My Billionaire Cowboy

“You must be blind. But that’s not my fault, Linda. It’s the thought that counts and he thought enough of me to do a little something special for me. Plus the flowers are my absolute favorite.”

Linda shrugged. “To each his own. I just don’t find it too sweet. If he was really thinking of you, there would be a plane ticket to Paris in that box, not a crummy key chain, but hey, what do I know?”

Kate wanted to answer that question and tell Linda she knew absolutely nothing about love at all. What Bruce had done meant he listened to her, considered her feelings, and acted on it by sending her a gift and flowers. She had not had a man do anything like that for her and she found it romantic, no matter what Linda thought.

“Well, I don’t know if he would have the money to take me on some whirlwind trip to Paris anyway. He’s an accountant, only part time though. That’s why he goes to those gala events. His family has a small ranch he said is not doing well and he takes care of his parents. He’s working class just like me so, this is more than enough. I don’t expect that after going out once, he would whisk me away on some all expense paid trip.”

“See that’s the problem. You should be expecting those exotic trips and a whirlwind romance. And preferably from a guy closer to your age. This Bruce. I mean, he’s attractive and everything, but don’t you think he’s a little old for you?”

Kate shrugged. “First off, he’s only forty-one. He’s not old. Second, it’s not like we are an item. We went to grab something to eat one time. It’s not like we’re getting married tomorrow.”

Linda raised an eye brow. “You’re the one who mentioned Bruce and marriage in the same thought. Not me.”

Exasperated, Kate shook her head and took the items to the back to her office. Linda meant well, but her comments were not helpful at all.      

Kate wanted to find love, and she knew she would eventually. As far as she was concerned, love and dating were not top priorities. But after having such a good time with Bruce, she would at least consider an occasional night out on the town with good company.

She pulled out her phone and dialed his number. When he did not answer, she left him a message.

“Hi Bruce, this is Kate. I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed our evening together. Thank you for making me take time out of my work schedule to have a little fun. I just got the beautiful flowers you sent me. And the answer to your question is yes, I will join you on Sunday. I will talk with you soon.”

She clicked to end the call and realized that she was beaming like a school girl in love with her first crush.

*****

Once she agreed to go with Bruce to the gala was when the real fun started. That afternoon, the first of several gifts arrived for Kate. A gift card for a one hour spa treatment. The next day a card with a note attached that she had an appointment set for a manicure and a pedicure. The day before the gala, a corsage, white with faint yellow coloring and a note saying that she should be prepared for a limo to pick her up on Sunday at seven in the evening.

She had not heard from him by phone at all, just the daily gifts. In those few days, Kate anticipated what he would send next but she was never able to guess correctly. Bruce was full of surprises and she liked that about him.

Kate went through a lot of thought to choose the correct dress for the gala. She finally settled on wearing a gold beaded gown, accessorized by a small clutch. She wore her hair neatly back in a chignon and her makeup was expertly applied. It had been a while since she was out to a black tie function. Playing dress up was the best part of going some place like that.

The limo arrived promptly. She was feeling like Cinderella, waiting for her coach to arrive.

“Right this way, Ma’am.” The chauffeur stepped aside the open door.

“Thank you.” Once inside, he closed the door, leaving her to the chilled champagne that awaited her.

There was an official invitation placed on the seat next to her. She picked it up, fingering the gold detailing on the border.

Obviously, it was a gallant affair. Hosted by one of the largest accounting firms in the city, she knew she would have to tolerate being there while they hobnobbed with some of the city’s most elite business people. It was something she always wanted to do, so she resigned to make sure that she smiled, paid attention and was the perfect date for the evening.

They pulled up to the condo in the city where she had met Bruce for his fitting. As he walked outside, she saw him come out in a perfectly tailored tuxedo. His hair was pulled back in a pony tail and he looked red carpet ready.

“You look wonderful,” she said as he got in the limo.

“I learned from the best. But I must say, you look sensational. I can’t wait to see how this dress fits you in all of the right places.”

Kate sipped her champagne as the limo drove off to their destination.

“I have to say thank you.”

“For what?”

She placed her hand on his knee. “For all of the gifts. The day at the spa was sensational and of course the manicure and pedicure was as well.”

He nodded. “My first thought was to send you shopping for a dress of your choice. But I figured that was not in order since you are a stylist with your own boutique.”

They both laughed.

“I think you are right about that, Bruce.”

“I hope that you liked everything. It was the least I could do for the woman that agreed to be my date to this gala.”

“You really did not have to do all of that for me, Bruce. Really.”

He took her by the hand, kissing her skin gently.

“Oh but I had to. A woman like you in the company of a man like me.”

“You say that as if being in your company is a challenge. Trust me when I say that it is not that hard. I am enjoying the company.”