Free OLIVER: WESTERN CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE (Blackwater Canyon Ranch Book 2) by Cindy Stark

time, she picked up some arthritis medication for one of her dad’s horses. Then she brought back the replacement yesterday.”
    That sort of made sense. “I see.” Except, Oliver had seemed as though he was in a big hurry to greet Karla that first time and head her off in a different direction before she and Daisy could interact. Why hadn’t he introduced them if there was nothing between them?
    He lifted his glass and watched her over the rim. “Do you have a boyfriend?” He took a sip, seeming nonchalant.
    “As in one steady boyfriend? No.”
    “So, you date a lot of guys, then.”
    “Not a lot, but some. No one has caught my interest. They all seem to be focused on themselves.”
    He nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe you’ll find someone you like in Moose Meadows.”
    She laughed softly. “What would be the point? I won’t be here very long.”
    “Yeah. True. What would be the point?” He mimicked her laugh.
    “Exactly.” She finished the rest of her wine. “We should probably head out so we’re not late for the opening act. Will you ask for the check while I head to the ladies’ room?”
    “Will do.”
    Daisy found him waiting near the door when she emerged a few minutes later after fixing her lipstick and checking her hair.
    “Ready?” he asked.
    “I need to give the waiter my credit card.”
    He smiled, pleasure twinkling in his eyes. “I took care of it.”
    She shook her head in mock disapproval. “I thought tonight was on me.”
    “What kind of gentleman would I be if I let you buy theatre tickets and dinner?”
    “I’m the one who chose an expensive place. You shouldn’t have to foot the bill.”
    “Why not? I enjoyed it, too.”
    She paused, not finding a reply that satisfied her. She didn’t want him to spend his hard-earned money on her, but she also didn’t want to insult him.
    He held his arm out for her, and she took it as a good reason not to answer. She curled her fingers around him, savoring the warm strength that rested beneath his shirt as he led her out of the restaurant.
    Sultry summer air hugged them as they walked to the driver’s side of her car, but he didn’t immediately open her door. “You didn’t answer my question. Why wouldn’t you want me to help pay for our date?”
    Why did he have to keep calling it a date? “Because…you prefer to eat at home and…”
    “And?” He pressed.
    She shrugged. “Maybe it’s too expensive.”
    A humored laugh escaped his lips. “You think I can’t afford it?”
    “No…I don’t know.” She met his gaze directly. “Can you? Because I don’t mind paying. My Uncle Walt left me a nice chunk of money—”
    “Daisy. I can afford to pay for dinner. Just because I live a simple life and I’m careful with my money doesn’t mean I’m broke.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Dinner tonight was money well spent, okay?”
    Her heart took notice as his expression left her all warm inside. “Okay.”
    “Good.” He held her gaze and opened her door. “I enjoyed every minute, and I’m looking forward to the rest of tonight.”
    “Me, too.”
    Daisy couldn’t say why it mattered to her what he thought, but it did.
    ****
    Hours later, Daisy pulled her Mustang into Oliver’s drive. From what she could tell, he’d enjoyed their evening as much as she had. After she shifted her car into park, she turned to him. “You seem like you had a good time. Are you ready to move to the city?”
    He laughed. “I had a great time. Thank you for inviting me.”
    “But…” She could sense more hovering on his tongue.
    “But I still love the country life better.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”
    “You might, too, if you give it a try.”
    “Doubt it.”
    “When I take you out and show you my Wyoming, I think you’ll be surprised.”
    She drew her fingers around the edge of her steering wheel. “I guess we’ll see. When are you planning your double dog dare date?” For some reason, having him