More than Exist(41)

Once I got back, half of the girls were standing around the fence, watching as one of their fellow scouts was being led around on a beautiful black horse. I left the things in the truck and wandered over to watch.

It was a beautiful spring day, and I relished the feel of the sun shining down on my bare arms as I listened to the excited laughter of the girls.

“What are you thinking about, with that smile on your face?” Luke asked, and I turned to see him coming toward me, leading what I assumed was Skywalker.

“I was just thinking that this is a pretty special place you have here,” I replied as I eyed the horse warily. I’d never had one this close to my face before. He was looking me right in the eye, and it was kinda freaking me out. “Whatchya got here?”

“This is Skywalker,” he said proudly, and I swear, if I didn’t know better, I’d say the horse stood up more proudly at the introduction. “I’ve been remiss in not getting you down here sooner. It’s a shame to have you living and working on a ranch, without ever having met a horse before.”

“Oh, well, it’s nice to meet you, Skywalker,” I said, giving the horse a little finger wave and feeling like a total fool.

Luke chuckled and said, “He won’t hurt you. Just let him catch your scent. He likes to be pet, and told he’s handsome, just like any other man.”

I turned my face to Luke’s and asked without thinking, “You like to be pet and told you’re handsome?”

His blue eyes twinkled at me, then his face sobered and he leaned in to admit, “I’ve never wanted to injure my best friend, until I saw his lips on your face.”

I realized he must have seen me talking to Jones and said quickly, “He was just asking me to cater for him on Friday.”

Luke moved back and inch and searched my face, then nodded.

“Yeah, he told me … Still, I didn’t like it.”

“I don’t think of him that way,” I said softly, hoping that my face conveyed the truth of my words.

“Good,” he replied, then grinned. “I’ve got to get back to the troop, but maybe later I’ll give you a ride.”

I stood there speechless at his parting shot, then blushed when I realized he was talking about the horse.





Chapter 29





“I’m so excited,” I gushed over the phone to Ginger as I carried bags up to Jones’s town house. “I can’t believe you’re actually coming to visit.”

Luke had given his blessing just that morning for Ginger to come out for the next weekend. I felt weird asking him to have a guest, but I was beyond thrilled to see my friend again.

“I know. I’ve never been to South Carolina,” Ginger responded.

“Well, Luke’s place is in the country, but I figured when I picked you up from the airport, we’d spend the day in Charleston. We can have dinner here, and then I’ll take you back to the ranch. Then we can just relax and hang out there on Saturday, and I’ll bring you back to town on Sunday.”

“That sounds great,” she replied. “I’ll text you the info.”

I was trying to juggle the phone and bags, and at the same time get to the key Luke gave me.

“Um, I have to let you go, so I can get started prepping for the dinner tonight, but I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”

“Yeah, and thanks, sug. I can’t wait to see your face!”

I hung up with a grin and let myself into the town house. I looked around, surprised by how clean and modern everything looked. Jones had obviously made good on his promise to have the house clean and ready for the party. I entered the gleaming kitchen and began unpacking the groceries as I surveyed the area to figure out where I wanted everything.

There was an open floor plan, which would allow a nice flow from drinks to dinner. I figured I’d set up a tray of drinks and appetizers in the living area, where he had black leather furniture and a nice oversized glass coffee table. Then they’d transition into the dining room, which featured a tall six-person table with a glass center. I planned to plate the dishes in the kitchen and serve them myself.

I’d put a lot of thought into the menu and was enjoying the entire experience immensely. I’d never given catering a thought, but now that I was doing it, I realized I needed to be more creative with my hopes for the future.

“You look good in my kitchen,” Jones said as he came strolling in with a couple bottles of wine in his hands.

I just rolled eyes. I was getting used to his charming, flirtatious ways.

“I thought I’d also make a sangria, in addition to the wine. It feels like spring outside, so I thought it would be a fun option.”