The Unwanted Runaway

Deep Discussion

Anna’s POV

Carter stands up from the table and makes his way to the back of the house, where his room is located. I can hear his cowboy boots clunking against the hardwood floor as he walks. Moments later, he returns wearing a tight black V-neck T-shirt that shows off his impressive muscles. His abs and forearms are bulging through the fabric, and his blue jeans and cowboy boots complete the look. But what catches my attention is his massive belt buckle. It's so big that it looks like it's digging into his waist and crotch. I can't help but stifle a laugh as I ask, "What the frick is that?" Carter looks down and grins, "Oh, this? It's my lucky buckle."

I can't contain my amusement and respond, "You're lucky what?" Carter repeats himself and then explains, "Well, out here it's a part of our wardrobe and our identity. We either inherit it from our fathers or earn it in a rodeo." I can't help but roll my eyes and sarcastically say, "Okay then, cowboy."

Carter then reaches behind me, pretending to grab something, and I quickly move out of the way. I can't help but think, "What the frick, these are some prominent features he's got." His dimples are just like the other Miller boys, and his dirty blonde curls are messy on top, but he has a clean fade on the sides and a neatly trimmed mustache. When he's in his sheriff's uniform, he exudes authority, but now that he's in civilian clothes, he looks like a country playboy alpha male. Carter is undeniably attractive, but to me, he feels more like a protective big brother, which is actually quite comforting.

Carter swiftly grabbed his black Stetson hat and placed it firmly on his head before turning to me with a serious expression. "Anna, we're heading to The Grill," he stated. I was taken aback and asked why, especially since we had just finished dinner. Carter explained that it was Saturday night and the place gets bustling on weekends. With his parents out of town and his sister and brother-in-law managing the restaurant, they could use some extra help.

He mentioned that he usually hangs out and lends a hand after work, but only if he's not needed on the ranch. "I'm fine staying here," I told him, knowing it was my last night at his house. "You don't need me tagging along and getting in the way," I added.

"But Anna, you've been cooped up all day. It'll be good for you to socialize and get to know the townsfolk," Carter insisted. "There are only 500 residents in Heston, Wyoming," he added.

I couldn't help but remark sarcastically, "And the majority of them are related to the Millers, right? It's quite hilarious, considering you just told me about all your family members working at Sunset Creek Ranch or Duke's Bar & Grill."

Carter gave me a wry smile and replied, "True that, Anna. True that."

I then mentioned how I initially thought Heston was just a small town, but it seemed like a close-knit community, almost like a cult. Carter shook his head and chuckled, but his expression turned serious as he reminded me of my options for the evening. "There's plenty to do at The Grill, Anna. You can help out if you want, or just enjoy yourself with some pool or darts while socializing."

"It's definitely different from where I come from," I replied, recalling my life in the big city. Carter nodded in understanding. "But you still haven't told us where you're from," he pointed out.

I hesitated, thinking back to my unpleasant encounter with a rude waiter named Eric. "I don't know," I admitted. "I had a run-in with a waiter named Eric yesterday when I asked for a job application. He was upset that I couldn't afford to order anything."

"Don't worry about Eric," Carter reassured me. "He's just a part-time busboy who helps out when the place gets busy during the day." I couldn't help but comment, "Well, he's a little SOB who needs his you-know-what kicked," before bursting into laughter. Carter informed me that Eric's aunt Sarah was a friend of the family and that was probably why he still had a job.

"So, he's related to you guys then?" I asked. "Why don't you just fire him?"

Carter shook his head and replied, "His aunt Sarah is a good friend of the family. Let's just say, that's why he's still around."

As Carter snatched his keys off the tiny hook on the wall by the front door, his face contorted in a moment of deep contemplation. I followed him out the door and he suddenly stopped, turning to me with a serious expression. "Listen, Anna," he began, "I just wanted to thank you for the delicious dinner. But if you're still hungry, feel free to gorge yourself on all the greasy, salty snacks your heart desires at the Bar & Grill."

I couldn't help but wonder why he suggested food. I gave him the evil eye . Did he think my favorite hobby was stuffing my face maybe it’s of my curvy figure?. " So I jokingly say Well, what about all the beer I could chug down too?" . Carter lets out a hearty laugh and asked, "Are you even legal to drink yet?" I reminded him that I was 23, old enough to drink. He replied with a smirk, "Well, you don't look a day over 18." I think he realized his food comment upset me .

Carter then turns to me and asks, "How old do you think I am?" I playfully replied, "Hmm, I don't know, maybe in your mid-50s?" But Carter playfully acted like I had just stabbed his ego with a dull knife. He dramatically leaned over, clutching his chest and said, "Ouch, that hurts, woman!"

He then added, "Just take 23 and flip it around, that's how old I am. You sure know how to make a guy feel bad and crush his ego, why don't ya?" I couldn't help but laugh at his over-the-top reaction. "Well, I didn't say you were ugly for your age," I retorted with a smirk. "But if you were actually retirement age and looked as good as you do now, I'd say you discovered the fountain of youth. Watch out, Magic Mike!"

Carter rolled his eyes at my teasing and replied, "I'm only 32, not that much older than you." But I couldn't resist adding, , that's still pretty dang old. You're practically a decade older than me. Where's your walking stick, old man?"

I couldn't help but think to myself, that's what you get for assuming I have an insatiable love for food. But Carter continued to surprise me as he turned to me and said, "You know, you may be onto something with this fountain of youth thing. I couldn't help but laugh at him. "Well, I didn't say you were ugly for your age," I repeated with a wink. "But hey, if you're lucky, and decide to go after some of those old ladies they might even give you a gumless gum job." Carter's face twisted in disgust and he exclaimed, "Good God, that's just uncalled for!" We then continued walk as I followed Carter to his black expedition SUV with "Cheyenne County Sheriff" written on the side. I asked him why he was driving his work truck, and he explained that it kept the mileage low on his personal truck and also served as a way to maintain order in town. I I look at him and say you should’ve been a comedian. I think you chose the wrong professional in life seriously, But also could be a comedian” you actually have to be funny I hate to tell you I

Carter looks at me as he is opening the passenger front seat for me . As I climbed into the front seat, noticing how clean and immaculate the inside of the vehicle was. He backs out of his driveway, and we finally hit the road. Headed towards Duke’s Bar & Grill.