Megan walked up to an arena fence and put her hands on the top rung as she watched a group of 4-H’ers showing Suffolk sheep. The black-faced and black legged lambs’ white wool was shaved down almost to the skin.
A burning sensation caused a prickle at her nape. She felt like she was being watched. She glanced over her shoulder and a flutter traveled through her midsection when she saw that a cowboy was directly behind her…and he was looking right at her.
He was tall and muscular and his back was up against a cottonwood tree, thumbs hooked in the pockets of his dark blue Wrangler jeans that molded muscular thighs. He wore a light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the hair on his forearms was golden against his tan skin. He pushed up the brim of his western hat with one finger as he looked at her.
The tips of her ears burned as she glanced away, turning her attention back to the 4-H kids in the arena. The dangerously sexy cowboy couldn’t have been showing interest in her. Men as sexy as this one seemed to prefer women with cute, petite figures rather than ladies with full curves.
She tried to pay attention to the 4-H’ers but she still had the feeling that he was watching her. It was all she could do not to look over her shoulder again.
“Know any of the kids out there?” a deep voice said just behind her.
Startled, she glanced at the man who had spoken and saw that it was the sexy cowboy who had been watching her. She met his blue eyes that were the color of faded denim as his lips curved into a slow, sensual smile. Heat flushed through her from her head to her toes.
It took her a moment to compose herself. She shook her head. “I don’t know anyone here. I’m waiting for my sister and my niece.”
He moved beside her and looked at the girls and boys who were showing the lambs. He rested one arm on the top rung of the fence as he gestured to a boy on the end. “That’s my nephew, Brian.”
It gave her an excuse to look away from the cowboy so she studied the boy. “He’s a cute kid.”
“He is.” The man spoke in a low drawl and she glanced back to him. “I’m Ryan McBride,” he said and held out his hand.
“I’m Megan.” She offered him a smile as she took his hand. “Megan Wilder.”
The warmth of his touch traveled straight through her. His grip was firm, his hand callused from hard work.
“When is your sister getting here?” he asked as he released Megan’s hand.
“Tess was supposed to be here already.” Megan dug in her pocket and grasped her cell phone. “I think I’d better call her.” When she pulled her phone out of her pocket she saw that she’d missed a call. “Looks like my sister called and left a message.”
Megan brought the phone to her ear and listened to the voicemail.
“Hi, Megan.” Tess sounded a little harried as she left the message. “Jenny has a fever so I need to keep her home. Sorry we have to miss out on spending time with you at the fair.” Tess ended the message with, “Call me tonight.”
Megan lowered the phone and met Ryan’s gaze. “My niece has a fever so they’re not going to make it to the fair. Looks like I’m on my own.”
“I’ve got a better idea,” he said with a smile. “Why don’t you spend the afternoon with me?”
Her eyes widened a little in surprise. “I don’t know you.”
His lips curved with amusement. “No better way to get to know me.”
“I can’t argue with that.” She glanced toward the ring where the 4-H’ers were being presented with blue, red, and white ribbons. Brian was accepting a large purple ribbon with a rosette. “Looks like your nephew just won the grand champion prize for his lamb.”
The crowd around the arena clapped. Ryan and Megan joined in.
“Is that why you’re here?” she asked Ryan as the 4-H’ers walked their lambs out of the ring. “To see your nephew?”
“In part,” Ryan said. “I’m also a 4-H leader. I help a group of local kids raise cattle.”
“That’s great.” She smiled. “It must be rewarding.”
He gave a nod. “It is.”
“Do you have any more kids in your 4-H club showing livestock now?” she asked.
“My 4-H’ers finished up this morning.” He gestured to the livestock building. “Have you had a chance to walk through?”
“Not yet.” She shook her head.
“You’re new in this area.” He rested one arm on the top rail of the arena fence as he studied her. “How about letting me show you around?”
She tilted her head to the side. “How do you know I’m new?”