Page 51 of Hiding in Montana

“Makes sense.” Polly got up from her chair and eased herself between the table and Clint’s chest. “Can I make a suggestion?” She placed her lips on his forehead and worked her way down one side of his face and back up the other while he wondered where she was going. It was the middle of the workday and anything she started would have to wait until later.

She hovered over his lips. “Can we not spend every conversation talking about my ex-husband and get back to our dating life? I’ve missed that since he showed up.”

There was nothing he wouldn’t give for their sole focus to be on their romance. And since he’d do anything she wanted, he slipped his arms around her waist, clasping them together on the small of her back.

“How about we get dressed up tonight, all fancy like, and have dinner at the River Run Inn? It’s quiet, very romantic, and has excellent desserts to go. Then we’ll come back here and sit on my front porch, watching the stars. You can’t get more romance packed into a night like that.”

He’d do anything to keep the smile in her eyes that flickered there.

“What time do you want to pick me up?”

That would mean she was alone at her place. But he didn’t want to put her in a bubble since she’d hate that and eventually him. “Six? I’ll call Becky Easton and let her know.”

“Great.” She went to slip off his lap, and he held her in place.

“But can you do your boyfriend a favor?”

She gave him a generous grin. “That depends.”

“Will you let me know when you are getting ready to leave and text when you get home? I know I sound like some overprotective jerk, but contrary to what your ex says, I believe the person who shot me is still out there and it makes me uneasy. I know you can take care of yourself, but you’re not able to keep an eye on everything while you’re driving. And if anything looks out of place when you get home, don’t go inside, but call me first and I’ll come to town.”

She got to her feet and popped her hands on her hips. “Clint, you’re right about sounding overprotective. I appreciate it, but I will not allow some random person to stop me from living my life. I’m going to go home and put on something pretty for our date and I swear, if you’re late, well, groveling for forgiveness might be in order.” She bent down and pecked at his lips. “Now I’m going to sit down and finish my lunch before going back to work, and you’re going to do the same.” She straightened and did as she said. “You should have wrangled a piece of bread from Quinn. It’s delicious.”

“Have you ever tasted a slice of bread that you didn’t think was amazing?”

She grinned at the teasing tone in his voice. Closing her eyes for dramatic effect, she said, “Hm, I don’t believe so. Even stale bread can be turned into stuffing or bread pudding, so that’s a double win.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. Clint loved how she looked at the world like everything had possibilities, and for the first time in a long time, he knew that was true.

Clint picked Polly up at six on the dot and the moment he saw her, his mouth went dry. She twirled in the doorway when she opened it, the skirt of her dress showing a glimpse of thigh. She had pulled her hair up into a bun so her neckline was exposed, begging to be kissed.

“What do you think? Good enough for a dinner date with my handsome cowboy?”

He was glad he opted for dress slacks, a button-up shirt, and a sport coat. He needed to be the frame of her perfect picture.

She frowned. “What? You don’t like it?”

Stammering, he said, “No. That’s not it. I’m… I’m speechless. Every time I see you, I swear you get more beautiful.”

A flush slipped over her cheeks as her lips tipped up. That smile was all he ever needed to see. “I’ll get my handbag.”

“Did you throw some warmer clothes in another bag for stargazing?” She picked up a small backpack off the floor and handed it to him.

“I did.”

He took the keys and locked up, and then before she could walk down the steps, he pulled her into his arms. “You look beautiful tonight, Polly. I can’t wait to walk into the restaurant holding your hand.”

She seemed to mold to his body. “I need to remind myself that you might not be quick with compliments, but they always come from your heart.”

“Jeans and flannel or silk and heels. You’re always the most stunning woman in the room.”

“I dare say we need to get your eyes checked, but you do say the sweetest things.”

He knew she was poking fun at him, but he didn’t care. He only had eyes for her. Pop! Pop! He twirled her behind him and in one smooth motion, he withdrew a gun from under his jacket. His gaze swept the street from right to left, but he didn’t see anyone.

She placed a hand on his left forearm. “I think that was a truck down the street backfiring.”

He didn’t look away from where he thought he had heard the shot. Even with the pressure of her hand on his arm, reminding him she was okay, he remained vigilant. After a long, silent minute, he relaxed his stance and put the handgun back in its holster.

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