Page 53 of Choosing the Montana Cowboy

Sam winked. “I’ll break you of that fear eventually.”

“We’ll see.” Which, in Hoosier terms, meantwasn’t gonna happen.

Bozeman turned out to be a really neat city, the downtown chic with all sorts of wonderful shops and bars. Sam was an absolute gentleman, opening doors and following her into shops that caught her eye. Friday afternoon was truly magical, and she was almost sad when they had to climb into his truck and head up to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. But one look at Neil as he stepped out of the terminal, and joy replaced her melancholy.

“Neil!”

“Nattie!” He rushed to her, picked her up, and swung her around before planting a kiss on her cheek. “It’s been far too long. Heavens, woman, you look beautiful as ever.”

“And you look handsome as ever, my friend.” She stepped back and came to stand beside Sam once more. “Neil, I’d like you to meet Sam Miles. Sam, meet Neil Frey.”

*

It was allSam could do not to slug Natalie’s friend. Who the hell did he think he was, walking in here and kissing her like that? But starting a fight in the airport wouldn’t be good for any of them. Besides, Natalie wouldn’t take too kindly to him making introductions to her old friend with his fists. So, Sam played nice. For now. He stepped forward, right hand extended.

“Pleasure to meet you, Neil.”

Neil sized him up, his smile widening. “The pleasure’s all mine, cowboy.” He clasped Sam’s hand and pulled him closer, adding in a lower voice, “And don’t worry, I’m not here to steal your girl.”

Damn right, you’re not.

Sam gave his hand an extra squeeze then released it to place that same hand on Natalie’s slender shoulder.

Neil chuckled as he flexed his freed digits. “You’ve got yourself a feisty one, Nattie. He’s a keeper.”

She blushed, oblivious to the male posturing going on, but let the comment slide.

The trio turned toward the baggage claim area, Sam maintaining contact with Natalie as they walked. She and Neil chatted away, catching up on families and careers. It wasn’t until Neil excused himself to hit the men’s room that Sam discovered Natalie wasn’t as oblivious as he’d believed. She dragged him to a corner then spun to face him, brows furrowed.

“What is your problem?” she whispered.

“I don’t know what you—”

“Don’t you give me that, Samuel Miles. I saw that extra squeeze you gave poor Neil’s hand back there. You do realize that if you’d broken his hand, he wouldn’t have been able to take your damned pictures, right?”

“Poor Neil? The guy would have been making out with you right in front of me if you hadn’t turned your cheek at the last minute.”

“Wha—” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “What part of Neil is happily married did you not catch the other day?”

He frowned. “So, what, happily married people never cheat?”

“Not when they’re married to a Thomas.”

Sam snorted. Like he cared what Neil’s spouse’s maiden name was.

Natalie leaned closer. “Hishusband, Thomas.”

“His hus—Oh.His husband.” Sam hung his head.

If there’s been a boulder in the room, he would have crawled under it.

“Exactly. Now stop being such a damned Neanderthal and start making my friend feel welcome before he changes his mind and hops on the next plane home.”

He conceded with a nod. Natalie was in no mood to hear his weak apology. Especially when she was right. He had been acting like a caveman. Neil returned a few moments later, pulling two rolling bags behind him. One looked like luggage, the other like his camera equipment.

“We good?” he asked, his gaze locking with Sam’s.

There was no malice there, for which Sam was thankful. He gave the newcomer a subtle nod. “Sure are. We’ve got about a two-hour drive ahead of us. Did you want to grab a bite to eat here in Bozeman or wait until we get back to the lodge?”

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