Page 2 of About Time You Noticed

Tommy raised his palms. "I don't know how women think. I'm the last person to ask."

Edward chuckled. "Sarah said you two are like best friends."

Tommy stood taller. "Yeah. She's like a little sister to me. Known her for years, and since most in our group are married now, Sarah and I spend more time together."

"Can you put in a good word for me? See how she reacts when you mention my name.” He shrugged. “Maybe ask if I can have her number."

Tommy ran his teeth over his lip. "I guess I could. I'm seeing her later today." He took in a deep breath. "I can't promise you anything. I don't know Sarah's taste in men. We never talk about that stuff."

Edward grabbed his shoulder. "I appreciate it. Just say something nice about me, and I'll take it from there."

"You're pretty confident, aren’t you?" And why not? The guy didn’t have a hair out of place or one wrinkle in his shirt. Would Sarah be impressed by Edward’s immaculate car? He had the brains, that was for sure. The guy had a lot going for him.

Edward scanned Tommy from head to toe. "If I were built like a tank, I would be. I'm surprised you don't have a bunch of ladies trailing after you, Tom.” He propped a fist on his hip. "Of course, your winning personality is what matters most.” He winked. “Looks aren't everything, but you have it all, bro. Why are you single?"

Tommy bellowed a laugh. "If only it were that easy. Not many singles live out this way, and my friend’s horror stories ruined me for online dating. In the end, Ethan got back together with a girl he dated in college."

"Online dating isn't for everyone. I tried it once, but I prefer to meet someone through a church. In Georgetown, where I attend, there’s only families or older couples."

"Idaho Springs is the same. Only five singles left. Three are guys."

"Right. Maybe we need to pray for a revival." Edward laughed.

"Sign me up for the prayer meeting."

***

A MUZZLE SNUFFLED SARAH’S armpit, and she giggled. "I don’t keep treats there, Trixi." She led her horse to the starting line. “You need to reach your goal first.” How many steps could she do this time?

Putting ten yards between them, Sarah faced Trixi and waved her hands high. “Up. Like I taught you."

The horse reared onto her hind legs and took short steps, standing upright.

Sarah walked backward and clapped in time, counting. “One, two, three . . . four, five . . .”

A man cleared his throat behind her. The horse neighed, flaring her nostrils, and her hooves clawed the air.

Sarah startled. Her boot slipped on something mushy—Trixi’s digested breakfast, no doubt. Arms flailing, she lost her balance.

Strong arms encircled Sarah’s waist and tugged her away from Trixi’s descending hooves. She caught her breath, taking in Tommy's familiar aftershave. She puffed her bangs out of her eyes and peered up, leaning into his chest.

"Thank you." Her voice emerged breathy. Tommy didn’t hold her every day. She still had dreams about the way they’d danced at their friends' double wedding last spring.

"Reminds me of when we played, Trust Me as kids." He pretended to drop her for a second, his eyes sparkling.

"Don't you dare." She craned her neck forward, and he pushed her to a standing position.

"Sorry for spooking you and the horse. I'd be no good at equine therapy. My client would be kicked in the head in no time."

Sarah tilted her chin heavenward, and her laughter echoed across the outdoor arena. She pushed against his solid shoulder, but he barely budged. "You’d be great. Your confidence would show the horses who's boss."

He squinted against the sun’s glare. His skin glowed and appeared more tanned than usual. Her pale skin would never brown like his. She only burned and gained freckles.

"Finished for the day?" His handsome lips quirked upward at the corners.

"Just about. Gotta brush her down, first." She coaxed Trixi forward and gathered the reins. "Wanna follow me to her stall?"

Tommy dug his hands into his pockets and shrugged, causing his shirt to stretch tight across his chest. "I guess since I came early, I should help somehow."

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