Page 34 of The Way to a Cowboy's Heart

Emily’s gaze took in the family who were all focused on her. “When I met Liam in New York, so randomly on the subway, I couldn’t have imagined where he came from, or what a wonderful, talented family he had here. But I’m so glad to meet you all. Thank you for the lovely welcome and the dinner.”

“You’re very welcome,” Sarah told her. “And you must be exhausted after this long travel day.”

“I think the time change is starting to kick in.”

They all got up and began to clear the table. Sarah forbade Emily’s help. “Guest, remember? Now go get a good night’s sleep and get ready for whatever surprise Liam has in store for you tomorrow.”

He walked her back to the cabin under a starry sky. The pathway was lit here and there with edging lights and string lights wound around the trunks of nearby trees here and there adding to the magical feeling of this place at night.

The night air was colder than the chilly afternoon and he put an arm around her shoulder as they walked to keep her warm.

“You were a hit,” he told her as they walked. “They all loved you.”

“You have a lovely family.”

“A lot of personalities, for sure,” he said. “But that’s what makes us work, I guess.”

“So, what is this big surprise you have for me tomorrow?” They reached her cabin door and lingered outside, reluctant to end the night.

“You’re gonna have to wait. But I think you’ll like it. You’re not scared of heights, are you?”

Her eyes widened. “Are we going… mountain climbing?”

He laughed. “No. Just checking.”

“Well, I did work on the twenty-first floor of our building for six years, so I’d have to say, no?”

“Good. Since you’re still technically on New York time, will ‘early’ bother you?”

She bit her lip. “How early?”

“Six am?”

“Now you’ve got me curious. Six it is. I’ll set my alarm.” She leaned back against the cabin door, smiling at him.

His gaze was on her mouth, but he forced his eyes up to meet hers. “So. Good night then.”

“Night… Hey, Liam?”

He hadn’t moved. He was still close enough she could feel his heat.

“Yeah?”

“Tonight reminded me of my favorite nights, cooking for friends back in the city. It was nice. Thank you.”

He smiled. “It was nice. Nice to have you there. Now… get a good night’s sleep. I’ll see you in the morning. Wear comfortable shoes. You have comfortable shoes, right?”

“Would I come to the wilds of Montana without them?”

His gaze continued to blaze a trail across her face.

Her cheeks heated. “You’re… not going to kiss me?”

“You want me to kiss you? Because I will.” It was more of a threat than a promise.

“So… what are you waiting for?”

“Maybe,” he said, tucking his hands around her waist, standing mere inches from her, “I’m waiting for you to say I’m not gonna scare you away with a real kiss. Or cross your boundaries. Or make you think I brought you here for some ulterior—”

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