Page 34 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“I had a conversation with someone at college that thankfully didn’t turn into an argument.” Becky had held back, exerting self-control to ensure she didn’t say something to Corey that she’d later regret.

“I’m not a big reader. I haven’t read a novel this year.”

“That’s okay.” It was only February. He had plenty of months left in the year for reading. That was if he wanted to read. “Do you have a problem with other people reading fiction?”

“Why would I care?”

“Good point.” She appreciated his logic and understanding of boundaries. Corey could learn a thing or two from Sam. “I was told I should stop reading Christian fiction because it’s not edifying.”

“What? Someone said that?”

“They sure did.” Sam didn’t need to know about the other stuff Corey had said. “Cindy changed the subject before the conversation could turn into an argument.”

“Is this what you talk about at Bible college?”

“Not usually. What are your thoughts on Christian fiction?”

He smiled. “Mom loves reading it. She works in a hospital and likes reading romances set there.”

“You mean contemporary romance with medical themes? I like those, too.”

“Yeah, I guess. I buy Mom books for birthdays and Christmas. There’s an author she likes with hospital books. Her name is Heather something. I think it’s a color.”

“Her last name is a color.”

He nodded. “Brown. White. Black. Green. No, it’s gray. Heather Gray.”

“I’ll have to look her up.”

“Mum raves about her. The paperbacks are on her bookshelf.”

“Sounds fun.” Her foot caught on something and she fell forward.

Strong arms encircled her, preventing her nose from crash-landing on the sidewalk. Or something worse. Fractured bones, or broken teeth requiring a visit to the dentist. Her problem molar was now fixed, and she was free of tooth pain.

She leaned back into his chest, steadying her aching feet. It felt good being in his arms. Too good. He’d saved her from a trip to the ER.

She turned in his arms, facing him. Eyes locked on his. The atmosphere was charged with sparks warmer than crackling wood in an indoor fireplace.

She stared at his lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss him.

His hand cupped her cheek. “Becky —”

“Look at you two.”

Mrs. Alleghany’s triumphant voice brought her back to reality.

“Don’t let me interrupt your moment.” The gleam in Mrs. Alleghany’s eyes made it clear she knew exactly what she’d interrupted.

Sam stepped to the side, one arm secured around her waist. “We won’t. Enjoy your evening.”

Mrs. Alleghany passed by and Becky fell into step beside Sam. She appreciated his arm circling her waist. Her aching feet needed a long rest at the pizzeria. Mrs. Alleghany would tell the whole town an exaggerated version of what she’d witnessed by morning. Becky accompanying Sam to church tomorrow morning would confirm the truth in Mrs. Alleghany’s gossip.

Sam cleared his throat. “Are your feet okay?”

“Yeah. Just sore from standing too much.”

“Not far to walk now. It looks like our fake relationship is on. The gossip will spread fast.”

---