Page 17 of The Cowboy's Promise

“It doesn’t take much, but then again I rescued him this afternoon. That’s how he sees it.”

“He’s right, you did. Can I have a hug?”

“Any time,” Blake replied, wrapping his arms around her. “But we should get goin’. It’s already gettin’ cold. Butch! Come on, boy. Time to leave.”

But the dog was fixated on Henry’s other blanket sitting on top of Heather’s trunk.

“That’s weird,” she remarked. “Come on, Butch, come with us. Do you want a treat?“

Butch barked, then trotted over to her.

“Bribery and corruption,” Blake said with a chuckle as Heather gave him a horse biscuit.

“It works every time, although once an animal gets your number they can be very manipulative.”

“This is true,” Blake agreed, taking her hand and moving down the aisle.

But as they stepped outside she was suddenly engulfed by a wave of emotion.

“Are you okay?” Blake asked as she sniffled.

“Yes, it’s just the cold air. It makes my nose run sometimes.”

Though she didn’t want to lie to him she had no choice.

How could she admit she’d fallen in love with him.

Totally and hopelessly.

She knew he liked her but there were no guarantees.

He was a hunky cowboy with several very attractive clients.

And she was scared to death.

* * *

Though it was a short drive back to the ranch Blake turned on the heater. The sun was disappearing behind Smoky Hill and the air seemed to be growing colder with every passing minute. Rolling down the driveway and pulling to a stop, he glanced across at Heather and felt his heart swell. He wanted to wrap her into his arms and never let her go.

“What is it?” she asked, staring back at him.

“I was just wonderin’ if you’d like to come in for a while.”

“Don’t we have to check on the horses?”

“Doug’s here so we don’t have to worry about that,” he remarked, seeing his foreman’s SUV parked next to the barn. “I’ll give him a hand finishin’ up. It shouldn’t take long.”

“Normally I’d love to join you, but I’m wiped out. I think I need an early night.”

“You’re right, it’s been a pretty crazy day. Besides, I probably wouldn’t let you leave,” he added, lowering his voice and shooting her a wink. But as they stepped outside a frown crossed his brow. The icy air felt more like early winter than fall. “Damn, it’s cold,” he muttered. “I’m glad we put that heavy blanket on Henry. Text me when you arrive home so I know you got there safe,” he continued, opening her truck door and watching her climb behind the wheel.

“I will. Thanks for everything.”

Stepping back, he stared after her as she drove away and took in a cold, heavy breath.

He had wanted her to stay.

And never leave.

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