Page 11 of What the Cowboy Wants (The Westons of Montana #3)

Janice leaned forward. “You know, Rose, while you were talking, I was wondering if you would think about talking to the students at school about your experience with social media. Of course, not the personal stuff, but the pitfalls you’ve experienced.

I really worry about the kids. Most of them are glued to their devices most of the time and measure their own worth in the number of followers they have.

No pressure, but will you think about it? ”

Startled, Rose nodded. “Wow. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough!”

Janice smiled. “You’re one of the bravest people I know.”

Chewing her lip, Rose looked at Janice. “Let me think about it?”

“Of course.” Janice nodded.

“You’ve also given me an idea, Janice,” Vivian said. “Rose, you’ve probably heard my husband, Aiden is a reporter. This is the kind of thing he loves to write about. I’m sure there are more similar stories out there. I’ll see what he says.”

As everyone nodded, Willow jumped up. “What about more wine?”

While Willow refilled the glasses, Rose exhaled slowly. She felt so much lighter.

What Cooper was thinking about the whole mess, she could only guess.

Not that she knew him, but from what she’d seen and heard about him, he was very private, very down to earth.

He wouldn’t be back after hearing how she’d chosen to live her life.

Maybe it was for the best. She really had to stop thinking about the big cowboy and she couldn’t do that if he kept showing up on her doorstep.

“Ooh, before I forget, Rose,” Janice said. “The school is organizing a Fall Festival around Homecoming. I hope you’ll join us. There’ll be all sort of activities, starting Friday evening. We’re getting local, regional, and national performers Saturday morning, there are activities for the kids…”

“…and there is a dance on the Saturday night in the Graff Hotel!” Riley called out.

Vivian smiled. “We need dresses! I have been thinking about going shopping in Bozeman, this gives me a good excuse. I’m sure Aiden won’t mind having his daughter all to himself for the morning. I’ll drive. What about tomorrow morning?”

“I won’t be going to the dance,” Rose said quickly, “but I’d love to go shopping with you. What clothes I have, I’ve bought online, but I’m ready for actual shopping. When is the festival? I may attend some of the other events.”

“In two weeks,” Annie said. “The B & B is already fully booked, I’m happy to say. I love meeting new people.”

“I’ll also drive,” said Willow. “We won’t all fit into one car. Laura, Ellie, and I will meet you all at the gate of the ranch.”

It took a while to finalize all the arrangements for the shopping trip. By the time the women left, the last of the wine had disappeared and the plates were empty.

Arlene waited until everyone had left before she turned to Rose again.

“When Cooper was little, he’d often disappeared for long hours.

Eventually we figured out we’ll find him near the horses.

It took him years before he was willing to tell me how it upsets him when someone has been hurt or mistreated.

” She gave Rose a hug. “I’m right next door, anytime you need an ear.

And sweetie, I have to tell you, Cooper has never looked at anyone the way he looks at you. ”

Rose couldn’t talk, a huge lump in her throat prevented her, but she returned Arlene’s hug.

Rose waved and watched as the older woman walked toward her house. Only after Arlene was safely inside, did she turn around. She exhaled slowly. It was such a relief to have been able to tell her friends what had happened.

What had become clear tonight was that before she could put her past behind her, she needed to go to Seattle. As soon as Ellie found help for the shop, she would buy a ticket to fly back.

While she cleaned the living room and washed the dishes, her thoughts, of course, returned to Cooper. Why had he walked out? Was he upset like his mom and sister had said or was because he was disgusted with how she’d chosen to live her life?

As she finally left the kitchen, her phone bleeped. It was Cooper. She didn’t want to think of all the reasons why, but she’d saved his number earlier.

Will I see you tomorrow?

Oh, yes, he’d mentioned Scarlett and a new dog.

Have another date tomorrow.

Three little dots appeared, disappeared a few times. Finally, her phone bleeped again, and the thumbs up emoji appeared. She could’ve told him she was going with his mom and sisters and her friends, he could’ve suggested Sunday, but maybe it was for the best. She’d lived a life he hated.

Anyway, her only focus should now be on getting her life back on track. The last thing she needed was a drop-dead gorgeous cowboy on her mind.

Late in the night, she was still rolling around on her bed. Irritated with herself, she pummeled her pillow. Before she lay down again, she picked up her phone and opened Cooper’s message. Should she tell him the date was with her friends?

Quickly, she put the phone down and crawled underneath the blankets. Of course she shouldn’t. It was better this way. He wanted a temporary fling and like she’d told him she couldn’t do temporary again.