My Billionaire Cowboy

The look on Bruce’s face was one of patience. She could tell he wanted her to say yes and the truth was she wanted to know more about him.

“Okay. I think I will take you up on your offer. Where do you suggest?”

 “Can you trust me on this?”

She nodded. It was not often she had a little excitement in her life. “Alright.”

Bruce was dressed again in his jeans and crisp white shirt with cowboy boots.

“Are you ready?”

“Sure.”

They took the elevator down to the parking garage. Kate’s mind was twirling. What kind of car would he drive? Maybe it would be a fast convertible or some kind of large Cadillac. Bruce was a big guy, so he could not drive anything too small.

He pressed the key fob and the alarm chirped on a large white shiny pick up truck. “This here is my baby. Is riding in the pick up okay with you?”

“Yes. It’s fine.”

Kate waited as he politely opened the door for her. He was the proper gentleman. He quickly walked around to the driver’s side and hoped in. The truck was kitted out with all kinds of bells and whistles.

“Off we go. We are going to eat at one of my favorite places. I hope you enjoy it.”

Kate was interested to see where they would be going. She sent a brief text to Linda to let her know that she would be going out with Bruce to grab a bite to eat and would be back to the boutique as soon as she finished. Linda told her not to worry and that she should enjoy herself for once and enjoy her company.

For once, Kate planned to do just that.

*****

They left the city and the ride was picturesque. Mountains in the background, nothing but open road in front of them. Everything looked so peaceful and serene. It was the kind of thing Kate longed for, but her life right now called for her to be engaged in the hustle of the city.

“I don’t think I’ve been this far outside of the city since I was a kid.”

A wide grin came across Bruce’s face. “Childhood memories. Nice. Where did you go?”

Kate shook her head. “Oh, I don’t really remember. It was a camping trip with my girl scout troop when I was in elementary school.”

“You? Camping?” He chuckled. “You just don’t seem like the type.”

“I’m not offended. I’m not the camping type.” She had to laugh to herself. “That weekend surely cemented that for me.”

“Well, there is nothing like figuring out what you are good at and what you are not.”

They both shared a laugh as they came upon an out of the way diner situated at the foot of a mountain. There was nothing else around for miles. A neon sign blinked the word ‘Diner’ in red.

“Where did you find this place?”

“I don’t live too far from here. I love eating here. The food is good. The music is good and I can usually find some engaging conversation. But today, I’ve brought my own company so I’m very much looking forward to my evening.”

Kate could feel herself blushing. She waited for him to come around to the passenger side and open her door.

She loved that he was such a gentleman.

“Thank you.”

His hand was in the small of her back as he led her inside. The place was cozy and inviting.

“Well hey there hon! How are you?” The busty waitress approached them. She looked like a former beauty queen in her late forties.

“Really good, Dinah. How are you?”

“Wonderful.” She flirtatiously smoothed back her hair and smiled.

“Right this way.” With a little twist in her hips, she turned on her toes and began leading them to their table.

“This one is perfect, Dinah. Thank you.” He pulled out a chair for Kate.

“I have menus here for you two, although I know you don’t need a menu. Here you go.” Dinah placed a menu in front of Kate with a pleasant smile.

“And here you go,” she winked at Bruce. “I’ll be back for your orders.”

She bounced away.

Kate began looking at her menu. “No wonder you like the company here.”

She grinned.

“Ah, well. What can I say?” Kate could tell he was starting to blush himself.

“What do you usually eat here? Everything looks pretty good.”

“Well, I’m a steak and potatoes kind of guy.”

Kate nodded. “Sounds good to me. I’m pretty hungry.”

“What can I get you both?” Dinah asked. “Your usual Bruce?”

Bruce paused for a moment. “I think I’ll try something different.”

Dinah’s face fell flat, but she picked it up with a grin. “Tell me what I can get ya, hon.”

“I’ll let the lady order first.”

“Okay. I’ll have the broccoli casserole, the potato soup, and a Caesar side salad.”

Bruce chimed in. “That sounds delicious. I’ll have the same.”

A confused look came across Dinah’s face. “Alright,” she answered. “And what can I get you two to drink?”

“I’ll have a white wine,” Kate ordered.

“And I’ll have a coffee, black.”

Dinah wrote down the order and walked away.

“A Coca Cola and a black coffee. Coming right up.”

Kate frowned as Dinah walked away.

“I’m pretty sure that I asked for a white wine.”

Bruce held his hands up. “Does this look like a white wine kind of place?”

Kate laughed. “I get your point.”

She looked around, this time truly taking in the ambiance. It was the kind of greasy spoon joint you saw on television. Jukebox in the corner, cook yelling as he served up plates, hot coffee constantly brewing, and a counter full of freshly baked cakes and pies. As she checked everything out, she caught sight of Dinah continuing to stare in their direction.