Her Blind Date Cowboy - Taylor Hart Page 0,2

he accepted that, but she didn’t think so. She settled herself on the bench, setting her bag of art supplies by her feet. “It’s been a good day. The gallery sold a couple of pieces today, too, so I’m sure Mr. Temple will be happy.”

Jason nodded and pointed to her food. “I got us our usual, and I got yours extra big because I knew you’d insist on giving half of it to Harry over there.”

She turned and spotted the homeless man sitting farther up the peer, his eyes on her. He lifted a hand and waved at her. Warmly, she waved back. “Thank you,” she told Jason.

They ate quietly for a time, and she breathed deeply, relishing the ocean air. This was one of the best parts of her day.

“How were the children?” Jason asked. He was referring to her job at a preschool, teaching art to kids.

“Good. They’re all excited for their Christmas break.” Today had been the last day she would teach for two weeks. She forced a smile. “How was your day?”

He popped a fry into his mouth and grinned at her. “It’s better now that I’m with you.”

Irritation pricked through her. “Jason, I can’t …”

“I know.” Jason briefly touched her hand. “I’m okay with being friends. I told you that.”

Neither of them spoke for several seconds.

Jason sighed. “The shelter is at its max over the holiday.” He worked as a manager and counselor for a homeless shelter, and he was truly one of the kindest human beings that Evie had ever known.

“What can I do?” she asked. It might get her mind off of the next couple of days before Christmas. “I work at the gallery most evenings, but I could volunteer to help with breakfast and lunch.”

Jason swiped a hand through the air. “The funny thing is that we are covered for volunteer service—we just need more space.”

She sucked in a breath, wishing she could do something. Her father’s face popped into her mind. He would have the kind of money and clout that might be able to help Jason, but she hadn’t spoken to him in nearly three years. “Christmas can be a hard time.”

Her thoughts drifted back to Liam. Her mind flashed to a billboard she’d seen in her car this morning on the way home from work. The billboard had announced that he’d be playing in town Christmas Eve at the Opera House.

She’d cried then. She’d known that he’d been doing so well, that his family had been breaking out with their music. But just the thought of him coming here seared her heart.

“Are you thinking about him?” Jason asked quietly.

Evie’s shoulders shrugged in a jerky motion. His persistence in trying to sort of counsel her through her block about Liam, as if he talked it out with her enough she would get over it, grated on her. “No.” She pushed her hair back behind her ear and then idly tossed a fry into her mouth.

He put his hands up, surrendering. “Hey, I’ve seen the billboards all over town, too. It’d be natural for you to be thinking about him a lot lately.”

“I’m not.”

“I’m sorry.”

Regret washed through her about being frustrated with Jason. He’d been her lifeline for so long in so many ways. “I have news,” she whispered, hoping to lighten the mood. It was easy; this was something she’d worked so hard for.

Jason’s brows lifted. “What’s that?”

“I got into university.”

“What?” Jason broke into a smile.

She laughed. “Finally, right?”

“That’s amazing.”

Evie nodded, but her joy slipped as she thought of the cost. “I have to figure out a way to get another three thousand to cover tuition.”

“But you’ve saved so much.”

“I know. I’m close. I just want to be able to pay the tuition outright for two years so I can really throw myself into the art.” She put her hand up. “Mr. Temple said he’d give me a higher commission over Christmas, and I think I can make the money before I start in January.”

“I know you can.”

Part of her doubted herself, and it felt good to have someone believe in her. “Thank you.” Jason had always encouraged her to finally do art school, and she appreciated that. Even now, her hands shook as she gathered up the food. “Jason, I will Venmo you for dinner. I just can’t eat much.”

Jason stood, putting a hand on her arm. “Evie,” he said, his calm green eyes brimming with confusion. “Sit, talk, let’s decompress. I’ve been wanting to talk to you. I