Page 39 of The Cowboy's Surprise Return

She rolled her eyes. “There’s no style to cramp.”

“So to reiterate, we want to look serious, but not too serious.”

“Too serious?”

“Like we’re on the marriage track.”

“Right.”

“I just want my brothers to understand I’m here to stay.”

“Nobody will expect you to marry me. Or vice versa.”

“Right. I’m too wild and crazy to settle down?”

“Nobody’s come close to marrying me.” She frowned, considering how others might view their relationship. “Maybe this won’t work.”

“I think us finally getting into a relationship that’s steady has a certain power to it,” he said. “It’ll show everyone that we arebothready for this. That we’ve both outgrown our old images.” He slid his hands around her waist, as though hoping to settle her. “You’re the only one I can do this with.”

“I know.”

“So will you?”

“Almost four months?” She exhaled slowly, her heart thumping.

“Please?”

She gave a tiny nod, accepting the inevitable.

He released her with a grin, then held out his little finger. “Pinkie swear. A couple of months together. No blowups. Just kisses and image reform.”

She gave him a look of disbelief. “Really? A pinkie swear? If anybody in town saw this right now, they’d throw out your old reputation in a heartbeat.”

He frowned at his finger, and she snagged it quickly, releasing it before he could react.

“Yep. You’re a tough bad boy. Pinkie swear,” she scoffed, heading out of the equipment shed, her heart thrumming in her ears with what she’d just done. What she’d just agreed to. “I’m hungry. Is it lunchtime yet?”

He hurried after her. “Girlfriend, wait up.”

When she turned, she didn’t know whether to look at him or away.

“Feels weird, doesn’t it?” he said.

“Because you made it weird.” Her entire chest felt warm with the idea that of all the women in the county, Cole had chosen her as his girlfriend.

* * *

Cole saddled up two horses, one for himself and one for his girlfriend.

What a strange feeling it was having a girlfriend again. Someone he trusted. Sure, it was a fake commitment, but he was certain he’d enjoy the process.

Like a real couple, they were heading down to the creek for a Valentine’s Day picnic before their afternoon odd-job task.

As Cole adjusted the saddle blanket on his horse, he glanced to the right, where Jackie was untangling a bridle she’d dropped on the dirt floor moments ago. His girlfriend.

Technically, he could kiss her anywhere, anytime. Well, maybe. They hadn’t quite ironed out the rules yet.

He smiled to himself. Despite the way his thoughts had been drawn to Jackie ever since he’d arrived home Christmas Day, he hadn’t seen a relationship coming.

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