Page 35 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“Thank you. Carsen will love it.” CaDee choked back emotion. Piper’s gesture was heartwarming beyond words. “You should show him this evening.”
Piper nodded, one corner of her mouth lifting.
By the time Sharp arrived, CaDee had her emotions back in check. She was sitting at the kitchen island coloring with Carsen when Sharp strode in, carrying a fishing rod and a tackle box. Was he taking her fishing?
“Hi, kiddo.” Sharp tousled Carsen’s hair. “These are yours. Every kid should have a rod.”
Carsen’s eyes widened when Sharp set the box on the table and leaned the rod against the wall. Carsen slid off the stool and stared at the gift like Christmas had come early. “I don’t know how to fish.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do this evening,” Piper said. “I’m not one to brag but the fish will literally jump on my hook.”
“Can I, Mommy?” Carsen’s enthusiasm made his eyes twinkle.
“Yes, just be careful.”
“Can we go now?” Carsen grabbed the tackle box and held it against his chest.
“How about we go out to the shed and find my gear and then we’ll head out?” Piper said.
In her son’s excitement, he didn’t even say goodbye to her, but CaDee wasn’t hurt. To see his joy made her very happy.
“Thank you,” she said to Sharp.
“No problem.” He looked handsome in a blue button down and dark jeans. The ever-present belt and large buckle were in place.
She stood and shook out the dress that landed at her ankles.
Sharp’s admiring gaze sent warmth through her.
The sundress made her feel very feminine. The V-neck dipped low enough between her breasts to show a bit of skin.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“I am.” She didn’t feel a bit anxious or worried leaving Carsen because she knew he was in good hands.
At the truck, Sharp opened the door for her. Once inside, she asked, “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
“And spoil the surprise?” He chuckled.
“It’ll still be a surprise,” she said.
“Can you ever let your guard down and allow someone else to have control?” In typical Sharp fashion, he didn’t mince words.
“Isn’t that a little deep? I just asked where we’re going?”
“Just pointing out what I see.”
“Fine. Don’t tell me. I can handle not knowing.”
As he drove, she took in his profile. He was cleanly shaven and the soft material of the shirt hugged his shoulders. There was something safe and secure in being with him as they drove down the quiet road. She was starting to trust him.
But could she trust him fully?
He didn’t know her. Not her secrets.
Her eyes naturally shifted to his masculine hands. His long wide fingers were wrapped around the steering wheel. She took in a shuddering breath. They were nice, unlike Dante’s who had a manicure every week. Sharp’s hands were tanned. His flat nails were clean and clipped short, but he had a working man’s hands. Manly and rough.
What would it be like to be touched by those hands?
