Page 8 of Hiding in Montana

“I didn’t know you enjoyed hiking. We can go sometime if you want.” Sweet, something they could do together.

“I haven’t been on the trails in about three years. To be honest, I had an accident and lost my nerve to be out there again.” She looked away and down, but not before he saw the fear that hovered in her pretty hazel eyes.

“I’m sorry about that, but it brought you to River Junction, so out of something bad came something good.”

She nodded. “True. Do you hike?”

“When I have free time and I can get some buddies to hit the trail with me. We usually head a few hours west. There are some good hiking areas farther out there, but recently I’ve stuck pretty close to home, spending long weekends with my folks. They’re not getting any younger, and I love playing with my nieces.”

She tipped her head to one side, and it was easy to see that talking about kids touched a soft spot in her. “Just girls, no boys?”

“Not so far, to Dad’s dismay. Don’t get me wrong, he loves his granddaughters, but he’s old school and would love to have a grandson to carry on the Goodman name.”

“I could see why he’d want that. I think every dad wants the name carried on, at least certain generations do.”

He saw the server looking at them. “Do you want to order dinner or just have the nachos?”

“I could go for a burger and if you ask nice, I might share my fries with you.” She gave him a sassy wink, and he liked how it caused a zing to race through him.

“How about we order fries and onion rings and we can share them?”

She grinned. “Sounds like an excellent compromise.”

He signaled for the server. She came over and they placed their orders for burgers and sides.

Over an hour later, they were lingering over what was left of their dinner and Polly was sipping an iced tea. “That was delicious, but I should have saved half the burger for lunch tomorrow. I’m stuffed.” Polly wiped her mouth on the paper napkin, but she missed a spot of ketchup on her cheek.

Clint pointed to it, and she wiped it off. He wanted to lean over and do it for her, but that would have been too forward and such a cliché. Slow down, cowboy. This girl is a touch skittish, and you need to show her you’re trustworthy.

“If you’re all done, we could go for another walk down the street or take a drive. I can show you some additional high points of our small town, or I can take you home.”

She looked at him through her lowered lashes. “We should head back to my place. It’s been a busy day and tomorrow it’s going to be just as hectic at the ranch.”

He kept his voice even to hide the disappointment that their date was ending. “Sure, another time.”

She placed a hand over his, stopping him before he could signal for the check. “I’ve had a great time tonight. I hope we can do this again.” Her shy smile was almost his undoing. He’d wanted to date her for such a long time that he’d take her anywhere she wanted to go. Just to spend time together was amazing.

Clint said, “I’d like that. Just tell me when you’re free and we can go out again.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” She licked her lips. He guessed it was because of nerves and not an invitation for a kiss. He settled up the check and left a generous tip. On their way out the exit door, the server stopped them to double-check Polly wasn’t suffering ill effects after choking earlier. But Polly reassured the girl she was fine and thanked the server for her quick response.

Polly held out her hand, and he took it while they strolled hand in hand for the short walk to the truck. Too bad it wasn’t longer and much to his pleasant surprise, she waited until he opened the door and helped her in. He appreciated that she seemed to understand it was something important to him, and he hoped it showed she was special to him.

They rode in silence as the drive to her place went by way too quick. He was already wondering what they could do on their next date. He stopped in front of her house and turned the truck off. Would she want him to kiss her good night, or maybe she didn’t kiss on the first date. He’d wait for a sign from Polly before making any kind of move. He didn’t want to spook her like a new filly.

“I was thinking, if you’re interested, we could have ice cream on the front porch. I just happen to have all the fixings right in my refrigerator.”

Sitting on the porch was a perfect way to end the night. He could hear the light teasing tone in her voice and there was no way he’d say no to her invitation.

“That’d be a mighty nice way to end the evening.” He opened the door and kept a steady speed as he walked around to open the door for her. He held out his hand to help her down, and she fell against his chest as the heel of her boot got caught on the running board.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.”

Her eyelashes fluttered, and he heard her breath catch.

She whispered, “Thank you.”

They stood in the Montana moonlight with his arms wrapped around her. Polly didn’t seem to be in a hurry to step out of them. The soft moonbeams seemed to shine just for them.

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