Page 10 of Shielded Hearts

“What is great about this part of Wyoming? Is it that nobody wants to come here? Wait. Are you saying you already have a place tostayin Montana?”

“Yes.”

“I can get you there.”

She perked up, her eyes glittering in the darkness. “Really?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

She shook her head as if trying to clear it of too many margaritas he’d seen her down after the Cupid Shuffle.

Then she turned to him, her eyes round with shock.

“Wait—did you just sayweare going to Montana?”

* * * * *

The road stretched before them, so black that even the canopy of stars didn’t illuminate it. The headlights of Colt’s older model truck appeared dim too, barely lighting up the grass on the sides of the road or showing the odd wildlife before it leaped out in front the truck.

Aspen shifted in her seat, tossing Colt look after look.

His jaw was taut. His shoulders stiff. One hand stayed locked around the steering wheel in a death grip.

Some women loved broody men. She wasn’t one of them. And Colt Malone was definitely the broody type. She didn’t know what her type actually was—she hadn’t found it yet. She only knew it wasn’t him.

Throwing him another glance, she earned a groan from him.

“Why do you keep looking at me?”

“You seem tense.”

“So?”

“I wondered if you were tired. I can drive if you are.”

“I’m good.”

“You’ve barely spoken since we crossed the state line.”

“I’m not much of a talker. You’re welcome to talk if you want.”

She blinked at the ring of dull yellow from the headlights. Now she was on the hook. She had to come up with something to fill the dead airspace.

“I’m visiting a few different properties in Montana.”

“So you just pop in to inspect these places and then leave?”

“Oh no. I stay there. Use all the amenities. Visit the cities or towns around them to see what’s on offer there. It’s important that there is decent food and places to shop for my clients. Entertainment is sometimes important to them as well, but not always. At times, they want quiet escapes.”

“Hmph.”

The noise he made deep in his throat reminded her that he was supposed to be on vacation too, and she was keeping him from his plans.

In a rush, she babbled, “I take photos for publicity and market them on my website or put them into a portfolio.”

The word dropped like a bomb between them, obliterating any hope of ease their brief conversation might have given them.

“My attention to detail is what gains me repeat business.”

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