The Cowboy’s Mistake
Page 22
He shifted Devon to his other hip and put on his best “aw, shucks” grin. “Hey there, darlin', I need to see somebody about opening an account and maybe getting a little loan?”
The grin worked its usual magic. Her narrowed eyes widened, and she smiled right back. “Sure thing, Mr. Baker. Just have a seat right over there.”
Cole nodded his thanks. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her how she knew him, but he wasn't sure he wanted the answer. His reputation around this town was something he was actively trying to forget. It wouldn't do to remind people of it.
“Down!” Devon squealed again; the novelty of being held like a football had worn off.
“Are you gonna stay with Daddy?”
“Stay with Daddy,” the toddler echoed with grave dignity, staring up at him with sober blue eyes.
Cole blinked and swallowed. His son's face never failed to take his breath away, but moments like this, when he saw his own expressions mirrored back at him, were enough to make the whole world around him disappear. It was a kind of parental tunnel vision, and it always threw him for a loop.
He let the bag drop to the floor in front of the open chairs that lined the lobby then flopped down without even looking around him. Trapping Devon between his legs, he asked, “Want my keys?”
“Keys!” Devon nodded, chubby fingers grasping.
Cole chuckled and leaned to the side to reach into his back pocket. And as he did, his shoulder bumped into something soft. And warm. And sweet-smelling.
Something that hissed, “Hey! What the hell, Cole?”
His stomach dropped down to his boots when he heard her voice. He didn't need to turn his head to know who he'd sat next to in his absent-minded haze. Even after all these years, his body was still keenly attuned to her presence.
Cole handed his truck keys to his waiting toddler and then forced himself to drag his eyes upward.
“Hey, Sammie,” he mumbled. “Sorry about that.”
Samantha Jensen rubbed her shoulder and gave him a watery smile. Cole's tongue tied itself in knots as he took her in. Same silky blond hair, same cute little turned-up nose, but her gaze was direct now. And her body? Her body was all woman.
After a long pause, she cleared her throat. “Cute kid.”
Cole nodded, trying to cover up the fact that he'd been staring. Sammie Jensen was right here. In the flesh and only inches away from him. How many times had he rehearsed what he'd say if he ever saw her again, the pretty, brainy prom queen who'd broken his heart?
But now that he finally had a chance, the only thing his whirling mind could come up with was, “Never thought I'd see you back in Hope Springs.”
The smooth skin around Sammie's big blue eyes tightened. “Guess I could say the same for you,” she snapped and turned away.
The back of Cole's neck heated. But before he could come up with a devastating retort, the bank manager appeared before him. “Sir? Come on over.”
“Let's go, little dude.” He scooped Devon up with one hand, grateful the keys were still holding his little boy's interest, and the bag with the other, then followed the manager over to his desk. He managed to resist the urge to look back at Sammie.
For about three seconds.
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