At Jesse’s house, he’d talked a big game. Like he could take a little competition. Like he knew he was the better man. If this was what a relationship felt like, he didn’t want it. He’d stayed away from women for years, and he should have stuck with it.
Why the hell couldn’t women be happy with one man? He slammed on his brakes and slid around a curve, then jammed his foot down on the accelerator again, the truck bumping and bouncing in potholes. He clenched the steering wheel. The better question was, why wasn’t he enough for Dallas?
It shook him. Cussing long and hard, he pulled over in the barrow ditch so he wouldn’t wreck his truck. He wasn’t the man he thought he was if he couldn’t handle the situation. He lurched out of his seat and leaned against the side of his truck, crossing his arms in disgust.
What he couldn’t figure out was why Dallas didn’t choose him, now, without question. They were getting to know each other, and he could tell she liked him—was even attracted to him. Why didn’t she quit all this foolishness?
He gusted out a sigh. She was worth fighting for, but could he hang in there when this whole thing felt so awful?
A hawk dove from high above and caught a jack rabbit up the road a ways. He wandered over to get a closer look. By the time he got back to the truck, he’d made up his mind. He’d give Dallas more time.
THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY evening, Dallas leaned her head back on the couch and sighed. This was the first time she could relax all day. Work had been extremely hectic after her time off, and Piper had wanted her undivided attention this evening, even begging her momma to rock her to sleep. Taking a sip of wine with her eyes closed, she let it slip slowly down her throat. This was heaven.
After worrying off and on all day about what to say to him, she realized it was time to call Cash. Dating two men hadn’t gotten any easier. In fact, it was getting much harder. Still with no idea what to say, she grabbed her phone.
He answered on the second ring.
“Hey, Cash. Is this a good time?”
Clearing his throat, he said, “Sure. How are you? How was your trip?”
“I’m exhausted. Taking off work is never a good idea. I’m always swamped when I come back. But the trip was fun. I never in a million years thought I’d see the Dallas Cowboys practice. I even talked with three of the players. I’ll remember that forever!”
“I’m glad you had a good time, Dallas. How did Piper do with her momma gone?”
“I was worried about that. A nanny took her on a picnic at a playground for dinner and then to McDonald’s for ice cream, though she slept at my parents’ house. Still, she missed me badly. I had to rock her to sleep tonight.”
“Well, of course, she did. You deserve time on your own, though.”
Dallas ran her hand through her hair and tucked her leg under her. “Cash ... I know, well, this can’t be easy for you. I’m not sure I could take it in stride if I were in your place. I’m sorry for any pain or—”
He interrupted her. “I’m dealing. I’ll be honest, though. It’s been a little rough. I care about you, and I want you to myself. I think anyone would in my position.”
When she talked to Cash, his honesty, his goodness, all the blatant sexiness that was him came rushing back to her. How could she have been so sure she’d choose Ethan?
“You’re right. I totally get it.” She wanted to reassure him in some way, but he spoke first.
“I need to see you, Dallas. Alone. I know you should spend time with Piper this weekend. Are you free Monday night?”
Sensing his urgency, she readily agreed. “Yes. What are we doing?”
“If you just throw on a pair of jeans, how soon could you be ready?”
“Uh, six-fifteen?”
“I’ll pick you up then.”
MONDAY AFTERNOON, DALLAS scrambled to her parents’ house to get Piper. She only had an hour to feed her, bathe her, and get her back to her grandparents. Piper, bless her heart, got with the program and ate quickly, something she didn’t always do. That allowed for a few minutes of playtime in the bathtub and for Mom to change her clothes. Afterward, Dallas popped her out, scrubbed her down with the towel, and slipped her into her pajamas.
By the time Dallas backed out of her parents’ driveway, it was six thirteen. She was barely going to make it.
Cash was waiting on the curb when she got home. A thrill of anticipation swept through her as she waved and parked in the drive.
He opened the truck door for her. “Was it hard for you to get ready this early?”
Grinning, she said, “Well, let’s just say that I beat the speed record for getting Piper fed, bathed, and ready for bed.”
“Wow. Why didn’t I think about you needing to do all of that first? I’m sorry. I’m still getting the hang of figuring out Piper’s needs, too.”
“No worries. Please tell me I won’t be meeting anybody new. I look like something the cat dragged in.”
He grinned. “Do not. And, no, you won’t. It’s just me and you tonight.” Reaching into the back seat, he pulled out a small soft-side ice chest. “I put several kinds of sodas in here and a water. That’s it for now. The open-container law sucks.”
She rummaged around and found a diet drink. “Fine with me. Who needs to be arrested? Want one?”
“I had one on the way to your house. So, tell me about the Cowboys’ camp. Who did you meet?”
With great detail, she told him about each of the three players she spoke with. By the time she finished, she looked out the window and noticed they were on a country highway. “Well, the
