Free Second Sunrise Cowboy (Second Chance Book 8) by Rhonda Lee Carver Page B

about.” Dakota stuck the paper into her purse. “I’ll definitely consider it.” But how could she manage buying a business right now? Without a job and without a good credit history, it would be impossible.
    “Okay. We’ll talk soon.” Hope bid her goodbye.
    Driving toward Cash’s, Dakota admired Havens Ranch. The sun was setting, casting a beautiful yellow-orange glow as a backdrop to rolling green fields dotted with wildflowers. A herd of cattle grazed part of the land separated in a pasture. Further ahead, horses hung their necks over the side of the white fence as she drove by. She realized she couldn’t have seen more than half of the property on the short drive. The fields seemed to stretch for miles and beautiful blooming trees lined the narrow lane. Only a handful of buildings broke up the blue, cloudless skyline. The squawking of a flock of birds hovering overhead was the only thing heard. She wanted to see more of the ranch, and decided she’d ask Cash if he’d still be interested in taking her for a tour.
    The old farmhouse loomed ahead. An old beat up truck along with the red truck she’d seen him driving sat in the driveway. She parked in between the two vehicles and killed the engine.
    She didn’t get out immediately, but sat staring at the house that had lost its charm under chipped paint and overgrown weeds. It needed painted, white again with black shutters, and colorful flowers to add life. Some of the posts were gone from the railing on the porch and the rockers had seen better days—or years. This home was so unlike Tucker and Hope’s where everything was well-maintained and cheerful.
    Climbing out, her stomach flip flopped and she demanded her body to stop reacting.
    Breathing in the fresh air, her lungs thanked her. The environment was motivating, encouraging. She wanted to do more, be more. She had to prove to herself that she could reach her goals and that she was ready to start all over again.
    Smoothing her shirt, she slowly made her way up the crumbled sidewalk, just as sprinkles started. Grey clouds were rolling through and the sky quickly turned dark. The breeze picked up, scattering goosebumps all over her skin and she wrapped her arms tight around her waist. A storm was building.  And it looked like it was going to be a bad one.
    A nuzzle against her leg brought her attention to a shaggy-looking dog who was staring up at her, his tongue hanging out. “Hello there. You’re awfully cute.” She stroked behind his ear, getting a panting smile in return. Once upon a time, as a kid, she had a dog. Going from place to place, she missed out on so many things, like having animals.
    Hearing heavy thuds on the ground, she watched the horses galloping by the fence, their tails blowing in the wind and their ears perked. They knew a storm was brewing. Lightening flashed in the distance, lighting the sky. She jumped and ran to the porch. Yeah, it definitely looked like Mother Nature had an axe to grind.
    She had her hand in mid-air, ready to knock when the door swung open. Cash stood on the other side of the screen and her body came alive—her breath caught, her nipples bunched. The man had control over her.
    “You might not want to stand there too much longer. A good wind’ll come along and carry you off.” The rich tone of his voice made her blood pump faster and her knees weak. He opened the door with his foot, the springs creaked and cracked in resistance.
    Dakota swept her gaze over him.  She couldn’t have prevented a peek if she’d tried. Standing well over six feet, his dark hair was damp and droplets of water splashed onto his shoulders, dampening his black T-shirt. His clear blue eyes were on her, pensive and observant. Could he see straight into her and see the throbbing in secret parts of her body? The cowboy should have a warning label, ‘danger…touch at your own risk of combustion’. One corner of his mouth lifted, not quite a smile, but a playful grin that seemed