GRACE
“Uh, huh.” I tried to hold on to my frown, but realized it was a losing battle when my lips curved into a smile. The shock on his face was priceless, and I couldn’t help but mess with him. “This is awfully romantic for a guy who thought I was just a random tour?”
His jaw opened and closed like he was trying to speak. His cheeks turned a darker shade of red. The embarrassment of the situation was clearly written on his face. I had no clue what Jessie was thinking when she put lunch together. Was she and Liam playing a joke on Scott, or maybe me?
My laughter echoed around us as I watched him. His gaze darted everywhere but at me. I was pretty sure he was just as confused as I was. When I finally caught my breath, I said, “I’m joking, Scott. You look horrified. I don’t know whether to continue to laugh, or if I should be insulted.”
Now that I thought about it, was he really horrified at the idea of having a romantic picnic with me? The no dating other riders rule on my old team and no free time left me with very little intimate opportunities, but I didn’t think I was unappealing. Maybe he wasn’t attracted to me?
When I first saw Scott striding toward us, butterflies swarmed my stomach. I thought Blake’s cowboys were hot, but they didn’t even compare to Scott. He was sexy as hell and had tall, dark, and handsome down to a T.
My gut churned at the thought that this sexy cowboy wasn’t the least bit interested in me. Not that it should matter. I wasn’t here to date.
“Sorry, I just don’t want you to get the wrong impression,” Scott sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. I could see the clouds and indecision brewing in his gray eyes. He squirmed on the blanket.
“Scott, we just met. I didn’t think you were putting the moves on me. Knowing Liam, he probably put this all together to play a prank on us.” I had caught Liam smiling at Jessie and winking at Scott before we left.
“You’re probably right. Liam’s just being an ass, but I can’t believe Jessie would be in on it.”
“It’s Jessie. I’ve only known her for two days, but I wouldn’t put it past Liam to convince her to help him in his scheme. He’s always said I needed a little more romance in my life. Leave it to him to try and set us up.”
At least that had him chuckling.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to let this go to waste.” I grabbed the container with the strawberries and plucked a plump bright red berry out and bit into it. It was perfect. Juicy and sweet. I couldn’t help but moan as I devoured it.
I caught Scott looking at me and felt my cheeks warm. My moan was initially innocent, but I wasn’t ashamed to admit that now I was fishing. I was tempted to see if he truly was uninterested in me.
After finishing off the sandwiches and the strawberries, Scott moved to lean against the tree. I picked up the bottle of wine. “Want some?”
“Sure, why not,” he answered, though his face didn’t agree with his words with his nose scrunched and forehead furrowed.
“Not your beverage of choice?”
He shrugged. “Not really. Wine is okay, but I prefer scotch.”
“That’s a shame. I love a good red wine.”
I twisted off the cap and filled two of the small plastic cups we were supplied with. I scooted next to Scott to lean against the tree and handed him his cup. The sweet merlot paired perfectly with the lunch. I sighed as I sank deeper against the tree trunk. It was nice to be out riding with no pressure. I didn’t have much free time before I arrived, if you didn’t count my detour to the beaches on the way here.
“Want one?” Scott offered a container with more goodies inside. Peering in, I saw that there was a variety of macaroons inside.
“I’d love one. Macaroons are my favorite.” I beamed while taking one out.
“Mine too.” Scott smiled and set the container on his leg closest to me. “I think Jessie is trying to make sure she doesn’t get in trouble. Buttering me up with macaroons and you up with wine.”
I laughed and bumped my shoulder against his. The comradery between us felt comfortable. Like we were old friends. He was right. I didn’t know Jessie very well but if I were her, I would have done the same.
“So, what are we going to do about Liam?” I stared out toward the lake, watching the breeze shoot ripples across the surface.
“Good question. We obviously can’t let him get away with this. I’m not sure what his endgame was, though. Was he looking to embarrass one of us? Or was he trying to set us up?”
“Why would he try to set you up? I’m pretty sure you could have any woman you wanted at the drop of your hat.” I was really fishing now.
“Yes, because there are so many women here on this ranch to choose from.” He laughed and swept his arm out to motion at our surroundings.
“What about in town?”
The smile that had come easy moments before disappeared. “I try to stay away from the local girls.”
“Why?” There seemed to be more Scott wasn’t saying.
“I don’t want to give them the wrong impression.” His lips flattened as he stared at the lake in front of us.
I huffed out a breath. “Well, now I’m starting to see why he did. I’m beginning to think your dry spell is longer than mine.” Shit. I don’t know why I just admitted that to him. I took a sip of my wine to hide the blush that crept up my cheeks.
Scott cleared his throat. “I don’t believe that for one minute.”
I let out a chuckle. “So, what are we going to do about it?”
“About what?” Scott’s cheeks pinkened. Yeah, he definitely caught my double meaning.
“About Liam setting us up,” I responded innocently. Messing with Scott was fun. I wondered if after today I would ever get the chance to talk to him like this again. He worked with the cattle, so it didn’t seem that we would be near each other much, besides maybe during meals.