Page 25 of Sweet Temptation

“So I see.” He couldn’t help returning her smile, the knot in his chest loosening at her obvious delight.

Clint straightened, then glanced at his watch. “Think I’ve got enough daylight left to check some more fence line.” He tipped his hat to Jackie. “You’re doing fine work, Miss Jackie. Garret can show you how to lay down fresh bedding.”

“Thanks for the lesson,” Jackie called to the ranch hand’s retreating back.

As soon as Clint was gone, Garret moved closer, taking in the sight of Jackie in dusty jeans and one of his sister’s old flannel shirts, sleeves rolled up to her elbows. “So, mucking stalls, huh?”

“Don’t laugh.” She teasingly pointed the pitchfork at him. “It’s harder than it looks.”

“I’m not laughing.” Though he couldn’t quite suppress his smile. “I’m impressed. Most people’s idea of getting to know ranch life involves horses and sunsets, not horse manure.”

“Go big or go home,” she quipped, then wrinkled her nose. “Though I’ll admit, the smell takes some getting used to.”

“You never really get used to it.” Garret reached for the pitchfork Clint had hung on the wall. “But you do stop noticing after a while.”

They worked side by side, finishing the stall she’d started. Garret showed her how to spread fresh straw, explaining why some parts needed more bedding than others. The work was familiar and oddly companionable, their conversation flowing easily between them. Why was it that hard work could seem like fun with a woman at your side? No, not any woman. Jackie.

“So how was school today?” Her back to him, Jackie spread straw in the corner.

“Long. Parent-teacher conferences are coming up, so everyone’s on edge.” He gathered another armful of straw. “Tommy Fisher tried to argue that the Confederacy secretly won the Civil War.”

“Bold strategy,” she laughed. “What’d you tell him?”

“That his secret historical knowledge would be more convincing if he could spell Confederacy correctly.”

She had to admit, this guy’s easy-going manner, and casual sense of humor, could make any day brighter. Heaven knew, he’d certainly managed to turn her world around.

Surveying their finished work, she promptly declared, “Perfect.” Honestly, she couldn’t remember being more proud of an accomplishment in her life. Brushing straw from her hands, she turned and caught Garret watching her. “What? Do I have something on my face?”

“Just a little…” Garret reached out, brushing a piece of straw from her cheek. His fingers lingered a moment too long, and yet, not long enough.

“Thanks,” she murmured.

A twinkle appeared in his eyes. He flashed her a look that had her taking a step back. Keeping an eye on him, she watched a smile tilt north to match the sparkle in his eyes as he slowly reached down and grabbing fistfuls of loose straw, took a single step closer and dropped every strand on her head.

“Hey!” she gasped, straw raining down around her face.

“Just helping you get the full ranch experience,” his words coming through a muffled laugh.

“Oh?” Setting the pitch fork aside, she shoved her sleeves a little higher. “Game on, cowboy.” She scooped up her own handful and flung it at him, hitting him square in the chest.

What followed was nothing short of warfare—straw flying in all directions, laughter bouncing off the barn walls as they chased each other around the stalls. Jackie ducked behind a support beam, and Garret feinted left before circling right, catching her by surprise. She squealed as he dumped another handful of straw over her head, then stumbled backward, losing her balance. His arm shot out, catching her around the waist, pulling her against him to keep her from falling.

Suddenly they were very close, both breathing hard, bits of straw clinging to their clothes and hair. Her hands resting against his chest where she’d braced herself, she was suddenly all too aware of his arm still around her waist, and the strength of the muscled wall under her fingertips.

“Hi.” Her voice came out so softly, she wasn’t sure she’d actually heard it. Dang, did this man have gorgeous eyes.

“Hi.” The single word came out rough and gravely, and for a long moment, neither of them moved.

A horse whinnied from a nearby stall, and whatever spell had them frozen in each other’s space, broke.

Quickly, she stepped back, brushing straw from her shirt, praying her face didn’t betray the heat she felt flushing her cheeks. Feeling surprisingly awkward, she vaguely waved in the direction of the house. “I should, um, probably clean up before dinner.”

“Yeah, me too.” He ran a hand through his hair to dislodge several pieces of straw. “Mom will have a fit if we track all this into the house.”

She was oddly overcome with an urge to reach out and help him. To run her fingers through that thick dark hair. Suddenly, visions of soon sharing a room with him flickered in her mind. What she needed was more distance between them and took another large step in retreat.

They walked back together, a new awareness humming between them. Just before they reached the porch, Jackie glanced at him, amusement teasing her lips. “For the record,” her smile widened, “I’m pretty sure I won that round.”

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