My Billionaire Cowboy

Chapter 4

The gala went on all night, but Kate and Bruce decided it was best to leave after a few hours of socializing.

“I have an idea. Are you hungry?” Bruce asked.

“Actually, I am. There was no way I could fill up on the finger foods there.”

“Perfect. Why don’t we go back to my place? I would love to cook for you.”

Kate shook her head and laughed.

“What’s so funny? You don’t think I can cook?”

“No. That’s not it. I just,” she paused. “It’s just that you seem too good to be true.”

“Kate, you said that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Trust me. It’s not a bad thing. Not a bad thing at all. Just having so much so soon from you. It’s been a definite whirlwind type romance. Like the kind you see on the soap operas.”

Bruce laughed a hearty laugh that came from somewhere deep.

“Like the soap operas, huh?”

“As a kid, I grew up watching those with my mother. There is love and passion, money and status.”

“All of that is true. But those people on there also hop from bed to bed.”

“So, you watch the soap operas?” she teased.

“Not hardly. But I know my mother watched a lot as well. She fell in love with them for the same reasons. But this is real life, Kate. And in real life, you can have the love, the passion, and the romance as long as you know that there will be times when things don’t seem so easy.”

Kate let the words sink in before she spoke. “Do you want to know something?

“Shoot.”

“The fact that love is not all fairy tales can be pretty scary.”

Bruce turned to her. “Nothing worth having comes without risk.”

“Agreed. It’s just that love can be so unpredictable.”

Bruce squeezed her hand as they pulled up to his condo.

“That’s what makes life fun. Come on. I’m hungry.”

He held her hand the entire time they exited the limo, in the elevator, and right up to his door.

As soon as they were inside, Kate kicked off her shoes, wanting to feel more comfortable.

Bruce began to come out of his tuxedo jacket. “Why don’t we get a bit more comfortable? Feel free to use the room across the hall to change.”

Kate was happy she brought a bag of extra clothing. She had learned to always be prepared with Bruce.

She slipped out of her dress into a pair of comfortable jeans and a tank top. She padded across to the kitchen, taking a seat on one of the bar stools. A bottle of wine sat there, waiting to be opened. Popping the cork, she searched the kitchen cabinets for two glasses.

When she found them, she poured a glass for herself and one for Bruce. The liquid was delightful, but her stomach was growling.

“I see you found the glasses and the wine. Perfect. Are you ready to eat?”

“You really don’t know how much. I’m starving.”

Bruce looked comfortable in the kitchen. Pulling out a pan and a few things from the pantry and the refrigerator, he started cooking.

“I hope you like shrimp. I have a little dish that I like to make.”

“Whatever you make is fine by me.” She swirled the wine around in her glass and continued sipping as she watched him cook risotto, chop fresh parsley, and then toss the fresh shrimp around in the heated pan.

“Everything smells so delicious.”

Bruce seasoned the food, and then served them each a plate. He took a seat next to her at the counter.

“So I can add chef to your list of awesome qualities I see.”

“If that’s what you want to call it. I can make a few things, enough dishes to save my life and not starve to death. But it’s nothing to write home about.”

Their playful banter over dinner was in a steady groove. Bruce suggested that they take their wine over to the living room.

She sat and watched as he lit a fire, which quickly came to a crackling roar.

“Why don’t you come and sit with me over here?” he beckoned.

Kate joined him on the plush rug in front of the hearth. “This is actually quite cozy.” She took a seat next to him.

“I had a good time this evening, Bruce. Thank you for inviting me.”

“I see you had fun as well as a productive evening. Passing out business cards and networking. You made me proud.”

She regarded him, sitting there with her. The moment was special and comfortable.

“Thank you. I appreciate that. I really work hard at what I do and I love what I do.”

Bruce sipped his wine. “There is something to be said for living life like that.”

He poured them both another glass of wine.

“If I did not know any better, I would think that you were trying to get me a little tipsy.”

He shook his head. “Not at all. Nothing wrong with wine to have a good time.”

“Once again, I agree.”

When they sipped, they held each other’s gaze.

“Tell me how the kiss made you feel.”

Kate was not sure if it was all of the wine or the thought of the kiss that made her feel warm and tingly.

“As with what I have come to learn from you, it was unexpected, but I loved it.” She could feel herself blushing again.

“In case you haven’t noticed, I like you Kate. A lot. And I’m not sure where we are going with this, but I’m okay with that.”

“I like you too. And for once, I’m okay with not having every second of what I’m doing mapped out.”

That realization surprised her. It felt good for once to throw caution to the wind and just go with the flow.

Bruce’s lips touched hers. And in that moment, Kate did not have to question what was next.

The silence between them was peaceful. Just laying there listening to each other’s breathing, all seemed right with the world.

*****

Kate was awakened by the scent of freshly brewed coffee and breakfast. She suddenly jumped up out of the bed when she realized where she was.