Page 16 of Hiding in Montana

“No cookies?” He tried to keep his face neutral, but his teasing tone would give away the truth that he was looking forward to today.

With a playful punch to his shoulder, she said, “Chocolate chip.”

He pretended to rub the spot as if it were painful, but in reality, her touch sent his heart racing. What was it about this woman that kept her from wanting to get closer? Clint had to wonder. Did she know he had a weakness for fried chicken?

“Good thing we have a cooler.”

Her brow furrowed. “How are you going to strap a cooler to a horse?”

With a chuckle, he said, “It’s a cantle cooler bag that’s insulated. It rests against the back of the saddle. Picture a saddlebag but made specifically for taking food and drinks on a trail ride. Daphne bought a few to have Annie and Linc try them out before she organizes trail rides for resort guests. I mentioned our plans to Annie, and she asked if we’d give this one a spin.”

Her eyes opened a little wider. “Annie knows about our plans?”

“Grace Star Ranch is like a small town where there are no secrets.” He tipped his head to the side. “Does that bother you?”

“No.” The word came out hesitantly, which made him think she was uncomfortable.

He reached out and touched her arm lightly, not wanting to spook her. “They’re not looking for ranch gossip. We’re good friends and since they recently got married, they’re always ready to give Cupid a helping hand.”

As her face relaxed into a warm smile, she said, “I guess having lived in the city for so long, I was pretty much anonymous, and this is a big change; that’s all.”

“There’s always an upside to small-town life too. We have each other’s backs. If someone falls on hard times, a person gets injured, or whatever it might be, folks around here pitch in.”

“Sounds a little like Mayberry.”

He had never thought River Junction was like the old television show, but he could see how she’d make the connection. “Except we don’t have a dorky deputy sheriff always getting into situations that the sheriff has to fix.”

“And there’s not a freckle-faced, precocious little boy zipping all over town on his bike.” She laughed. “I think we’ve covered the high points of old TV shows. I’ll just get the basket and we’ll be off.”

He headed in the direction of the kitchen and offered, “I’ll get it.”

She sidestepped, giving him access to the heart of her home, and again, he was pleased to see her comfort level was growing.

Trailing behind him, she picked up a straw cowboy hat on the side counter. “It’s right on the table.”

He lifted the wicker basket, surprised at the weight to it. “Did you pack every bit of food you had in the house?”

“Ha, you’re funny.” She set the hat on her head and a saucy smile slipped over her lips. “How do I look?”

Like she wanted to be kissed. He swallowed the lump in his throat but kept a safe distance between them. If there was one thing his momma had said that stuck like a burr, it was always respect women. “Like a woman ready to ride a horse.”

“Yesterday I was a bit sore, but today I feel great.” She stretched her hand out and wiggled her fingers. “I can take that.”

“You can get the door.” He wanted to get them out of the small kitchen before his resolve crumbled and he kissed her full pink lips.

A short while later, Clint parked the truck near the horse barn. He was pleased to see Polly didn’t just hop out of the truck, but waited for him to open the door for her. With the basket under his arm and her hand in his, they strolled to the barn. A few of the horses stopped grazing and picked up their heads in idle curiosity.

Scanning the paddock, she said, “I don’t see Nahla.”

“Our mounts are in their stalls. I brought them in before I went to your place. It’ll be quicker to get them saddled.”

Her steps slowed until she stopped in the bright sun. The brim of her hat shaded her eyes. “Clint, when we were in the kitchen, why didn’t you kiss me? I could tell you wanted to.”

The direct approach was so refreshing with a woman he was dating, but damn, if it didn’t take him aback. “I’m waiting until I’m sure it’s something you want.”

That sounded lame, but it wasn’t like he was about to kiss her and send her running for the hills.

A glint came into her eyes and her hand cupped his cheek, pulling him close to her upturned face. He bent over and waited. He could feel her breath on his face as it quickened. She rose on her toes and tentatively brushed his lips with hers. The pressure of the kiss zinged like an electrical charge through him, and he let her take the lead. Slow and steady, she explored his mouth with soft kisses and nibbles, then she pressed her body against his and wound her arms around his back. In what seemed like seconds, it was over. She stepped back, biting her lower lip as she lifted her eyes to meet his. A twinkle filled hers. “A girl likes to be kissed.”

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