It Takes a Cowboy

For once she knew exactly how he felt.

“How would you like to visit my ranch soon?” Scott asked the boy.

A glimmer of interest lit Jeffrey’s face. “I’ve never been to a ranch.”

“Then it’s high time you visit one. You can’t live in Wyoming and never set foot on a ranch.”

“That would be cool,” Jeffrey said with a hopeful look at Blair.

Knowing Jeffrey would be bitterly disappointed if Scott was making suggestions he didn’t intend to follow through on, Blair looked at Scott. “You don’t owe us anything more,” she reminded him in a low voice. “This weekend was all you volunteered for the auction.”

He gave her a quick frown. “This invitation has nothing to do with the auction. I would like you and Jeff to visit the ranch when you have time.”

She had the odd sensation that she’d unintentionally offended him. She spoke quickly to assure him she appreciated the offer. “In that case, we would love to come. I’m sure Jeffrey will find it fascinating.”

Scott nodded, looking appeased. “You just might find something to interest you there, as well,” he murmured.

She was quite sure the most interesting feature of Scott’s ranch for her would be the owner, but she had no intention of sharing that tidbit with him. She merely nodded and turned to Jeffrey. “Tell Scott thank-you,” she prodded.

Jeffrey shuffled his feet and looked a bit shyly at Scott. “Thanks for taking us to your cabin and taking me fishing and everything. And, uh, I’m really sorry about getting lost and breaking your rod.”

“You’re forgiven,” Scott assured him.

“So...we’ll see you around?” Jeffrey looked torn between doubt and optimism.

Scott grinned and swept the boy into a warm, near-bruising hug. “You can count on it.”

Flushed with embarrassed pleasure, Jeffrey returned the hug a bit tentatively. “Don’t forget about taking me to your ranch,” he begged.

“Not a chance.” He set the boy on his feet, then turned to Blair, who was watching with a lump in her throat. “I’ll be calling you about that visit.”

She nodded. “We’ll look forward to it.” She held out her hand and added crisply, “Thank you for providing us with such a pleasant vacation, Scott.”

He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he held it in both of his. “You’re being prissy and proper again,” he said, his grin suddenly wicked. “You know what that does to me.”

Her cheeks flamed as she mentally replayed the kisses they’d shared during the past few days. She shot a quick glance at her nephew, who was watching them with interest, and gave a small tug at her hand. “Goodbye.”

He didn’t release her. “Hey, Jeff. Would you mind very much if I give your aunt a kiss?”

“Scott!”

Jeffrey drowned out Blair’s embarrassed squeak of protest with a cheerful, “Nope. Go ahead.”

“Thanks.” Before Blair could pull away, Scott swooped down on her and planted a firm, warm kiss on her mouth. He didn’t linger long, but she was still thoroughly rattled by the time he drew back.

“Next time,” she grumbled when she could speak coherently, “ask my permission.”

Scott laughed, dimples flashing. “At least you realize there will be a next time.”

Neatly caught by her own imprudent words, Blair could only scowl at him as he stepped out of reach. “So long, you two,” he said cheerfully. “I’ll be seeing you soon.”

Promise...or warning? Blair couldn’t help w

ondering as she and Jeffrey climbed into her car and fastened their seat belts. She was aware that Jeffrey looked longingly through the rear window as they left the airport behind. She was all too tempted to do the same.

*

BLAIR HAD a few calls to make when they got home, and Jeffrey settled in front of a video game while she did so. They were back to their normal routine, she thought with a sigh. She hoped that some things, at least, had changed between them.