Della blinked up at her, then glanced around. The bartender gave her a warm smile and an encouraging nod. Terrific. Everyone thought she was some kind of loser. How freaking depressing. “Thank you,” she said, taking a large sip as she checked her phone again. No reply.

Well…she was damn sure not going to sit here looking like a Nellie no-friends.

Grabbing her phone again, she tapped out a message to Tucker.

Joel running late. Can you come sit with me until he arrives? Waiter looking at me like there’s a giant L on my forehead.

She stared at the screen, waiting for the three little dots to appear, expecting an immediate reply, and when it wasn’t forthcoming, she felt even more depressed. Maybe she should just leave and save herself any more pitying looks. Before she could decide on a course of action, Tucker was striding toward her, and day-um he looked good. The earthy strains of “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” ground through her head at his long-legged gait and the way his well-worn Stetson sat low on his forehead. The smile on his face and those sexy dimples stole her breath.

She may possibly have ovulated.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said as he pulled up beside her, leaned in to plant a kiss on her cheek, then took the seat opposite. “You look good in that shirt, baby.” He removed his hat and rubbed his hand over his hair, ruffling it deliciously as he placed the Stetson to the side.

Okay…she definitely ovulated this time.

Della glanced around, noting the avid female interest in the room. Suddenly everyone was looking at her with envy rather than pity. “Thank you.”

Casually, he picked up the menu. “What’s good to eat?”

The waitress who’d brought Della the drink approached. “Your date arrived.”

“Yes.” Tucker had ridden to her rescue in spectacular style. Yee-freaking-haw.

“And may I say, he was worth the wait.” She winked at Della before turning her attention on Tucker. “Can I get you started on a drink, sir?”

He smiled politely at the waitress. “I’ll take a Bud, please.”

“One Bud coming right up.”

The waitress departed. Tucker did not check out her ass as she walked away. “You okay?” he asked, his voice lower as he made a show of checking out the menu.

“I’m fine. Thanks for keeping me company.”

“What’s keeping Joel?”

“I don’t know… I’ve messaged him, but he hasn’t answered.”

Tucker glanced up from the menu. “He’s stood you up?”

“No.” Della bugged her eyes at him. Why was everyone jumping to that conclusion? “He told me three hours ago he was looking forward to it. I’m actually worried something’s happened to him.”

“That does seem strange.” Tucker frowned. “I’m sure there’s an explanation.”

Della’s phone vibrated, and she leaped on it. It was Joel. Quickly, she opened the text.