Meadowlarks (40 page)

             
Where was he when I was in the store? Then again, I probably wouldn't have been able to stand let alone speak if he had suggested what to get Luca instead of the other guy.

             
As I'm watching him, I'm quickly pulled out of my little bubble when Alex takes the paper bag of goodies out of my hand and pulls out a cookie.

             
“I'll see ya around, Chelsea.” He takes a bite and winks at the panting cougar.

             
I drop my shades back down on my nose and smirk at the woman. I watch the beautiful man climb in his way too big but way too perfect Ford and drive away.

             
Afterward, I make a nice spaghetti dinner, which Alex gorges himself on. Then, he leaves the table to get ready for his “date” with Cougar Mom. I clean the table off and start the dishes.

             
“How's this look?” He stands by the sofa and pops the collar of his shirt.

             
“Oh, very dapper.” I smirk and roll my eyes. “I'm sure it won't take much primping for this one, Alex.”

             
He snorts and slaps his hands together quickly.               “You’re probably right. She's hot and ready.”

             
“Eww. Really?” Like this is something I want to hear anything about.

             
I'm up almost every hour with anxiety, and so far, Alex hasn't come home. I know I'm not his mother, but I wish he would at least check in with me and let me know he's okay.

             
We're so far from Maine, and he doesn't know anyone around. I pray he stays out of trouble. When I finally do fall asleep, it's again short-lived. But this time when I awake, I'm panting, absolutely ravaged from a delicious dream about the stranger in the Ford.

             
Those arms, and that body…I flutter my lashes, and my eyes fall back in my head. My body sinks back onto my bed. My blood is thumping, and I can't help but smile when I think of him holding me in my dream, gazing at me and touching me in any way.

***

             
Alex’s whirlwind romance with Cougar Mom lasts only a few days. He comes home, and out comes the phone again.

             
“Who are you texting all the time?”

             
“Why do you care? Are you the texting police?” he hisses.

             
“Pardon me? Don't be an ass; I was just asking.” I hiss back. What a little shit! He acts like the world owes him something.

             
He doesn't say anything back, just kicks his shoes off and puts his dirty-socked feet on the coffee table.

             
“I'm taking Luca out. See you later.”

             
Luca needs updated shots for Wyoming's dog laws. Thankfully, a vet just around the corner had a spot open for this morning, and I'm able to get him right in. I walk him down the street and smile at the people we pass. Everyone is so friendly; it's almost unreal. I doubt they even lock their doors.

             
Dr. Jenkins D.V.M
.
is displayed on the large sign above the building in big blue letters. As we walk through the small parking lot, I see a big black truck, and it looks oddly familiar. When I get closer, I realize where I've seen it before, and my heart starts racing again in my ears and throat.

             
Calm down, girl.
I almost fan myself with my hand, trying not to gawk around for the mesmerizing creature of a man that I saw get in that truck a few days ago. Shakily, I grab the long door handle and inhale as I open it. Luca and I walk in, and I exhale slowly.

Oh, my…

*              *              *

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

There are no words to express the amount of gratitude I have for the following people:

Ross
: Your constant support and never-ending encouragement is something I will always cherish. You make me smile…I love you.

Clarissa:
I couldn’t imagine a life without you in it, you are an amazing friend. Your honesty, support and love for romance fueled my heart and made me want to keep writing.

Elena:
You read the bare bones of Meadowlarks (and combed it to make it pretty), and you reported back with honesty and amazing words of reassurance. I’ve been blessed to have you in my life for all these years.

My Girls
: Mommy loves you. Pure and simple.

Mom:
I hope you enjoyed reading your second book ever. I’m glad it was mine.

Ryan
: My little brother…You’re just awesome. No one can make me laugh the way you do.

Alex
: My second brother. You’re wonderful. Don’t change a thing. We need a martini night soon.

To the rest of my supporters, family and friends
: You’re all amazing. I love you, and I’ll always be thankful for you.

Want more?

Read Riley and Alex’s story in

Breathless
: Book Two
of the

Meadowlarks series!

Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshCwrites