Page 14 of Hiding in Montana

With a thud, she landed against Clint’s body. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Was she really in his arms? Polly opened her eyes and looked into those same soft brown eyes. This was another memory. But no, it was real. The concern on his face overshadowed her own lingering fears. As he helped her stand, he snaked his arm around her waist, giving her support.

“Are you hurt?”

“No. Other than my pride. I guess I got cocky and fell off.” She looked over at Nahla, who was patiently standing as if to say what are you doing over there. He still hadn’t released her.

“I’m okay, Clint.” She gave him a wry smile. “Isn’t there a saying, when you fall off, you have to get right back on the horse?” Besides, it was better than getting frustrated that the memory surfaced from the day of her accident, then slipped away.

He tipped his head. “They do. Are you up for that?”

She wiped the palms of her hands on her jeans, stood up straight, and strode to Nahla’s side. “Girl, we’re going to try this again.” She placed her foot in the stirrup, grabbed the saddle horn, and as graceful as possible, swung her leg up and over. “I’m going to stick to walking for the rest of today.”

“Make two loops, and then we’ll take care of Nahla. If you play your cards right, we can fire up the grill for burgers.” A flush moved up his neck, over his cheeks. “That’s if you want. No pressure.”

“That sounds good, and I can pick some greens and radishes from the garden for salad.”

“Workin’ together, I like it.” He bobbed his head. Again, he kept pace with her as Nahla circled the paddock.

After they had brushed the mare and put the tack away, Polly held out her hand to Clint. They strolled hand in hand down the wide gravel road toward the bunkhouses, where she knew he had a cabin. It was something Annie had filled her in on when she was learning about the workings of the ranch.

“Do you like to cook?” she asked.

“Quinn’s better, but I’m good with the grill.” He pointed in the garden's direction. “Detour for salad?”

She wasn’t in any hurry, so they strolled in the opposite direction toward the main house.

“What do you think about riding? Is it something you’ll want to do again?”

With a side-glance, she smiled. “I think so. Despite almost kissing the dirt, I’d like to take a ride with you. Maybe another lesson?”

“How about we skip a formal lesson and pack lunch and ride out to the river on Sunday? We can hang out. It’s not a long distance and we can take our time.”

She loved being outside. That was one of the reasons she had been drawn to Montana in the first place, the wide-open spaces and miles of hiking trails. Notwithstanding, it was the perfect place to drop off the radar and get away from Matthew. Thinking about him no longer made her look over her shoulder. She was safe as long as she stayed off the grid. She squeezed Clint’s hand. Right here and right now was the best place to be for more than one reason.

Over dinner Polly looked out from the small front porch. The sweeping views of the ranch seemed to go on endlessly. “How much land does Annie own?”

Clint pulled his chair close to her so he was looking at the same view and propped his feet on the split-rail porch banister. “Pretty much beyond where the eye can see. Her land goes up into the mountain range. There are some decent caves for exploring. From what Linc said, her parents owned the land next to this. When they died in a plane crash, Pops rolled it all in together, since someday this would all become hers. The house is still there, and she keeps it in good repair, but it’s been vacant for years now.”

“I wonder if she misses the city. She seems happy here.”

He sipped his beer. “Do you miss it?”

She didn’t have to think twice. “Not at all. When I left, it was the right thing to do and I’ve never looked back.” What she failed to say was there was still a part of her afraid to go back to what had once been her home.“It’s so peaceful here. I don’t think I’d ever want to move away from this view.”

He took her hand. “That’s exactly how I felt when I first stepped on the ranch. Even before I got my cabin, I’d sit out and just look at the view after a long day.” He sighed. “But it’s a mite better sitting next to you.”

She loved the soft drawl in his voice. It touched that tender spot she buried deep in her heart. “I couldn’t agree with you more.”

Later that night after Polly got home, she prowled around her house. She was surprised and a little disappointed he hadn’t pulled her in his arms and kissed the breath from her. But on the other hand, she wasn’t sure she was ready for that either. Was she sending mixed messages since she was definitely feeling them? Tomorrow she had to get the house tidy, and she volunteered to pack a lunch for them on Sunday. Tonight, her house seemed empty and she felt alone, almost isolated. It wasn’t like people in town weren’t friendly, but she had kept her distance from most, always worried someone would ask too many questions and discover she was really Pauline Parker and connect her back to Matthew.

She rubbed her hands over her arms, feeling like someone had just opened the freezer door and she was in danger of tumbling inside. It had been five years of silence from him, and she had not given him any reason to look for her. She had kept her side of the bargain and left him and his life. After double-checking the doors and windows were secured, she wanted to take a hot shower and just go to bed. Her life was getting on a positive track and she would do anything to keep it there.

Polly lay in bed, tossing and turning the events of the day over in her head. The way Clint looked at her tonight and his words played on repeat in her head. I promise you, I won’t leave you. He said those same words to her as she lay beside the rockslide, broken and bleeding.

She had to tell him. A budding relationship couldn’t survive and thrive if it was based on half-truths. It was something Polly had learned the hard way.

Her cell rang, and there was only one person who’d be calling her this late. She picked up and didn’t bother checking caller ID.

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