Page 32 of Lavender Lake
I stepped back and waved him inside.
Gideon came in and I closed the door.
He turned to look at me. Without a word, he touched my cheek. “Flour.”
“Baking.” I hastily scrubbed my cheek, wishing I’d thought to look in a mirror.
“You look good, Salem,” Gideon said as he followed me into the kitchen.
“Do I?”
“You know you do.” Gideon laughed as he set the pie down onto the counter. “Wasn’t sure anyone was home. Probably should’ve called to find out, but . . .”
“We’re just a hop, skip and a jump over, huh?”
“Something like that.” He cocked his head to the side. “I’m surprised you’re here.”
I raised my brows. “You didn’t think I’d come home, even with Dad in the hospital?”
“Nah, you’re not that callous, but still. You’d rather be anywhere else, wouldn’t you?”
“You know me well,” I quipped.
“I did. Once.” His smile slipped and the corners of his eyes turned down ever so slightly. “How’s he doing?”
I blew out a breath of air, prepared to give a perfunctory answer, when the front door opened and a moment later, Bowman came inside.
He looked at Gideon and his amiable expression shuttered.
“Hey,” I greeted.
“Hi,” Bowman said, his eyes still on Gideon.
“Bowman, this is Gideon. His family owns Dark Timber Ranch on the other side of the valley,” I explained. “Gideon, this is Cas Bowman. He’s Hadley’s fiancé’s best friend.”
Bowman held out his hand to Gideon.
Gideon stared at it for a moment, and then took it. The two of them shook hands, but it was clear the both of them were attempting to out squeeze the other one.
“I didn’t catch what it is you do,” Gideon said, refusing to release Bowman’s hand.
“I’m a professional bull rider,” Bowman replied.
“No kidding,” Gideon murmured. “So, you only last eight seconds.”
Bowman’s smile was feral. “I can last a hell of a lot longer than eight seconds.”
“Ooookay,” I interrupted, pressing my body to where their hands were clasped, forcing them to drop their grip on one another.
I grabbed Gideon’s elbow and tried to drag him toward the front door, but he was six feet tall and he had no intention of moving.
Gideon and Bowman continued to stare each other down.
“Tell your mother thank you for the pie.” I peered up at Gideon and batted my lashes. “And tell your siblings hi for me.”
He looked down at me and smiled. “You should come over for dinner one night. She’d love to catch up.”
“Right, will do.” I tugged on his arm again, but this time he let me lead him. He stepped out onto the porch and I waved at him before closing the door.
