Page 36 of Owned By The Cowboy

Blayne:Right. “Skincare.” ??

Reggie:Very intensive skincare. The kind that requires lots of hands-on attention.

Blayne:Christ, woman. I’m supposed to be working here.

Reggie:Sorry. Should I stop?

Blayne:Hell no.

I’m grinning at my phone like an idiot when another text pops up.

Blayne:What’s the plan for tonight?

Reggie:Why? You got something in mind?

Blayne:Dinner?

Reggie:You asking me on a date, cowboy?

Blayne:I’m asking if you’ll feed me.

Reggie:Six work for you?

Blayne:Perfect. Should I bring anything?

Reggie:Just you. And that hat.

Blayne:The hat? Why?

Reggie:Because you look hot as hell in it.

Blayne:Good to know. See you at 6, beautiful.

Reggie:See you at 6, handsome.

I toss my phone aside and stare at the ceiling, trying to figure out what the hell is happening. Yesterday I was just trying to survive being a single mom in a new town. Now I’m sexting the hottest man alive and planning dinner like we’re… what exactly? Dating? Hooking up? Something else?

I don’t know what this is, but I definitely don’t want it to stop.

My phone buzzes again.

Blayne:Last night was incredible.

Reggie:Just last night?

Blayne:This morning was pretty spectacular too.

Reggie:I aim to please.

Blayne:Mission accomplished.

I’m typing back when Annalise appears in my doorway.

“Mama, can we make cookies?”

I quickly flip my phone over. “Right now?”

“Please? I wanna practice for when I’m a grown-up.”