Page 29 of Choosing the Montana Cowboy

Curiosity inspired by a certain cowboy and that unexpected kiss.

But was she really ready to step back into the world of dating? Of relationships?

Natalie stood before the vanity mirror in her room at the Bramble House, giving her reflection an overdue pep talk. Maybe a fling that couldn’t go anywhere was the perfect way to ease back into things. It would either help remind her of all the things she’d been missing or remind her as to why she’d remained single this whole time. Either way, she didn’t feel like she could lose.

Unless you get attached.

Like that was going to happen. There wouldn’t be time to get attached, especially if this ferret claim panned out. If that happened, she’d be back in Indiana by the end of next week. Surely, she couldn’t fall for anyone that fast.

Her stomach let out a long, snarling growl, so she got cleaned up and headed down to the dining room, choosing a small table near the window today. Her gaze, as usual, was drawn to Copper Mountain, with its base covered in lush green, transitioning to pines, then rock, then snow-capped peaks. It was all so different from her views of endless corn and soybean fields in Indiana.

Well, that wasn’t entirely fair. Her hometown had places of beauty throughout the year. Springtime landscapes full of sunny, smiling daffodils and tulips. Summers at the lake with her friends and neighbors, with daytime boat rides and evening bonfires. Autumn leaves painting the countryside in yellows, oranges, and brilliant reds. Winter, with blankets of snow that were beautiful yet manageable.

She leaned closer to the window, eyeing the town’s cityscape. What did Marietta look like in the winter? Did the roads stay clear here, or did everyone hole up from December through February? Heck, was the Miles family even able to make the drive into town once the snow hit? And what did that do to the local schools?

Her cell phone buzzed on the table with a text message. She picked it up, expecting it to be something from her boss. Instead, it was from Sam. There were no words, just an image.

The purple lawnmower with a tan goat standing on its seat, grass hanging from its mouth.

Natalie burst out laughing. As she saved it to her phone as a keepsake, a text message from him appeared.

Passed it this morning and thought of you.

Now, didn’t that just bring a smile to her face? Grinning, she texted backBest. Photo. Ever.

“Your French toast, Miss Wright.”

She looked up to find her server, Eliza, approaching with an oversized plate with four decadent slices of syrup- and powdered sugar-covered heaven.

“Oh my goodness. That looks amazing.” Natalie watched as the plate was placed before her. “There’s enough here to share! Care to join me?”

Eliza laughed. “If it wouldn’t get me fired, I absolutely would. Let me know if you need anything, hon.”

Fired. Would exploring whatever was happening between her and Sam get her fired? She didn’t think so. But was it worth the risk? Cyn would say heck yes. Natalie still wasn’t so sure. Heck, she wasn’t even entirely sure that there was anything happening between them. Maybe that kiss had been a fluke, a lapse in judgment.

You coming out to the ranch this weekend, or did I scare you off last night?

Hmm, strike that—apparently, it’d been neither of those things. Natalie debated what to text back. She was playing with fire. And was she looking forward to going back because of the prospect of sightseeing or because what she really wanted was more time with Sam?

Mostly likely, it was a combination of both. And she didn’t want him to think he’d scared her at all. If anything, he’d struck a match.

Are you kidding? Your gramps promised me amazing views of Big Sky country, and I intend to hold you to it.

There, that didn’t sound scared or desperate. Or overeager. Hopefully.

He didn’t respond right away, so she traded her phone for a fork and knife. He’d probably gotten busy, and there was no sense in letting her breakfast get cold. She took a bite of her French toast, barely able to contain the moan of ecstasy at its delicate balance of flavor and texture. Took another bite. Her gaze shifted back to the phone.

Still no response.

Don’t overthink it.

She sliced off another piece of French toast and popped it into her mouth.

He’ll text when he has time.

Natalie speared a piece of fruit that had been served on the side.

Maybe my text sounded too platonic.

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