In a Cowboy's Arms

“Forgive me if I startled you, Sadie. How’s my grandfather?”

She stepped back, hugging her arms to her waist. He saw no sign of the vivacious Sadie Corkin of eight years ago who’d caused every male heart in Carbon County to race at the sight of her.

When he’d watched her galloping through the meadow, blond hair flying behind her like a pennant in the sunshine, he’d hardly been able to breathe. The moment she’d seen him, she’d dismount and run into his arms, her hair smelling sweet from her peach-scented shampoo.

Without losing a heartbeat, he’d lay her down in the sweet white clover and they would kiss, clinging in a frenzy of need while they’d tried to become one. Just remembering those secret times made his limbs grow heavy with desire.

“He fell asleep while we were talking,” she answered without looking at him directly. “I’m afraid I wore him out.”

“That means you made him happy and left him in a peaceful state. When I had breakfast with him this morning, he was excited to think you’d be coming by. He was always partial to you and Liz.” He almost said his grandfather had been waiting to welcome her into the Bannock family, but that would be dredging up the past.

“I care for him a lot.” She shifted nervously. “I’m afraid I have to get back to Ryan now, so don’t let me keep you. Good night.” She darted away like a frightened doe spooked by a noise in the underbrush.

He’d promised himself to stay away from her, but the trail of her haunting fragrance drove him to follow her out the front door to the truck. By the time she’d climbed behind the wheel, he’d reached the passenger side. Not considering the wisdom of it, he got in and shut the door.

“What are you doing?” She sounded panicked.

Jarod forced his voice to remain calm. “Isn’t it obvious? We have unfinished business, Sadie. While we’re alone, now is as good a time as any to talk.” He stretched his arm along the back of the seat, fighting the urge to plunge his hand into her silky hair the way he’d done so many times in the past. “To pretend we don’t have a history serves no purpose. What I’m interested to know is how you can dismiss it so easily.”