Page 6 of Owned By The Cowboy

I keep my expression neutral. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good for you. That’s what family’s for. Though I suppose it’s different now, coming back as a single woman.”

And here it is. The reason I’ve been dreading coming back. In a small town like Green Fields, everyone knows everyone’s business, and my business is apparently prime entertainment.

“It’s good to be home,” I respond, trying to keep my voice neutral.

“I’m sure it is. And I’m sure you’ll have plenty of help settling in. The whole town’s been talking about how Blayne Madison fixed up the cottage for you. That man’s got a good heart.”

My cheeks get warm. “He did a beautiful job.”

“He sure did. Spent months on it, from what I hear. Real particular about every detail.”

“Mom, can we get the good cereal?” Annalise interrupts, thank God, because I can feel Mrs. Henderson gearing up for more.

“Of course, baby. Go pick out what you want.”

As the kids scatter through the store, I try to focus on my shopping list, but I can feel Mrs. Henderson’s eyes on me. And when I turn the corner into the cereal aisle, I nearly crash into a cart being pushed by a woman who’s about my age with perfectly styled blonde hair and a smile that doesn’t really reach her eyes.

“Oh my goodness, Reggie Mason!” she squeals. “I heard you were back!”

I recognize her face, but it takes me a second to place her. Jennifer Something. We went to high school together. She was head cheerleader, dated the quarterback, thought she was hot shit.

“Jennifer, hi. How are you?”

“I’m wonderful! Married to Dr. Patterson now. You remember Tim, right? Two years ahead of us in school? We have the most adorable house on Maple Street.”

“That’s great.”

“And you’re… well, I heard about the divorce. I’m so sorry. It must be so hard, starting over at our age.”

The sympathy in her voice is about as genuine as her hair color.

“I’m doing fine, actually.”

“Oh, I’m sure you are. You were always so strong. And I’m sure you’ll find someone new eventually. Though I suppose the dating pool is pretty limited here in Green Fields.”

I’m about to respond when I hear a familiar husky voice behind me.

“Excuse me, ladies.”

I turn around and there’s Blayne, pushing a cart with what looks like enough food to feed a small army. He’s changed out of his work clothes into clean jeans and a black t-shirt that shows off his tanned, muscular arms; his hat still firmly in place. And that ruggedly handsome face… Phew.

“Blayne!” Jennifer’s voice goes up about three octaves. “How are you?”

“Jennifer.” He nods politely, but his eyes are on me. His expression, neutral. Like a big, tall, sexy, stoic cowboy. “Reggie. How’s the cottage?”

“It’s perfect,” I answer a bit too loud, but I mean it. “You did an amazing job.”

“Good. If you need anything, just let me know.”

“I will.”

We’re staring at each other again, and I can practically feel Jennifer’s curiosity radiating off her like waves.

“Well,” she says, “I should let you two catch up. Reggie, let’s get coffee sometime. I’d love to hear all about your life in the city.”

She pushes her cart away, but not before giving me a look that says she’s filing this interaction away for future gossip sessions.