Page 31 of Pretend To Be My Cowboy
Her head fell back against the seat, her eyes crinkling at the corners with another laugh.
He would and he had, and she knew it. But he’d realized quickly that while she might not know how to ride a horse, which was a crying shame, she lit up like a Christmas tree the moment they’d started off-roading.
“Although,” he added in a slow drawl as he held up his arm to look at a nonexistent watch on his wrist. “I would say I beat your challenge.”
She rolled her head to the side, her cheeks pink and her eyes bright as she bit her lip like she was holding back another laugh. “Um, I sort of forgot to set the timer.”
He chuckled. “We’ll just have to do it again then.”
She nodded, her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink that was downright enchanting. “I’d like that.”
She started to unbuckle her seat belt, and he leaned over to help.
“Thanks,” she said.
“No problem.” He tugged on the strap. “These tend to get stuck.”
“No, I meant…” She tilted her head to the side with a sharp exhale. “I mean, thanks for today. Forthis. For everything.”
She ducked her head when he didn’t immediately respond. In his defense, he had no idea what he was supposed to say, and he was a little shocked by what he’d wanted to say.
It was my pleasure. The shocking part was—he’d have meant it. What was more, he might have added,I can’t wait to do it again.
“Well,” she said as she clambered out of the UTV. “I’m sure you’re busy, and I’ve taken up too much of your time as it is.”
“Not a problem,” he finally managed. He cleared his throat. “You ought to get a good feel for the property as you figure out what you’re going to do next.”
She nodded, and he could have kicked himself for bringing up that business again. Just the mention of the inheritance and the potential sale had her bright blue eyes clouding and that easy smile fading away.
“We’ll do this again,” he said, a little too quickly, to fill the silence and to bring that smile back.
It worked. Her lips curled up with enthusiasm. “Yeah?”
“Anytime you like.”
She nodded. “I’d really love that.”
He was getting out of the driver side, and gripped the roll bar as he faced her. “Much as the side-by-side is a fun way to get around the ranch, it’s a shame you couldn’t see it on horseback. That’s really the only way to experience the range.”
She sighed, and that sigh was so dreamy and sweet it had his lips twitching up in another grin.
“Oh, I would love that,” she said.
“Maybe one day.” The moment the words slipped out, he felt a kick of guilt. What was he doing talking to this woman about ‘one days’? Especially at the ranch.
He was supposed to be supporting her efforts to sell and sell fast—to his family—not make promises about all the fun she could have here if she stuck around.
“Maybe one day.” She repeated his words softly, like she was talking to herself.
Maybe she was. He’d caught her mumbling to herself more than once since she’d arrived.
“But for now, I’d better get back to business,” she said, nodding toward the house. “I’ll see you later?”
“I’ll be back in time for dinner,” he said.
His neck grew warm because...aw heck, that sounded too intimate. Like they were a couple or something, making plans to meet up again later.
“Great.” She started to back away. “I saw there’s a grill out on the back deck and some steaks in the freezer. How about I organize dinner?”
