* * *
Putting my cell down, I fall asleep exactly where I am.
This day? This day needs to be over.
I spot him before he spots me, and I watch. His hands are in his jeans pockets as he looks around. He’s wearing a cowboy hat and sunglasses cover his eyes. He really is a cowboy, and it’s very endearing. Walking his way, he has his back turned to me, so I tap his shoulder and he spins around. When he sees me, a smile plays on his lips, and it’s genuine. I’m a little shocked by it to be honest.
Gunner has never looked at me like that.
He’s always intense. Everything’s so intense with him.
“I was thinking you weren’t going to show,” he says, removing his glasses, so I can see his beautiful eyes. His smile travels to them and the corners pinch, and I wonder why on earth he’s single.
“Of course not,” I say with an honest smile.
Buck nods his head and we start walking. He doesn’t grab my hand, simply gives me the freedom to do what I want. This is all very new to me and somewhat strange to have a man not try to possess me with every move he makes.
Only five months ago I was getting married, and now I’m getting divorced. I hadn’t seen Gunner in three long months, until yesterday. And seeing him didn’t do what it was supposed to. It was meant to let me know what I’m doing is right. That I didn’t need him. That I can do this.
Turning to face Buck, his smile is easy and not forced. He’s genuinely happy to be spending the day with me. Even after I got drunk, kissed him, showed him my boobs, and cried.
Wow! What a guy.
“So, what do you usually do on the weekends?” he asks, walking with his hands in his pockets but standing close enough I can smell him, and if I wanted to, all it would take is a sidestep to touch him.
“Work. I own a local café and lately, if I’m not there, I’m at home. Nothing exciting usually,” I reply with a smile.
“I own the bar, so I get you. Work takes up most of my life as well, and I haven’t stopped either.”
“Why are you single?” I ask him, more out of curiosity than anything else. I have to know, because he’s a catch. He’s polite, good-looking, and owns his own business. “You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to. I’m just curious as to why.”
We stop at a coffee stand and he orders himself a coffee and then looks back to me. I tell him my order and he pays, then we walk over to the bench and he takes a sip before he answers.
“I guess after the last failed relationship, I knew I couldn’t do that again. And why waste someone’s time when I know they aren’t going to be it.”
“How do you even know they’re going to be it, though?” I ask him, puzzled by his explanation.
“I don’t. What I mean is… if I don’t find them attractive, not saying that is everything, but it’s a great starting point.” He winks at me. “And if they don’t hold my interest when I speak to them, I know it’s best I should move on. Why waste their time as well as my own?”
I nod my head in understanding. “So, you find me attractive,” I state, grinning at him.
He chuckles, and I like the sound. A lot.
“I do. And on top of that, you’re very interesting, in your own tortured way.”
“Why, thank you, I think.” He nudges me with his shoulder, and I think if my heart didn’t already beat stupidly for another, Buck would have a good chance of winning it over.
“But…” his smile never leaves, “… you need time. I can tell. So, let’s be friends, and if it progresses… great. If it doesn’t… I gained myself an amazing friend.”
“Thank you,” I reply.
“Anytime.” And I know he means it.
We spend at least another hour walking around and laughing, checking out all the market has to offer before we start to head home. It feels good to laugh after the day I had yesterday. I need it, I need normality and a sense of wellbeing. And Buck, well, I hope Buck and I become friends, because I really need one.
“This is me,” I say, pointing to my apartment.
“You walked?” he asks, looking up then back to me.
“I did.”
“It was a pleasure to spend the day with you, Everly. I look forward to another one.”
“As do I.”
He leans in, and at first, I think he’s going to kiss me. But being the gentleman he is, he simply kisses my cheek and smiles, then he turns to walk away. I watch him go, staring at his ass and smile when he turns back to catch me watching him. I offer him a small wave, and I swear I hear him chuckle as he crosses the street.