Page 35 of Love Under Review

Focusing on his question, she said, “No, I don’t think she’s really tried. My father broke her heart, leaving like he did, and I think it would be hard to move on from that. But she hasn’t been catty about it. She’s only told me the facts and left the emotion out of it, which was something for me to learn as a journalist. But I still have problems with that.”

“Is that why you don’t date anyone? You’re worried about getting hurt?”

Danielle opened her mouth to say something, wanting to chastise him for being so blunt. As much as she wanted to deny it, her chest told her the truth. “I guess that could be one of the reasons. It’s always hard to have a relationship as a journalist. I mean, I know people who do it, but when I’m sent to different states and parts of the world to write about things, it’s easy for feelings to get hurt.”

“What about now that you’re here? Are you planning to look for another job like that?”

Liam’s interest in her career left her wondering how he felt about her. Maybe he was trying to see if it was worth pursuing a relationship, and if that was the case, did she want that? She stared at the man again, seeing the kindness in his eyes, and the dimple in his chin wasn’t half bad either.

Danielle shifted to lean back on her hand. “I’m not sure yet. There’s a one-in-a-million chance I could get a job in that industry again, but I need to try. I’m not sure what else I can do with my time.”

“Write your books?” Liam said with a grin. “You’re so passionate about writing that I think you’d be great at it.”

“You’re funny,” she said, a sarcastic tone coming through. She glanced up and saw the dark clouds above. “I don’t want to cut this short, but we might need to head back. The rain up here can dump buckets, and then it would be a muddy mess on the way back down.”

Liam nodded, kneeling and putting all the leftover food in the bag. Danielle bent down and grabbed the corners of the blanket, waiting for him to take the other side. As they worked together to clean up, she was transfixed by the softness of his features. They were only a few inches apart, and she thought about leaning forward to kiss him, wondering if he’d taste like the sour cream and cheddar chips he’d been eating.

A large clap of thunder sounded overhead, causing her to jump. The horses whinnied and moved, restless as they pulled against the reins around the tree.

Liam loaded the blanket and food quickly before untying both of the reins and handing Danielle’s up to her after she mounted. She put on her jacket to protect against the rain, grateful Liam had thought ahead, and waited for him to slide on before starting the descent.

They’d made it about halfway down before large drops started to fall, but at this distance, she knew they’d missed the worst of it.

After another twenty minutes of riding, they pulled up to the ranch. The grounds were clear of people and animals, so Danielle steered her horse in the direction of the stables. Rain pounded on the tin roof overhead as they entered, and she could feel the horse shake a bit as it settled into the warmth of the shelter.

After dismounting, Liam pulled his horse into the stall next to hers and shut the gate. He fetched some oats from a bucket nearby and rubbed the front of the horse’s nose, speaking softly to it, making Danielle’s feelings for him soar.

She hadn’t signed up for a relationship when she’d come home to Sage Creek, but she’d found a guy who was a good balance for her, one who she could rely on…if his feelings matched hers.

After his horse had eaten a fair amount of oats, Liam brought the bucket over to Danielle’s and did the same.

Danielle leaned against the gate, watching as he worked. She’d never expected him to be like this with animals since everything she’d seen of him signaled an educated city boy. But this was just another side of Liam Pearson she’d unveiled, and it made her want to learn more.

Setting the bucket down in front of the horse, Liam turned, and Danielle was surprised at their proximity, the scent of his cologne making her dizzy. She looked up at him, saw his eyes watching her, and she was surprised by how much she wanted him to kiss her. The cold wet of her clothes clung to her body, and a chill swept through her, not all from the outside conditions.

He leaned down, their breath mingling together, right before the door swung open to the barn, sending the two of them jumping back. A silhouette came through the door, and Danielle couldn’t tell who it was at first, only that she’d grabbed onto Liam’s arm in the process.

“Did ya get caught in the rain?” Carter’s voice came through, and after another few steps, his features were visible in the dimly-lit stable.

“Not too bad. Danielle suggested we head back, and I’m glad we did.” Liam looked down at her, his eyes warm and sending tingles throughout her body. “Thanks, Carter. I owe you one,” he said, his hand resting gently on the small of Danielle’s back.

He grabbed their picnic bag and blanket from the saddlebag and walked toward the door Carter had just come through. Danielle wished they were alone again, that they could recreate the mixture of tension and excitement she’d felt as he bent down to almost kiss her.

“No problem,” Carter said as they passed him. “I’ll hit you up when my wife is done reading all these books she just bought from you. I might have to have Colton come over and build me a library.”

Danielle grinned. “I’m sure he’ll be in the honeymoon stage for a while.” The moment the words left her lips, she straightened and clapped a hand over her mouth. Why had she even said that?

The two men chuckled as they said goodbye. When they got to the door, Liam leaned over and whispered in her ear as the rain on the tin roof had only gotten louder. “We’d better run to the truck. Otherwise, we’re going to get another shower.”

Danielle nodded, and they took off, Liam grabbing her hand and linking their fingers together as they leaped over puddles on their way to where they’d left the Jeep. After she jumped inside, he shut the door quickly, hoping to avoid any more water entering. She flipped down the visor and looked in the mirror, wiping under her eyes and fixing the hair that had escaped the ponytail she’d had it in.

Liam laughed as he got in and started the engine, turning on the heater. The day had been hot, but with the cold water coming down, Danielle could feel the shivers coming on, and she was glad there was heat.

“I’ve got a dry blanket in the back. I’ll go get it so you’re warm.” He moved to open the door, but Danielle stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“Just get it later. I don’t want you to get sick from getting a blanket. The car will warm up soon, and we’ll dry off.”

Raising his eyebrows, he asked, “Are you sure?”

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