Page 62 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“We’ve either had family or friends around.” She twisted so she could see him better, as his horse was a few paces back. “I’m glad it’s just us this time.”

He chuckled. “You know I am.”

“Are we almost there? You know I haven’t ridden much lately, and much farther and I’m going to be sore for sure.”

“Just over the ridge there. Then we’re going to have a picnic.”

That sounded sweet. And simple. “Who cooked?”

He put a hand to his heart. “I’m wounded that you didn’t think it was me.”

She had to smile. “I’ve never seen you cook or heard you even talk about cooking.”

“I can grill a tasty steak, but you’re right—my mom cooked. One of the benefits of having her here for the summer.”

“And she knew you were doing this for me?” It was bewildering and a little off-putting to think that his mother thought Kristy would do Rusty wrong. From her perspective, it was more likelyshewould get hurt, as she had with all her romantic attachments to date. Not that there were many. Just two before Dean. One in high school. One in college. All ending with her in tears.

But that was in the past. When she’d been young and romantic. She hoped she was wiser now. She wasn’t giving her heart to anyone, and certainly not after one month.

“Of course. First off, no one should head off into nature without someone knowing where they’re going.”

“I didn’t tell anyone, because I didn’t know where we’re going. I only told Ariel I would be with you.”

“Well, that should be enough, butItold Ariel what I had in mind.”

“And she didn’t tell me?” Ariel was her cousin and best friend. Where was the loyalty?

“I asked her not to. I wanted it to be a surprise. And I wouldn’t have had to tell my mom it was for you. She would have easily guessed.”

Nice to hear, because that meant Kristy was the only romantic interest in Rusty’s life. She wondered ever since she’d met Tamara. “She’s not my biggest fan.”

“She likes you. She’s just being a mother.”

She could understand being protective. Especially since Kristy did not intend for this to get serious despite the fact that the more time she spent with Rusty, the more time she wanted to spend with him. “Mymother likes you. Not a call goes by that she doesn’t mention you. I think she’s your biggest fan, other thanyourmother.”

He chuckled. “I was hoping by nowyouwould be my biggest fan.”

She laughed. Rusty often made her laugh. “Don’t want to inflate your ego, Mr. Russell.”

“Duly noted.”

She watched as he took the lead, his body gently rocking in time with the horse’s gait. Her mind went to other forms of rocking. She couldn’t deny she was attracted to him. He was a well-built man, big and strong, and yet he had a vulnerability that made her care about him. That was the part that scared her.

She could easily care too much. And want more.

Her body was sending signals. That funny feeling in her belly. Sweaty palms when she was around him. Blushing when he looked at her. All her senses were on alert. And ready. Even if her heart wasn’t ready, was too bruised and battered, was afraid of getting hurt. And here they were, alone. Finally. With endless prairie stretching before them. And no one in sight.

As their horses climbed the gently sloping ridge, a small cabin came into sight. It was made of logs and slightly larger than a playhouse, with a smokestack rising out the roof and one window.

“Is that where we’re going for our picnic?” It looked interesting but not too inviting. More shack than house.

“Yup.”

“It’s such a nice day… I thought we would be eating outside.” On a blanket. With no one around to see whatever they would be doing.

“We will be. On the other side is a nice stretch of field. I cut down the grasses the other day so we could have a spot to spread the blanket. And there is a tree for shade. And just down the slope, a creek runs by it. Not very deep, but we could dip our toes in.”

“Sounds lovely.” And serene. Just what she needed. And Rusty had somehow sensed that. “It’s certainly hot in the sun.” A cooler spot could be just the ticket.

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