Read Online The Reluctant Cowboy by Cherie Ullman - Free Book Online Page B

to his place.  She was curious what his place would look like.  She was being constantly surprised on how well she and Cole were getting along.  She wanted to learn as much about him as she could today.  She was relieved that he didn’t seem to find her quirky or immature.  She was finding out that he wasn’t the all-mature, sophisticated, boring playboy she thought he might be. 
    She heard her phone ping and reached to see a text from Dana.  [ Everything okay?]
    She texted her back honestly.  [ Better than okay.  Spending day with him.] 
    Another ping.  [ Sweet.  Have fun. Love you. Wink face.] 
    She packed her wristlet again and came out of the restroom to see Cole dressed, except for the tie he was stuffing in his suit pocket.  Without thinking, she blurted out, “Can I have the tie?” 
    She watched a surprise look cross his features.  She wasn’t sure what made her say or even want the tie, but she did.  He removed the tie and started to hand it over to her.  “Only if you promise to think of me when you wear it,” he gave her a wink and she smiled in return, as she placed the tie carefully on the table. 
    “Deal.” 
    “You look very refreshing today.  Liking the boots,” he flattered her, while they were making their way to the lobby. 
    “Do you even own a pair of boots?” 
    She felt him pause mid-stride.  “You know, I’m not sure that I do.” 
    She reached for his hand and pulled him towards the lobby doors that reached outside.  “By the end of today, you will.”  She was going to make sure he got himself a great pair.
    They were dropped off a short ride later at Park Ave and 36 th St.  She had heard of Park Ave and knew that this was a prime piece of real estate.  This was the city she had envisioned.  It was another beautiful sample of architecture and she was excited to see the inside. 
    When he opened the door, her first thought was how “sterile” it looked.  It was very pretty, everything in its place, but it felt cold--so unlike the man she was getting to know. 
    She focused on the décor and furniture.  Dark hardwood floors complimented the modern stainless appliances in the kitchen and the granite counters engrained with browns and golds.  She did appreciate the large, white, country sink that contrasted with the other dark features.  The cabinets had glass doors with modern handles.  The entire apartment had an eclectic vibe and she wondered if this was his taste or some designer that he had hired.  She made her way over to the large windows overlooking the street below.  The view was enough to make her decide that she liked it. 
    “You’re quiet.  You don’t care for it?”  She watched him study her reaction. 
    “It’s what I kind of pictured for a New York apartment, I guess…” 
    “But…” he nudged. 
    “It’s nice.”  She did think it was nice and didn’t want to hurt his feelings.  It just wasn’t her style. 
    “Nice?” he challenged.  “I’ve been here a few years.  I don’t own it, just rent it.  I’m not here much.  I spend most of my time at the office or just out.” 
    “I see.”  But, she didn’t. She didn’t see any pictures or much art on the walls at all.  “So, do you entertain here at all?” 
    He was still looking out the window.  “Actually, no, I don’t.  It’s just a place to me.  I’ve had a handful of guests from time to time, but not often.”  She couldn’t help but wonder if he meant women, but kept it to herself.   “Come see the rest of it.  The bedrooms are nice and maybe you will like those better.” 
    She followed him as he headed down the long hallway.  The first bedroom was decorated like the living area.  Pretty, but lacked any charm or personality.  She entered the master bedroom and finally got a glimpse of him in this room. It was a stark difference from the rest of the apartment. It was warm and inviting.  The furniture was less modern and more