My Girlfriend Might {Savannah}

[Ashton Gabriel Jordan]

Well, Ash had to give it to the woman. She definitely wasn't shy about saying what was on her mind. At least she didn't try to sugar coat it or beat around the bush. He'd had more than enough sly innuendo to last him a life time and he appreciated the sort of woman who laid it all on the line. It was the sort of female he'd grown up around and had always preferred when compared to the catty, coy buckle bunnies of the circuit.

"Well, now Darlin......That would all depend on what you got in mind. You see.. I've spent the last five years making a name for myself on the circuit and there's an awful lot of lonely women out there. I've done my duty to them and been thinking its time to hang up my gun and make my personal life more... personal. After awhile, all those one night stands start looking real damned familiar and I've sewn my wild oats.... " he replied, surprisingly serious. "I'm retiring from the rodeo circle, to be perfectly blunt. Been saving up my earning and bought me a little place in the heart of Texas that needing some TLC. Thought I'd try my hand at that for a bit and see how it goes...."

Picking up his beer bottle, he took a drink and then met her gaze with cobalt blue eyes.

"So... You see.... With any luck, that sort of problem will die down when the next hot shot comes along and takes my place but... Doesn't mean I wouldn't welcome the chance to get to know you."

Just then, the waitress approached and slide their plates of food in front of them before giving Ash a simpering smile. Paying no attention to Savannah, she caught the cowboys eye and smiled flirtatiously.

"I'm sorry but.. I can't help but ask.. Your Ash Jordan aren't you?? Would you mind terribly signing an autograph for my baby brother? He idolizes you and would tar and feather me if I didn't at least ask."

Smiling good naturedly, Ash took the pen and paper she was suddenly holding out and scrawled out his John Hancock with a little message before handing it back to her.

"There you go. Tell your brother I said hello." he replied before the waitress squealed and thanked him before hurrying away. Turning back to Savannah, he rubbed the back of his neck and grinned abashedly. "Sorry bout that.....Where were we? Oh yeah.... Anyways, Like I said... I won't be around much on the circuit but... I'm sure we could find other things to do...."

[savannah]

Savannah sat back in her seat, her head cocked slightly to the side. Her eyes remained steady, unwavering on the man sitting across from her. She folded her arms across her chest and she listened to him talk. It was strange the way she was feeling at the moment. There was a feeling of nervousness, meeting someone new will do that to you. But, there was also a sense of familiarity and comfort with him. She liked the sound of his voice as he spoke. She was finding that there were a lot of things she liked about him the more she thought about it.

When the waitress stopped by Savannah just smiled. She could see and hear the slightly flirty smile on the girl's face and tone in her voice. Savannah didn't feel threatened though. She had enough confidence in herself. This was something that had to happen to him pretty frequently no doubt. The fact that he had asked her to come out with him, that he was the one that wanted to spend some time with her, maybe get to know her better. That meant something, this other female was just another fan.

Savannah was still smiling. She liked the way the man handled himself. He seemed to have a general warmth and kindness to him. Even with the interruption to his dinner. He was polite and truly seemed to appreciate the people who were his fans. When the woman left, he turned his attention back to their conversation.

Taking another sip of her beer she let a mischievous smirk cross her lips as he let his last sentence trail off. She waited for a moment, letting the silence settle between them while she thought about what she wanted to say.

"Retiring from the circuit? That's a bold move. Going out on top though, can't say as I blame you there."

She paused to take another drink from the bottle of beer in her hand. Her eyes studying him still.

"Your place in Texas sounds nice. It's good to have something you can put your heart and soul into. Make it your home. Has more meaning that way. I'm pretty lucky. I can do my work wherever. I was just following the circuit this season for my articles. But, normally I write books."

Another swig from the beer, then she set the bottle down on the table. She looked down at her food and picked up her fork. Taking a bite, chewing and swallowing before she continued on. Not in any real rush, she was enjoying the company.

"I don't think I'd mind finding out what other things we could do together. See what we have in common. If maybe we're compatible... In more ways than one.... No, I don't think I'd mind that at all."

Savannah chuckled a little. It wasn't that she was being forward. She was just being truthful. They already seemed to be clicking. There were lots of levels for them to explore in getting to know each other. It wasn't just about the physical attraction or sexual chemistry. Though, that didn't seem to be a problem at the moment.

Savannah continued to eat her food with a smile on her face. This night was turning out to be intriguing to say the least. Between bites she kept the conversation going. Smiling and laughing as they talked.

"Any particular reason you picked Texas for your place to settle down in? Your press release bio says you're from New Orleans, same as me by the way. Just curious, I guess you'd say."

[Ashton Gabriel Jordan]

Going out on top. That was one way to look at it, he guessed.

In his mind, there would always be another bronc or another bull that supposedly couldn't be rode and another road that lead down the same no end mile. Having grown up in a family that seemed to thrive on the thrill of things, he'd grown tired of the never ending cycle and decided that there had to be more in life than letting a ton of mean, lean muscle rip him apart. Every time he hit that dirt, the ground got a bit harder and there just wasn't any thrill in it anymore. He'd already been there, got the tshirt and lived to brag about it.

Now... Now it was time to get back to his roots and get serious about something that was worth putting his life blood into.

Hence buying up the old home place where his daddy had grown up and where past generations of Jordans had put sweat and blood into the ground in order to make a living for themselves. He'd always understood why his Pa hadn't wanted to hang on to it but Ash was of the mind that it could be put right again if just given a chance. So far, he'd only visited it once in order to see what needed done and get the supplies ordered but an instant feeling of being home had filled him. The young cowboy could definitely see it as a place to retreat to when he came home from some hunt that he'd gone to check out or even a place to raise a few kids.

"That sounds really nice.. Being able to do your work about anywhere, that is. I've always had a hankering to raise horses and maybe some cattle. I've got a few prize head of cutting horses back home in New Orleans at my Pa's place and I've always enjoyed being horseback more than anything. Figure this little place I bought might just be the ticket for that...."

Taking a swig of his beer, he thought on her questions a minute before continuing.

"I grew up in New Orleans.... My folks have a small bar and grill there. My dads a former Navy seal and Ma.... Well, Ma's in a class all her own. I've got three siblings.. The oldest two are twins... Tessa and Jake.. Jake went into the military and Tess.. Tess is just like Mama. Tellies the youngest and shes usually off doing her own thing in the woods...As much as I love them all... I'm kind of the wild card in the family and have a hard time keeping my boots planted. Always had a bit of wanderlust. I think I was just looking for something that made me wanna put roots down.... This place fits the bill I think...."

Shrugging cause he was unable to explain it any better, the tawny haired young man sat back in his chair.

"Besides, it was my grandparents place before they died so... When the oppurtunity came up to by it...Couldn't really pass it up."

[savannah]

Mama, you taught me to do the right things
So now you have to let your baby fly
You've given me everything that I will need
To make it through this crazy thing called life

And I know you watched me grow up
And only want what's best for me
And I think I found the answer to your prayers

And he is good, so good
He treats your little girl like a real man should
He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he's never gonna leave
So don't you worry about me
Don't you worry about me

Things seemed to be going well. At least Savannah felt like they were. She paid attention while he spoke and enjoyed her meal at the same time. Funny that they had both grown up in New Orleans she thought but met out here on the road. She couldn't help but smile as he talked about his family. It was obvious the fondness in his voice when he talked about them. They must be a pretty tight knit bunch.

"Sounds like you got a great family there. You're pretty close to them I take it? Nothing wrong with that and still wanting to make your own way in the world."

Her eyes met his as he shifted in his seat and shrugged. She understood completely what he was saying. Her college days had been filled with different adventures. Wanting to go out and experience life. Even after she graduated, she still loved to travel. That's why she picked up a lot of freelance work like these articles on the rodeo circuit. But, lately... she had to admit there was a pull toward something else. Something she hadn't quite identified before, but his words were striking a chord with her.

"I think it's great that the place belonged to your grandparents. No better place to put some roots down than family ground, right?"

Having finished up her food she pushed her plate away off to the side. Pausing for a moment while she took another long drink of her beer. He'd shared a lot of information with her, about himself, his family. She figured he didn't do that on a regular basis either. It seemed only right to return the gesture. Something she found she didn't mind at all.

"Well, I guess it's my turn huh? Yep, I grew up in New Orleans too. In fact I still live in the family house. Though, it's a little big and lonely there by myself. My parents took off on early retirement. They have a little place down in Florida, but they mostly spend their time traveling. Usually on a cruise ship somewhere. I do miss them sometimes, but they're happy and that's all that really matters."

Savannah was quiet for a moment while she took a deep breath. Then she tilted back the bottle of beer for another drink. Running a hand through her blond hair as she thought about her own family.

"I've also got two brothers, both older. James and Rick. They are both off doing their own thing. Both are married, raising families of their own. I don't get to see them that much."

She took another little break from talking. Playing with the label on the bottle of beer eyeing it to see how much was left, not much. She had another shot sitting there that she hadn't drank yet. Reaching out she took the shot and downed it. After she put the glass back on the table she chased it with the last swallow of her beer.

"I get what you're saying about wanting to put down some roots. Find some stability I suppose. I've had my fun. I was hell on wheels in college I suppose you could say. Not that I was that wild but I had a good time. You only get that experience once you know. Now, I've been traveling a lot for different articles for different publications. But, it gets old. I guess, kind of like what you feel like on the circuit these days. A ranch, working with horses, putting your heart and soul into your own home. Sounds like a good plan right there. I'd love to see your place, I bet it's great."

Savannah nodded. It was true, it did sound like a great idea. Not to mention the idea of having someone to share that with. A thought that kept creeping into her mind while she watched the handsome cowboy across the table from her.

[Ashton Gabriel Jordan]

As they talked, it occurred to Ash that this was probably the most in depth conversation he'd had with any female except his mother and sibling in.. well... forever it seemed. Most of the women where one of two things. They were either to shy and awestruck to talk to him or only wanted to cozy up to him for a one night rodeo or talk about his bull riding skills among other things.

Hell, to be frank, most of the time.... They didn't even bother with the talking but went straight to more... intimate Howdy Do's.

While he didn't miss the admiration in his companion's eyes, he found it refreshing that he wasn't having to fend of advancing limbs or trying to converse with someone so awe struck by him that they couldn't form two sentences. Either one would have sent him running for the door as fast as his booted feet would carry him and he found it nice just to be able to relax and be himself. Someone he'd thought he'd almost lost along the road to success on the rodeo road and vowed never to lose sight of again.

Damn.. It really was funny how things worked out in the end wasn't it?

Following her words with some more casual chit chat as they ate their dinner, Ash finally sat down his fork and knife to take up his beer bottle. Leaning casually on the table top, he watched the pretty blond finish her own food.

"So... Do you like horses? Or do you just follow the rodeo circuit because it pays the bills? I've got an appointment over in Whitesboro in the morning to look at a few head of mares for my place... If your not busy and wanna ride along...." he said, letting his voice trail off as his invitation lingered in the air.

Savy, I was thinking we could fast forward a bit from here? If thats OK with you? instead of doing the "get to know you" mundane stuff??

[savannah]

Savannah continued to sip her beer as they chatted about a variety of things for quite a while. It wasn't even a conscious decision on her part, but she found herself smiling and really having a good time. Sometimes it was amazing that something this simple, like eating a meal and a little interesting conversation could be so comforting.

She felt at ease with the man across from her, even though she had just met him officially only a few hours ago. There was definitely more to Ash Jordan than met the eye, not that what met the eye wasn't good too. But, there was more to the man than just being handsome, charming and successful. He was real, down to earth and there was a sense of warmth about him. Whether that was something he let out to just anyone or not, Savannah didn't know, but she suspected not. Her gut feeling told her he was rather guarded around people he didn't know most of the time. Rightly so for the most part, considering his stature in the rodeo and being in the spotlight so much.

Whatever it was, she was finding herself glad that she literally bumped into him in that dark hallway early in the evening. Even the thought of him tugging her around and telling that... Savannah couldn't remember the gal's name now... but telling the woman that he was sorry but he had found "the one" and it was Savannah made her feel good. Then the facade she was able to pull out even though she was caught off guard and send the girl running away, it was already a good memory.

Savannah grinned and cocked one eyebrow up as Ash spoke. Inviting her to go with him the next day to look at some horses for his ranch. She let the question linger in the air for a moment while she took another drink from her beer bottle. Nodding her head she gave him crooked little smile in return.

"I love horses. I'd be very happy to go with you tomorrow. Sounds like a good way to spend the day to me."

Well, well, well... As it turned out, so far it was a great night already with more to come tomorrow. She looked forward to the trip. Checking out some horses, getting outside on a ranch for the day and spending some more time with Ash Jordan. Not a bad thing at all.