Montana Cowboy

by Jillian Hart

  Neither was being friends.

  * * *

  So far, so good, Luke thought. He was thankful to the Lord above because Honor had no idea how he felt for her. It was rough hiding his true feelings. He swished the brush in the sudsy bucket, wrung it out and put the final touches on the tire rims. What were the chances she would ever feel that way for him?

  Next to nothing. From the first moment her comments online had caught his eye, he’d known she was California-bound. He’d been in this position before with Sonya. He wasn’t going to make the same mistake of risking his heart on a woman who never intended to stay, who could never fit into his Montana lifestyle.

  “Are you done, Luke?” Colbie broke into his thoughts. She stood, nozzle in hand, ready to rinse down the side of the customer’s car.

  “You’d better get out of the way,” Honor advised sweetly, peeking around the rear bumper of the car she was washing, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I didn’t move fast enough last time and Colbie got me.”

  “Totally accidental.” Colbie squeezed, spraying water so close to him droplets rebounded and splashed his face. “Oops.”

  “I think someone else should be in charge of the hose.” He backed off, swiping his jaw, hardly noticing anything except for the tall, golden-haired beauty who eased in beside him, smelling like sunshine and soap bubbles.

  “I volunteer.” Honor swiped a froth of soap from her cheek. “Hand it over, Colbie.”

  “No way. This is too fun. Besides, how else am I going to keep Luke in line?” She squirted down the car, chased soap residue from the tire rims and turned off the nozzle. Her mistake was in putting down the hose.

  He caught Honor’s eye, winked and snatched it up before anyone could protest.

  “The car’s looking good.” Mr. Paco ambled up to his Cadillac. He owned a local Mexican restaurant. “It hasn’t been this clean since it rolled off the showroom floor. I don’t get the time to spend on it as much anymore.”

  “Thanks for stopping in.” Luke watched as Colbie and Brandi rubbed down the car, catching every last water droplet. The finish shone in the sun. “We appreciate this more than you know.”

  “The least I can do for Lil.” Mr. Paco sorted through his keys. “Besides, the McKaslins have always been great customers. It’s nice to give back. If Lil needs anything, you can call on me. My family is there for you.”

  “That’s why we love you, Mr. Paco.” Colbie opened the driver’s door for him. “And not only because you make the best nachos in town.”

  “You kids drop by sometime. The nachos are on me.” Mr. Paco settled behind the steering wheel. Colbie shut him in, the engine purred to life and the luxury car ambled off through the church’s parking lot.

  “Looks like things are wrapping up.” Hard to believe the long line of waiting cars was finally gone. Luke felt deeply grateful to the strangers who had stopped in and his fellow church members who had made a point to drive over. Two pails full of cash sat on the table, pails Bree and Brandi were sorting through and tallying up.

  “That was fun.” Honor grabbed one of the nearby hoses. “Maybe it was the good company.”

  “No, that can’t be it.” Good company? No way. Good didn’t cut it. Being with her was the best. Even if she hadn’t looked at him with a sparkling interest or with gentle affection. His heart could take the disappointment. “I’ve had better.”

  Her smile lit her up. That was why he’d said it. He’d do anything to see her smile one more time.

  “Hey, Colbie.” Mischief glinted in Honor’s blue eyes. “I think we forgot something.”

  “Maybe we did.” Colbie, quick on the draw, hefted a second sudsy bucket. “I don’t know how we could have missed it.”

  “Me, either, since it’s so obvious.”

  “As plain as day.” Colbie stepped closer.

  “And such an eyesore.” Honor lifted the nozzle, aiming it at him.

  “Don’t even think about it. I’ve got one finger on the trigger.” He squeezed, sending a jet of water arcing from the hose he held on to the pavement in front of Honor’s feet. “A warning shot.”

  “It’s two against one.” Honor yanked the hose closer. “Colbie, I’ll cover you. Grab another hose.”

  “Colbie, if you move,” Luke cautioned, “I’ll take you down.”

  “You do it, and I’ll be merciless.” Laughing, Honor sent a shot of water his way, except she must have misjudged because a hard stream jetted him right in the face. The girls dissolved into giggles. “Sorry. I thought it was set on sprinkle.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” He swiped water from his eyes with his free hand. “This means war.”

  “No!” Honor shrieked, laughing too hard to dart away when he turned the nozzle on her. Water sluiced through the air, drenching her.

  But she wasn’t without defensive skills. She trained her hose on him. He ignored the blast of water, moving in, sprinkling her with the fresh, cool water. It felt good in the blazing heat with the sunshine smiling over them. Through the glistening water droplets and Honor’s

  lilting laughter, her gaze met his that was for one second unguarded. He felt closer to her than to anyone.

  Then he tripped over a speed bump, went down on his knee and the hose jumped out of his hand. He was fine, nothing was hurt, but her concern made him see something he’d never let himself acknowledge before.

  “Are you all right?” She knelt down beside him. Her touch to his arm felt as warm as heaven.

  Love brimmed his soul, simple and sweet.

  “I’m fine. You let your guard down.” In more ways than one. He’d seen straight into her heart. Filled with hope, he stole the hose from her. “Whoops.”

  “Hey!” She didn’t have time to protest because a stream of refreshing, cool water poured over him from behind.

  “Don’t worry, Honor. I’ve got your back.” Colbie held the third hose, proudly pointing it over his head.

  “Colbie? How could you turn on me like this? At least Honor—”

  “Oops.” Honor’s hand closed over his and turned his own nozzle into his chest. Water shot off his shirt, spewed into his face and he sputtered, overpowered but not without hope.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “How’s the reading going?” Days later, Honor hunkered down on the chair across from her student. The crinkle of leather echoed in the library’s stillness. “Steinbeck isn’t too boring, right?”

  “I guess.” Jerrod looked up from his book. “The good part is by this time next week, I’ll be on a plane heading for California.”

  “Don’t rub it in. If only I could say the same.” She winked, glad for the kid.

  “A word of advice. Mom goes over the rooms with her eagle eye. Don’t think if there’s a speck of dust or a nail hole she won’t take it out of your last paycheck.” Jerrod shook his head. “I’m just sayin’.”

  “Thanks for the warning. I’ll be extra thorough. You’re going to do well on the exam. You’ve put in the work.”

  “My parents will be happy.” He shrugged. “I just wanted them to be happy together, you know?”

  “I do.” Relationships weren’t always what you hoped they could be. Neither were people. “Your parents have made their decision. I just wish it was easier on you.”

  “At least I’ll get to stay with Dad the rest of the summer. I’m done with Montana.”

  “I know just how you feel.” The words tumbled out from habit, because that’s how she’d felt the instant she’d driven across the California state line.

  Except it was no longer true.

  “It’s officially five o’clock.” She pushed off the chair. It was Friday afternoon. Only one week to go. “Time to quit.”

  “Then I’m outta here!” Jerrod tossed aside his book and darted straigh
t to the door, leaving her alone in the silent room.

  Her cell chimed with a text message. She brightened seeing Luke’s name. R U done 4 the day? he’d written.

  Done. Where R U?

  Sitting at the gate.

  He was here! Just like he’d promised. She skipped out of the room and was halfway down the hall before she realized what she was doing. Skipping, honestly? You know he’s the wrong man, she thought. So why are you feeling this way?

  Because she couldn’t help it. The answer was obvious the moment she spotted his truck ambling up the drive, pulling a horse trailer.

  Okay, the horse trailer was a surprise. She hopped down the front steps. Hadn’t he said he’d be coming with a thank-you dinner for helping at Lil’s fundraiser? She mentally went through the emails he’d written her over the past two days, but she couldn’t remember a thing about why he would drive all this way with a horse.

  “Oh, he’s the one you’ve been rushing off to see.” Wren stood in the open doorway, leaning against the frame, the hem of her apron ruffling in the breeze. “I can see why. He’s a total hunk.”

  “It’s not like that.” Boy, was her tone defensive, or what?

  “Then what it is like?” Wren nodded knowingly. “If that man were interested in me, I would give him a chance.”

  “He’s not interested in me.” And wasn’t that a knife to her heart?

  “He drove all this way to see you. A man doesn’t do that if he’s not interested.” Wren leaned backward, listening and winced. “Mrs. Lambert calls. I gotta go. Have fun.”

  Fun? With Luke that was guaranteed. She flew off the stairs and breezed up the walkway, his presence drawing her toward him. She’d lost all ability to resist the pull.

  “Hey, there.” The truck door slammed and Luke circled into view, striking in a gray T-shirt and jeans. His Stetson shaded his face, emphasizing the rugged strength of his square jaw.

  Yep, totally hunky. No doubt about it. “Wow, you’re right on time. What’s with the horse trailer?”

  “That would be one of the surprises I have in store. Beware.”

  “I’m learning I have to keep an eye on you.”

  “Good idea. You never know what I’m gonna do.” He swept her into his arms in a welcome hug. He was sun-warm and smelled good, like hay and summer sun. He released her before she had a chance to settle in against his wonderful chest. That was too bad, she thought as she stumbled onto the concrete, unable to breathe.

  I wish, she thought. If only he felt the same way for me.

  “I’m glad we planned this.” He knuckled back his hat. “I’ve got dinner packed in my saddlebags. How does that sound?”

  “Saddlebags? I thought we’d be eating at my place, or maybe we’d go in search of a restaurant?”

  “Not even close. Don’t worry. I know how to do up Friday evening.”

  “With a horse?”

  “Horses.”

  “As in plural?”

  “Roger that. Come with me.”

  “I’m not sure I should.”

  “Why not?” He reached up and lowered a metallic ramp from the back of the trailer. “I checked ahead. There are riding trails through the forest. I’m assuming those stables over there used to hold horses.”

  “The previous owners must have been riders.” Certainly not Mrs. Lambert, she thought, and absolutely not me.

  “Come meet Buck.” He disappeared into the trailer.

  “Buck? Your horse’s name is Buck, as in he bucks people off?”

  “Buck as in Buckwheat.” Luke’s laughter rumbled as merry as the sunshine, echoing inside the trailer.

  She didn’t even remember taking a step yet there she was, peering into the trailer. Two horses stood patiently, nose in, their tales swishing. Luke stood next to the brown horse, his touch gentle and his movements sure. He looked beyond comfortable around the animals. Too bad she couldn’t say the same.

  “Is this a bad time to confess something?” she asked.

  “Like what?”

  “That I’m a tiny bit scared of horses?”

  “Seriously? You couldn’t have mentioned that at anytime in at least one email you’ve sent me during the last few months?”

  “It didn’t come up.” Wow, those horses looked big in real life. Huge. Ginormous. Colossal. “When you mentioned a riding lesson I didn’t think you really meant it.”

  “You were hoping I didn’t.” Humor brought out his dimples. “You may have figured I’m like most men. Men say a lot but follow through very little.”

  “Let’s just say I never imagined you would drive your horses all this way.” She stepped aside as the brown horse backed flawlessly down the ramp and into the sunshine, where he gleamed a rich nut-brown. His inky mane and tail rippled in the wind and he pawed the ground, tossing his head and nickering low in his throat, his big chocolate eyes watching Luke intently.

  “Here you go, buddy.” Luke held out his hand and the horse lipped up the molasses treat with his velvety lips.

  Okay, as long as she kept a safe distance from the creature, he really was magnificent. The horse, she told herself firmly, not the man.

  Okay, fine. The man was magnificent, too. Why couldn’t she stop noticing? What were the chances she would suddenly be able to find him ugly? That would solve her problems very nicely.

  “Here. Hold him for me.” Luke thrust the reins in her direction.

  “But—” She didn’t have a chance to protest. Her fingers curled around the leather straps and Luke disappeared inside the trailer, leaving her face-to-face with a horse.

  Equine eyes stared into hers. A horsy brow quirked.

  What did she do? Say hello? Quirk her brow, too? Hope he didn’t bite?

  Buck snorted out his rather big nostrils.

  At least his snort sort of sounded friendly. Maybe he, like his master, just wanted to be friends.

  “You’re really enormous,” she felt obliged to inform the animal. “Horses look smaller when they’re grazing in some field.”

  Buck studied her for a moment, lifted his head and his whiskery lips nibbled across her forehead.

  Not being a fool, she jumped back. Buck just kept coming. She stepped back. He stepped forward.

  “Uh, Luke?” Eventually she was going to run out of driveway. “Help?”

  “Don’t worry. He won’t hurt you.” Boots knelled on the metal ramp as he walked the second horse down to the pavement. Not that she could see him because Buck’s enormous body blocked all view of Luke.

  “You also have really big teeth.” She could see them as the animal’s velvety mouth brushed her forehead. Oh, so he was trying to kiss her. She laughed, since the joke had been on her. “That tickles.”

  Buck’s eyes brightened happily. He nickered, lowered his head and waited. She couldn’t resist the invitation. She stroked her fingertips down the long slope of his nose. His coat was short and bristly and amazing.

  “He’s pretty great, huh?” Luke sidled in, holding a set of reins and petting the second horse’s nose.

  “Totally great.” She wasn’t just talking about Buck. Actually, she wasn’t talking about him at all.

  “Let’s get these horses saddled and we’ll get on with our ride. I’ve packed you a picnic you won’t soon forget.”

  “That sounds a little ambiguous. Why won’t I forget it? Because it will be so bad? Or so good?”

  “I’ll never tell. It’s a mystery. I’ll let you figure it out for yourself.”

  “You know I like a good mystery,” she quipped, thinking of the book they’d been discussing in the chat room where she’d first “met” Montana cowboy.

  Maybe he wasn’t the wrong man at all, she thought. The trouble might be she was the wrong woman—the wrong woman for him.<
br />
  * * *

  Luke checked Buck’s cinch. Tight enough. He patted the gelding’s sun-warmed neck, doing his level best not to second guess his decision. He had to put his heart on the line. He cared about Honor too much not to try. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. In jeans, a summery top and with her hair in a ponytail, she’d never looked prettier as she did petting the white mare’s nose.

  “You’re right. Lena is as gentle as a lamb. Okay. I’ll give it a try.”

  “This might not be a stroll along the beach, but a trail ride is great, too. Trust me.”

  “Trust you? Hmm, I’m not sure I should.”

  “Hey, I’m trustworthy.”

  “So you say.” Mischief glinted in shades of blue as she met his gaze. “I like new adventures, but I’m not fond of falling.”

  “Don’t worry. It won’t hurt until you hit the ground.”

  “Oh, that helps.”

  He liked to hear her laugh. “Hop on up.”

  “Lena, are you going to be good to me?” Woman looked horse in the eye. The mare nodded, tossing her mane, and the woman smiled.

  Then, when her smile deepened as he caught her hand, it gave him reassurance. “Hand on the saddle horn. Boot in the stirrup, and lift yourself up. It’s that simple.”

  She rose up into the air and landed with a light plop in the saddle. “Wow. So far, so good.”

  “See? I’ll make a Montana girl out of you yet.”

  “You go ahead and try, cowboy.” She plucked the reins from the pommel and held onto the saddle horn tightly with her free hand. “I’d still rather be sailing.”

  “Famous last words.” He patted Lena on the shoulder before gathering Buck’s reins and mounting up. Buck shifted beneath him, already moving. “Prepare yourself for some Montana fun.”

  “Would this be a good or bad time to tell you I’m not fond of the forest?”

  He couldn’t tell if she was kidding him or not. He sidled Buck alongside Lena. “What’s there not to like about the forest?”