Page 55 of Steal My Heart (Prosperity Ranch 2)

“No way,” he said, keeping the basket closed as he grabbed a blanket from the back of the truck as well. Then with his other hand, he grasped hers. “Where are we going?”

“Just a place I used to come to a lot—you know, when I didn’t want to be found.”

Carson glanced down at her. “You’re showing me your secret hideout?”

“Yep.”

His smile was slow as he drew her close. “Why?”

She leaned even closer, her clothing brushing against his. “Holt told me about your conversation, and I figured that a man who could put my brother in his place is a man who gets the real tour of Prosper.”

Carson’s smile widened. “Well, then I’m honored, ma’am.”

She raised up on her toes and brushed her lips against his. They didn’t embrace or hold each other—just a soft, tame kiss between them. But it was perfect.

Then, Evie snatched his hat and plunked it on top of her own head.

Carson grabbed for the hat, but she leapt away, laughing.

“Fine,” he said. “You look better in it anyway.”

Evie smirked and continued walking. She led him through a few trees, and soon, they’d arrived at the river, where she approached the bank and watched the meandering water. Memories flashed through her mind as she remembered some of the times she’d come here. Times of distress, anger, and even times of happiness, like when she’d found out she’d gotten into college on an academic scholarship. Or the time after prom when she’d been so mad at her brothers. And the time she came to sit and think for a couple of hours after finding out about her mom’s cancer.

The memories were all there, shifting and moving like the flow of the river.

And now, she’d make a new memory. She looked over her shoulder to see Carson spreading a blanket on the ground, then setting the picnic basket in the middle. She still couldn’t believe he’d suggested a picnic. It was so . . . quaint and sweet.

His gaze met hers, and she felt her cheeks heat up, but she didn’t shift her gaze as he approached. Carson slipped an arm around her from behind, then he lifted the hat from her head.

She laughed, and he tossed it toward the blanket.

“I think we’ve got plenty of shade here.”

And they did. The temperature was perfect, neither cold nor hot, and the river only added to the ambiance of the clear blue sky above.

Carson’s other hand slid around her waist, and he drew her against him. She leaned back and closed her eyes, relishing in the feel of his warm chest and arms around her. New memories—this was good.

“This place is beautiful,” Carson said, resting his chin on her shoulder so that his voice rumbled next to her ear.

A warm shiver sent goose bumps across her skin. “Yeah, I think it’s my favorite place in Prosper.”

His hold tightened, and she rested her arms on top of his. They didn’t speak for a moment, only the sound of the river between them.

“Thanks for talking to my brother,” she said.

“You’re welcome,” Carson said, a smile in his tone. “I wasn’t sure how that little conversation was going to go. Whether I might have to take the topic to your dad.”

“Would you have done that?”

“Absolutely.”

Evie turned in his arms, and rested her hands on his shoulders. “You know, I should be fighting my own battles.”

“Oh, you already are,” Carson said, his dark eyes fastened on hers. “But I’m also going to defend what’s mine.”

She quirked a brow. “You did not just say that, Carson Hunt.”

“What if I did?” he asked in a low, teasing tone.

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