“That’s—”
“Old-fashioned, I know. And you’re an independent woman who can open her own door and wants to give the guy you’re with a chance to outrun the cougar. I get that.”
“I was going to say, ‘that’s nice.’”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I am an independent woman, at least that’s my goal, and obviously I can open my own door. I’d feel horrible if I got away from the cougar and you didn’t. But knowing you are willing to throw yourself into the breach on my account is nice. More than nice. If that’s how cowboys operate, I’m a fan.”
“Excellent news.” He settled back with a sigh. “I see you left your pendant at home.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Where is it?”
“Under my shirt. That works better for hiking and filming.”
He nodded. “Makes sense.”
After that they rode in companionable silence until they reached the outskirts of town. Well, maybe companionable silence wasn’t the right description because that implied a relaxed mood. Perhaps alert silence was more accurate, at least on her part. Once they stopped talking she became aware of how much space he occupied, both emotionally and physically.
She’d had other guys in her passenger seat before but Austin affected her in ways no one else did. He had presence. Maybe it was the strong profile and the Stetson, or the broad shoulders and the massive chest. It could be his aftershave, which reminded her that he knew how to kiss. She wanted to keep looking at him, although she didn’t or they’d be in a ditch by now.
His thigh was within touching distance and so was his muscled biceps. She longed to reach over and—Nope, not going there. She’d do well to come up with another topic of conversation before she embarrassed herself.
Driving through town on the way to the interstate reminded her that he’d planned to buy a truck. That should be a safe topic. “Did you go vehicle shopping today?”
“No, ma’am. Decided to go tomorrow, instead. Jonah and I helped Lexi string minilights in the rafters of the barn.”
“That will be beautiful for the ceremony. I can’t wait to see how the lights look when we do the run-through on Friday night.”
“And that will only give you part of the effect. The flowers won’t go in until Saturday, although Cade realized the wall vases and velvet bows have to be out of reach of the horses or they’ll eat them.”
Drew laughed and felt her sexual tension ease somewhat. “I’m sure Cade and Lexi would hate that but it would make a funny video.”
“Speaking of videos, Lexi said she loves the one you did of her and Cade.”
“I know she does and that thrills me. She sent me a glowing email. Honestly, I would have had to work hard to make a bad video of those two. They’re so relaxed with each other and so in love. I guess that’s what comes from knowing someone for half your life.”
“Then there are couples like Rosie and Herb. Rosie moved here from Illinois to take a job in social services. They met in the checkout line at the grocery store. A month later they were married.”
“I’ll bet that’s unusual, though.”
“Maybe. But my parents had only known each other for about six months. My mom said my dad was the love of her life.”
Drew glanced over and he was staring out the window. “They sound like terrific people, Austin. I wish they hadn’t been taken away from you.”
“So do I.” He turned back to her and his expression was calm. “But Rosie and Herb are terrific people, too. I’m a lucky guy.”
“When you put it like that, yes, you are. And you have a wonderful home to come back to. By the way, you said something to Jonah last night about your future plans. Have you already applied for a job somewhere?”
“I haven’t yet, but if I can swing it, I want to go into business for myself. I paid close attention to how the New Zealand outfit ran things and I figure I can handle something similar over here.”
“Of course you can!” This was a topic she could dig into. “And I’m here to tell you that self-employment is a great way to go.”
“Any advice on creating a website?”
“Sure. I can help you with that.” She loved the idea of someone starting a business and Austin seemed like the perfect person to do it. He was personable and had four years of valuable experience to guide him. But his real gift was the focus he would bring to the project.
As they exited the interstate onto the two-lane road that would take them into Bighorn Canyon, Austin described his plans for trailering horses into the canyon for two-and three-day trail rides.
“That sounds fabulous. If you want, I could go along on one of the first rides and shoot video you could use for the website.”
“Great idea. I’d pay, you of course.”
“Or how about this? Only snippets will go on the website, but I could offer to sell the full video to your trail riders. I’m sure they’d buy it as a souvenir. Then you wouldn’t have to come out of pocket.”
“Brilliant strategy. Thank you. Now I wish it was May instead of August. There’s no way I can get this up and running before winter weather hits.”
“But you can use the coming months to put everything in place so you’re ready by next May.”
“And arrange for a business loan. I should probably apply for a bartending job at Scruffy’s for the winter months, too. When I was saving for New Zealand I worked as a waiter until I was old enough to bartend. That gig was way better money. The tips were awesome.”
“I’ll bet.” A bartender who looked like Austin would get tipped well by any women who stopped by Scruffy’s. “It’s smart of you to launch your business here in Sheridan, where you know so many people. Being connected to Rosie and Herb will give you a huge PR boost.”
“I never considered doing it anywhere else. This is home. I’m here to stay.”
“Wouldn’t you like to travel some more?”
“Maybe someday. For now, I have things to do here and I plan to concentrate on that.”
“Well, if there’s any way I can help, just let me know. I’m no expert, but I’ve learned a little about promotion. Then there’s bookkeeping and taxes to think about and I can offer some suggestions there.”
“Excellent. I appreciate it. I want this to work.”
“I’m sure it will.” She was surprised that he wasn’t including more travel in his immediate vision of the future after experiencing a wonderful place like New Zealand. But maybe that was the secret to his success. He set himself a goal and refused to be distracted until he’d achieved it.
Which reminded her that she hadn’t clearly identified long-term goals for herself. When her grandmother had given her the necklace, she’d also given her three words of advice—Follow your heart. Drew had hoped getting away from her family would help her do that, but so far she was still living one day at a time.
“I just saw a couple of mule deer scamper up that hillside.” Austin peered out the side window. “No cougars, though. Sorry.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know that was a lame example. I’ve never seen one out here, but I know they’re around. Others have reported sightings.”
“Just don’t run.”
“Oh, I won’t. Because then you’ll end up being mauled and it’ll be my fault.” She watched for the rock outcroppings that she used as a marker. “We’ll be stopping in another mile or so. I get so excited when one of the herds is spotted within a couple of miles of my favorite camping spot. The folks who are monitoring them emailed me today. The horses are still there.”
“How often do you make this trip?”
“This is my third time in this particular area but I’ve camped in other places, so I guess it’s seven visits, total. I don’t always get good footage. Depends on the horses and the weather. But it�
�s supposed to stay clear through tomorrow.”
“I have a feeling this will be a good outing.”
She gave him a quick smile. “Hope so.” She slowed down and eased the truck to the right shoulder of the road. “We’ll take the tent in first and set that up to claim our campsite. I usually haul my duffel along and leave that in the tent, too. Nobody will bother it.”
“That works for me.” He unbuckled his seat belt and opened the door.
“Austin.” She laid a hand on his arm.
“What?”
“I love your cowboy manners, but don’t come around and open my door for me. We’re close to the road and there’s no reason for both of us to be over there.”
He let out a breath. “When you’re right, you’re right. But be careful.”
“I will. I’ll meet you out there. Go ahead and pull the tent out if you want.” She let a truck go by before quickly getting out and walking back to him.
Instead of lowering the tailgate and getting the tent as she’d suggested, he stood by the back bumper and watched her approach as if his vigilance would prevent her from getting run over. He was so manly, so strong and sure of himself that she almost believed he could protect her by keeping her in view.
As her gaze locked with his, she felt a magnetic, sensual tug. She wanted this man and he most definitely wanted her. For one brief moment she considered abandoning her plan to film the mustangs. Her breath caught. That she’d even think such a thing was a wake-up call.
She’d enthusiastically leaped to support his dreams yet she hadn’t solidified her own. She needed to be careful.
Chapter Seven
Austin nominated himself to lug the tent, two blankets and a couple of self-inflating camping mattresses to the campsite. Drew wore her backpack full of camera equipment and carried both duffels as she led the way. As he followed her along a faint path, he kept thinking they’d be there any minute but she’d told him the truth about hiking in a ways.
Bringing the food in later would mean another long walk out to the road and back, but at least they wouldn’t be able to hear traffic during the night. So far he’d loved every minute of this trip—minus the dorky shoes—and he knew why. For the first time he was beginning a relationship that had the potential to become so much more.
Prior to leaving for New Zealand, he’d never felt right making long-term promises to women because he’d known he would leave. Dating in New Zealand had been the same story—no commitment. That wasn’t his style. He craved meaning in his life and especially in his love life.
Drew had worn the pendant from her grandmother again today and he took that loyalty as a good sign. He could never get serious about a woman who didn’t care deeply. Drew obviously did.
“Here we are!” She dropped both duffels and took off her backpack as they stood in a little grassy clearing ringed with tall pines. A scattering of wildflowers, including some yellow daisies and purple lupines, gave the area a nice splash of color. Charred pieces of firewood in a small, stone-lined pit indicated that others had been here. She pointed to it. “I built that and I dragged the log out of the forest so there’s a place to sit.”
“Nice job.” He lowered the tent and the mattresses to the ground and put the blankets on top.
“We should probably collect some firewood before we head off to find the horses. Sometimes I’ve skipped doing that and FYI, it’s not easy to find kindling in a dark forest.”
“That used to be one of our mantras in New Zealand. Firewood before food.”
“We don’t need it for dinner, though. Like I mentioned last night, I have a camp stove. But I like a fire to signal other campers that we’re here.”
“Then we need to get busy.” He eyed the long nylon bag containing the tent. It was an older dome model and he remembered struggling with the bendable supports when he’d had one years ago. “I’ll bet you’ve had some fun times setting the tent up by yourself.”
She laughed. “I have, but I’m used to it by now.” She walked over and loosened the nylon cord holding the top of the bag. “If you want to go look for firewood, I’ll set it up.”
He wasn’t about to go off and leave her to do it alone. He’d promised to be an asset and despite what she’d said about being used to the process, it would go faster with two people. “I’ll help.”
“Okay, but I have to warn you. This tent has a unique personality. She responds better to coaxing than yelling.”
“She? Your tent has a gender?”
“Of course. Doesn’t yours?”
“I sold mine before I left New Zealand but I never considered it male or female.”
“Which means you didn’t name it, either.”
He stuck his thumbs in his belt loops. “Can’t say as I did, but I like the idea. Now I wish I had. Are you telling me this tent has a name?”
“She does. Meet Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth.”
“I like it. Hestia, I look forward to spending time with you.”
“Now, see? That’s exactly the right attitude.” Drew pulled a blue tent out of the bag. “This will go just fine.”
A minute into the job, he was cursing under his breath as he wrestled with the plastic supports. He had to be careful because if he broke one, they’d have a mess. “Hestia’s not cooperating.”
“I hear you cussing over there. You need to speak nicely to her.” Drew began murmuring sweet nothings to the tent, and damned if they didn’t get the thing set up a lot quicker.
They worked together to unroll the mattresses and spread out the blankets. Neither of them spoke and he wondered if she was thinking what he was. They were making the bed they were planning to share.
At last they were done. He stood and brushed off his knees. She did the same. They had created a temporary home that would shelter them during the night and provide a place for...he glanced over at Drew and she was looking right back at him. The air between them seemed to vibrate.
Taking a deep breath, she broke eye contact. “You can put our duffels inside and zip it up tight. I need to go back to the truck. I meant to bring my little first aid kit and I left it in the console.”
“I can get it.”
“That’s okay. I will. How about collecting the firewood while I’m gone? I’ll bring the hatchet from the truck. Might as well have everything here except the food.” The message in her dark eyes was clear. Let’s take a break.
He doubted she needed that first aid kit but if she went after it she could spend the time cooling down. He’d use the separation to do the same. “I’ll see what I can find. Meet you back here.”
Turning away from her, he walked toward the tree line. He’d promised her that he wouldn’t interfere with her primary mission, to get video of the Pryor Mountain horses. If he screwed that up, then he’d ruin any chance they had of transforming this attraction into something special.
Years ago, he’d learned the value of foregoing short-term gain for long-term reward. He wanted to kiss her in the worst way, had wanted to ever since she’d pulled into the driveway at Thunder Mountain. He’d successfully controlled the urge. He didn’t want her to think that all he cared about was getting physical.
That wasn’t true. She was easy to talk to and the drive out here had been fun, although he’d spent some time thinking about what they’d likely be doing tonight. Now that they had a tent and a bed, the concept was more vivid than ever. But the mustangs had to be first on the list.
After loading up his arms with small branches, he found a big one and dragged that behind him as he returned to camp. She wasn’t back yet but he hadn’t expected her to be. Gathering wood hadn’t taken long.
Putting the duffels in the tent wouldn’t, either, but he did that next and zipped it closed. Too bad he didn’t have that hatchet yet. He could work off some te
nsion chopping wood.
When he saw her coming down the trail toward him, his pulse kicked into high gear. Everything about her appealed to him. He liked the graceful way she moved and the mellow tone of her voice. He liked her laughter and her easy way with others. He liked the way she looked in her Rocky Mountain College baseball cap.
She gave him a smile as she approached and he returned it. He thought about walking to meet her but changed his mind and stayed where he was. For the next few hours, he would take his cues from her.
“I see you got the firewood. That big piece should last us a week.”
“I’ll chop it up for the next campers. That’s an interesting combination, a hatchet in one hand and a first aid kit in the other.”
“I’m hoping we only have to make use of the hatchet.” She put it near the pile of kindling he’d gathered. “I’ll take this with us, though.” Walking over to her backpack, she unzipped a pocket and tucked the first aid kit inside. “For one thing, it has bug bite cream.” She picked up the backpack by its straps.
“Why not let me carry that?”
She paused to glance at him. “I guess you did say you’d be my Sherpa. Okay, thanks.” She took a small camcorder out of the front section. “I want to leave this out for quick shots, in case we come upon something unexpectedly.”
“Like a cougar.”
“Like that.” She grinned. “All joking aside, getting footage of a cougar would be awesome. But they’re so elusive that chances are slim.”
“I’ve never seen one, either, and I’ve lived here most of my life.” He slipped the straps over his shoulders and adjusted them. “Ready?”
She nodded. “The trail’s over this way.” She gestured toward a break in the trees. “It’s faint and disappears when we go over rocks, so don’t lag behind. I’ll be concentrating on what’s ahead of us and if you stop to look at something I could be out of sight before you realize it.”
Do You Take this Cowboy? Page 6