“So, do you raise cattle? Own horses?”
Speaking a little louder to be heard over the applause at a nearby table, he said. “I have about 500 head and three horses right now. I downsized some with this damn drought.”
She nodded her understanding and took a sip of wine.
The chef dumped rice on the griddle. It hissed as he added sauce and seasonings.
Dallas smiled and continued the conversation. “So, what else is there to know about Cash Powers?”
He squinted his eyes. “Huh. Let’s see, I have an older brother, Kyle, who wanted something other than a life of ranching. When my father’s health changed and he could no longer ranch full-time, he insisted the place stay in the family. I got a loan and bought my brother out. My mom and dad live in town now, but Dad still helps out some. We’ve always gotten along.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your father.”
“I went to college. Got my ag degree. Haven’t dated much at all since my divorce six years ago. My four years of marriage were pure hell. We didn’t have children and thank God. Kids would have been very unhappy.” He shrugged. “I live a simple life. I enjoy being outdoors, taking care of the land and stock. It’s hard work, but I love it.”
The chef melted butter on the grill then dumped a large bowl of vegetables in the puddle. It sizzled as the aroma of garlic and butter permeated the air.
Cash raised his glass to her. “Now, tell me all about you.”
She smiled and sipped her wine. “I have an older brother, too. Jason. We never had much growing up, and he got into trouble with the law right out of high school. His court-appointed attorney really dropped the ball, and Jason went to prison for five years. That changed my life. I decided I wanted to be a lawyer and maybe prevent that from happening to another pour soul.” She stared at her glass and sighed. “If only things were so simple.”
Cash touched her arm. “What happened, Dallas?”
“I fell in love with a grad student my sophomore year. When I was a junior, and right before the guy graduated, I got pregnant. His name isn’t on the birth certificate. Piper is my blessing. He’ll never know what he missed.”
Cash reached for her hand and squeezed it. “That man was an idiot. He gave up something very precious.”
Dallas looked at Cash, her eyes fierce. “And I’m not stupid. I know how to prevent pregnancy. I came down with pneumonia and was on heavy antibiotics. My birth control failed.”
She grimaced and continued. “I attended school until Piper was born, then went to work as a legal assistant at the law firm where I am now. The money I make at the club goes into my education savings account. I will finish my law degree.”
“Wow, Dallas. I’m impressed.”
“Well, you shouldn’t be. I made my share of mistakes.”
Cash reached for her hand again. “We all did. It’s how we handle them that counts.”
The chef was well into his routine. The fried rice was done, and he served it into bowls all around. Shrimp, beef, calamari, and lobster were crackling on the grill, and piles of vegetables were turned as they browned.
Soon, they had their dinners in front of them. Cash dug in with relish.
Dallas turned to him, her brows raised questioningly.
He lifted his fork loaded with beef and vegetables. “This is really good. I’ll have to tell my friends about this place.”
She grinned. “I thought you’d like it. This is one of my favorite restaurants. Thanks for letting me choose tonight.” She realized it had happened. She was relaxed—even happy. Everything had turned out all right this evening.
Later, Cash pulled up in front of Dallas’s house and got out to open her door. She slid to the ground and took his arm as he escorted her to the steps.
Dallas smiled. “Thanks so much for dinner. I had a lot of fun.”
“You’re welcome. I had fun, too.”
She got out her keys.
Cash continued. “Can I see you again, Dallas?”
“Cash, I have so little time with Piper. Can I think about it?” His face fell, and she could tell he was disappointed.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he said. “You’re a good mom, Dallas. The last thing you need to be worrying about is fitting me into your busy life. Let me work on that.”
Chapter Three
Heads turned as Ethan and Dallas wove their way through the restaurant Monday evening. He knew they were a stunning couple with him in his bespoke suit, and gorgeous, blonde Dallas in her striking red dress and upswept hair. He walked a little taller knowing that every man in the room envied him.
Ethan held her chair as Dallas settled in at their quiet table. After he sat, he perused the wine list, deciding on a cabernet since he, for one, would be having a steak. Closing the book, he ordered a bottle as the waiter stopped beside him.
Dallas frowned slightly at his choice. But, of course, she’d like it. He did.
Ethan smiled and leaned toward her. “I want to say again, you look lovely tonight. That color suits you, Dallas.”
She raised her hand to her neckline, fingering the tiny locket she wore. “I like dressing up once in a while. Honestly, I had forgotten what it was like, and now I’ve done it twice in less than a week.” Smiling, she took a sip of water.
Ethan frowned as the sommelier arrived with the bottle of wine. Dammit. He wanted to find out about Dallas’s other date. Tapping his foot, he waited as the man filled their glasses and left.
Ethan took a drink of wine and leaned in. “Dallas—”
“Hi, my name is Irene, and I’ll be serving you tonight.”
Really? Again? He restrained himself from rolling his eyes.
The waitress laid menus in front of them.
Dallas thanked her and opened her menu.
Ethan chewed his lower lip. How could he bring up this other date, if that was
