Page 56 of Steal My Heart (Prosperity Ranch 2)

“Then I’d say you’re worse than my brothers.”

He slid one hand up her back, then stopped at the nape of her neck. “Your brothers have good hearts and good intentions,” he said. “But like I told Holt, your decisions have to be yours, and yours alone. No matter what.”

“So, you don’t care where I accept a job or decide to live?”

“Oh, I care very much.” Carson winked.

“Hmmm. Good to know.” She loved the amusement in his dark eyes, but she saw something more there, something deeper, more permanent. “Are you going to try to convince me to move back home?”

“Will it make a difference?” he asked, his mouth curving.

Evie released a small sigh. “One day at a time, right?”

“Right.”

“Does this mean you’ve told your grandpa you’re working for him?”

“All I’ve told him so far was that this spring break is for me to gather information and consider my options.” Carson’s hand threaded through her hair, and the sensation of his touch fluttered across her skin. “Nothing has been decided or promised.”

Evie ran her fingers along his smooth jaw. “You shaved.”

“I did.”

She kissed him then, because it was impossible not to. Carson’s mouth was warm and welcoming as he kissed her back. The sound of the river, the stillness of the air all created a brand new memory. One that she’d cherish always. She never thought the man who kissed her first would be the man she wanted a relationship with. Boyfriend, girlfriend . . . that sounded too serious, too permanent. It meant that things would be more complicated and feelings would be involved. And hearts.

As it was, her heart was skipping every other beat right now.

Carson’s other hand anchored at her hip, and she pressed into him, wanting this moment, this memory, to last forever. She loved being in his arms, loved the way he made her feel, but was she wearing rose-colored glasses? Becca told her to not stress over it, to just enjoy being with a hot man who was also sweet.

Which, of course, Carson was. But he hadn’t backed down from Holt. And it was pretty obvious that Carson liked her. If the way his kissing made her feel like the only woman in the world was any indication.

She had no one else to compare him to, but she didn’t need to. Carson Hunt was the real deal. But he was most likely moving to Prosper to work for and take care of his grandad. And . . . she had to tell him about the email from the San Antonio newspaper. Because if he knew, then he might not be taking her on picnics and arguing her case against her brothers.

Her rumbling stomach caught Carson’s attention.

“Okay, okay, we’ll get you fed.” He chuckled as he drew away.

She grabbed his hand, though, and he squeezed. She was already missing being in his arms, which was ridiculous. This crush was doing crazy things to her mind and emotions.

Carson knelt over the picnic basket and began to unload it. Two water bottles, a couple of sandwiches, which Evie discovered were turkey and lettuce, and a few red apples.

“Sorry it’s not more fancy, but you didn’t give me much notice.”

“Whatever,” Evie said with a laugh. “You’re the one who suggested a picnic. Plus, this is perfect.”

“Nothing’s better than turkey on white.” Carson unwrapped his sandwich and took a huge bite.

Evie grinned. She unwrapped her own sandwich and took a bite. “Pretty good.”

“And a pretty good view, too.”

But Carson wasn’t looking at the blue-green river or the wildflowers lining the riverbank. He was gazing at her.

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