His Outback Cowgirl(15)

“Really? What did he ... they do?”

Ever since Ethan had surprised her the other day by lifting her onto the mudroom bench, she’d done her best to not think about him, and she shouldn’t now be curious. It wasn’t her finest moment staring at him like a kangaroo blinded by truck lights. So what if his strong hands were warm through her damp shirt and he smelled so good, like the pine trees after the downpour. So what if his lashes were long and dark and he had the most incredible sexy mouth; she hadn’t come to Marietta to lose her heart.

Behind her the doorbell tinkled.

Lesley’s lips curved. “Why don’t you ask Ethan yourself?”

Bridie swung around, her stomach lurching as though she was about to free-fall on a fair ride.

Ethan’s eyes smiled as they searched hers. “Ask me what?”

Ethan was dressed in Wranglers, a neat blue shirt and scuff-free boots and not a dark-blond hair was out of place. But the tightness to his jaw and the deep grooves beside his mouth reminded her there was far more to Ethan than his steady exterior.

Bridie glanced at Finn who looked between her and Ethan, concern pinching his small face. Finn worried about bugs being squished, let alone about animals being poached or rustled.

“Nothing important,” she said, holding Ethan’s gaze, hoping he’d understand her unspoken message; she’d revisit her question when Finn wasn’t around. “I can ask you later.”

Ethan gave her a small nod and she knew he’d understood.

He held out a fist to the five-year-old. “Hey, buddy.”

Finn bumped his tiny fist against Ethan’s. “Hey.”

Ethan dipped his head toward Lesley. “I know I’ve already been in once for Henry’s crossword puzzle books but I saw Zane’s pickup outside and wanted to see Bridie about tomorrow.”

Bridie banished the flare of warmth in her cheeks. It meant nothing that Ethan had sought her out instead of using his cell to contact her.

Lesley chuckled. “Actually, it’s just as well you’re in again today because I found that book, Journeys of a Lifetime, I told you about that Henry might like. I’ll go and get it.”

Lesley bustled away.

Beside Bridie, Finn stood silent, the ant book pressed against his chest and his attention on Ethan. Curiosity brightened his blue eyes. A quick discussion with Ethan of what they’d need for their trip wasn’t going to happen. He proved as interesting to a bashful boy as much as he did to a fidgety cowgirl. It would also do Finn’s confidence good to have another person to talk to, a quiet and considered adult who’d listen to him.

“Finn and I are off for ice creams, and then the park, if you wanted to join us? We could work out what we need for our days away then?”

“Thanks. I’d like that.”

Ethan smiled at Lesley as she returned with a large book sporting a glossy and scenic Mediterranean cover.

“Is Henry planning a trip?” Lesley asked handing Ethan the book.

“If he is, he hasn’t told me. Now he has a new hip and is driving his truck again, I have a feeling there’ll be no stopping him.”

Lesley grinned. “Look out, world.”

Bridie followed Finn as he walked around the picture book display looking for other bug books. After not finding any more they headed to the counter to pay for the ant book. Ethan too paid for Henry’s book and as Lesley slipped it into a large bag, Ethan glanced at Bridie.

“Which park are you going to?”

“Community Park. Finn likes the play equipment there, especially the climbing spinner.”

“Community Park is at the other end of Main Street to the ice cream store. I have to head to the bank so how about I get the ice creams and you and Finn can then have more time in the park?”

Bridie glanced at Finn. His smile widened at having more time to spend playing.

“Sounds like a good plan. Finn, would you like cookies n’ cream ice cream again?”

He nodded.

“Cookies n’ cream it is,” Ethan said, looking at her. His irises were such a brilliant and intense blue it took all her effort to not glance away. She couldn’t have him know that seeing him again made her pulse beat faster. “And what flavor for you?”

She shrugged. “Surprise me.”

For an instant something hot and dark flared in his gaze and then it was gone. “Will do.”



Bridie released a deep breath as she parked outside Community Park. Out on Highway 89 she had no trouble remembering what side of the road to drive on, but in downtown Marietta where there was both traffic and turns to make, she was yet to feel comfortable.

Finn bolted out of the pickup and waited on the sidewalk for her to join him. Hands linked they entered the busy playground. The popular climbing spinner already had three laughing boys clinging to the webbing, so Bridie and Finn headed for the swings.