Page 6 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

She had to smile. “Thanks.”

He laughed. “For dropping it or not giving up?”

“Both?”

“Okay, then. Are you really ready to leave or were you just trying to go easy on me? I can wheel you in and out of souvenir stores till they close ‘em down if it’ll make you happy.” He chuckled. “I have more staying power than you’re giving me credit for.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “I’m not going to test your staying power this afternoon – in any respect. I’ve seen everything I want to here, thanks. I would still like to see your place if you don’t think it’s too late.”

He checked his watch. “I’ve got all the time in the world, darlin’. It’s later than I thought, though. Do you want to let Callie know that you’re staying for dinner?”

She chuckled. “I am?”

“You might as well, it’ll almost be that time when we get back up there.”

She checked her own watch. “Either you eat very early, or your idea ofalmostis a couple of hours.”

He shrugged happily. “I’m just trying to set up in advance that I get to keep you for the evening. Don’t want to make Callie mad at me.”

“Okay, I’ll text her and tell her that I’m going to have dinner with you.”

“Awesome. You sure you don’t want to do any more shopping while we’re here?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

When they got back to his truck, he took all her bags and put them on the back seat for her before opening the passenger door.

“Are you ready?”

She nodded. “Thanks, Travis. I hate to be a burden like this.”

“It’s no burden. If you think about it, it works out pretty well for me.”

She laughed. “I know you like to put a positive spin on things but come on, how’s this working out well for you?”

He grinned and offered her his hands. She let him help her to her feet and clung to his arms when he put his hands on her hips to hold her steady. “I get to pick you up all I like!”

She had to laugh as he slid his arm around her and lifted her. Instead of plonking her straight onto the passenger seat, he held her close to his chest and smiled down at her.

“I like it,” he said.

As she stared up into his eyes, she reached her arms up around his shoulders – where else was she supposed to put them? She liked it too, but she didn’t think she should admit it. She had a feeling that if she gave him the slightest encouragement, he’d push for more.

She loved the little smirk on his face as he raised his eyebrows. “I know you’re not going to tell me that you like it, too, but you don’t dislike it, do you?”

She smiled in spite of herself. “I don’t, but you should probably put me in the truck now.”

He grinned. “We could just stand around here for a while.”

She had to laugh. “We could, but we shouldn’t.”

He blew out an exaggerated sigh as he carefully set her in the passenger seat. “You okay?”

“I am, thanks.”

He reached across to fasten the seat belt for her, and when he looked up, his nose was just inches from hers.

Her heart pounded in her chest. He was so close that it’d be easy to kiss him – to just lean forward and … and what was she thinking?

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