Of course, I said yes because I wasn’t going to let him go into the system.

But I didn’t have the first clue about what to do.

So as soon as I got off the phone, I went to the library.

Mind you, this was in a small town a few hours from here.

And I asked the nice lady at the counter about where to find books on parenting. ”

“I bet she showed you a lot of books about babies.”

“She did, but then I explained the situation. And we got to talking.” He looks over at me. “It really is a small world. That lady at the library was Grayson’s mom. He’s one of the other ranch hands. And that’s how I got introduced to Beau Henry, the ranch owner.”

Now I know who to thank for bringing Carson to this part of Texas and into my path.

As we drive, he tells me more about the move and how Fred found a friend on the ranch. The way Carson beams makes it clear that he’s super proud of his nephew, which gives me all sorts of warm fuzzies.

When we’re almost to the back entrance of Matchmaker Ranch, he glances at me. “I didn’t mean to dominate the conversation. Tell me more about what you do. All I know is that you have a nice boss who sends you flowers.”

“A very married boss.” I clench my jaw as Carson drives over the cattle guard. Even at a snail’s pace, the bumping around makes my ribs ache. “He runs a software company. I’m his executive assistant. It’s a great job. I’ve been there since I graduated from college.”

We get to a spot in the road where the rain washed away parts of the gravel, and Carson slows to a crawl. Gritting my teeth, I clutch the armrest. I think it’s time to take something for the pain.

The road smooths out, and I sigh with relief.

“I’m doing my best to avoid what I can.” Carson’s words drip with apology.

I rub his arm. “I know. I’m not blaming you.”

When we hit the next washboard section, I grip his bicep.

“Please don’t drive over any more bumps.

Please. I can handle loads of emotional pain.

Tell me I’m useless. Fine. You think I’m ugly or stupid?

No problem. I can deal with that. But physical pain is a different story.

I can’t handle that. No more bumps. I’m begging you.

” I swipe at a tear, wishing I were made of stronger stuff.

The trucks stops, and Carson stares at me. “You aren’t useless or ugly or stupid. I don’t think that at all.”

“That’s very sweet of you to say, but please don’t drive any farther down this road.”

He lays his hand on mine. “I was trying to avoid what I could, but I’ll turn us around. Stargazer Springs didn’t get as much rain, and the road to my house is paved. What if I drive you there for now? We can figure out a new plan after that.”

I nod. “Thank you.”

“Please don’t cry.”

I flash him a smile. “It just slipped out. But I’m okay. My pain meds are wearing off. I’m sure that is a big part of it. You don’t have to take me to your house. I can probably get up the stairs to my apartment on my butt. Backward.”

“That’s not gonna happen.” He eases the truck into motion, turning it around. Then he grips my hand. “Squeeze it as hard as you need to. I can take it.”

So I do. As he drives us back to the gate, I grasp his very strong hand.

When we get to the paved road, I don’t let go. “I appreciate everything you’re doing to help me, Carson. Truly.”

“It’s been my pleasure. Not to see you get hurt or to see your car get wrecked, but spending time with you has been great.” His gorgeous blue-brown eyes twinkle when he smiles.

“I’ve enjoyed it. A lot. And I hope you know that I’d like to get to know you better and be your friend.”

His smile droops but doesn’t disappear completely. “Yeah. That’d be great.”

The second great lacked the enthusiasm of the first one, and I can tell that something shifted. Something I said doused the spark, and I don’t know how to turn back time.

An awkward quiet settles in the cab, and I shatter it by calling Rose. “Hey, friend. I’m changing the plan. My ribs hate the washed-out road, so Carson is taking me to his place.”

“Oh no. Let me call around and see what I can figure out.”

“You don’t have to do that. It’s not your fault. I can just get a hotel or something until I can go back up the stairs.”

“You are not staying in a hotel, Daphne. Give me a few minutes to think. I’ll text you in a bit.”

“I hate being a burden.” I avoid looking at Carson.

Rose gives a soft laugh. “I knew that you were thinking that, but you aren’t. You’re my best friend. Let me help you. I’m just sorry the roads got messed up. At least you’re getting to spend more time with Carson.”

“I think I messed that up.” I probably shouldn’t have said that because it’s not like I can explain to her how I messed up without Carson hearing me, and I don’t even know why he reacted the way he did.

“But you can’t talk because he’s next to you.”

“That’s why I like having you as a friend. You can read my mind.”

“Call me later.”

“I will. Bye.” I end the call and set the phone down, knowing I’ve made this drive even more awkward with what I just said.

Then I spend the next ten minutes picking apart every word I uttered. Finally, as he parks in front of his house, I realize my mistake.

I grab his bicep again. “Hey.”

“Yeah?” He lifts his eyebrows but doesn’t meet my gaze.

I wait until he looks at me. “Carson, I think maybe I chose my words poorly.”

“It’s fine. Like I said, I don’t mind helping, and I think being your friend would be great.”

The time for hints is over. “I want you to ask me out.”

His lips part, but no words come out.

“What do you think? Will you go out with me?”

He tilts his head. “On a date?”

“Earlier, when I used the word friend, I meant friend in the sense of two people who spend lots of time together. Not in the sense of two people who do not have romantic feelings for each other. I mean, it’s a little early to know for certain about the feelings part, but I’d love to explore that possibility. ”

“I thought you were trying to friend-zone me. I’m glad I was wrong.” He gives me a half smile. “I’d love to get to know you better. I don’t know when I’ll have a free night next, but as soon as I figure it out, I’ll call you.”

“I’d like that.” I give his upper arm a squeeze. “Do you mind if I sleep on your couch for a bit?”

“I do not mind at all. And whatever you need, just say the word.”

Grinning, I nod toward my foot. “I’m going to need help getting inside. Will you get my crutches for me?”

“I could do that. Or I can carry you inside. That might be easier. Because of your ribs.”

“Good idea.” So far, I’m liking how my day is turning out. Even though I could do without the pain.

Moments later, I’m in Carson’s arms, feeling all the zings and sizzles like I did the other night. Before this guy, I didn’t know attraction was an actual sensation, a real feeling. I thought it was just a concept.

Boy was I wrong.