His Outback Cowgirl(21)

Soon the uneven trail leveled off and they arrived at a lake at the base of a jagged peak. Blue and serene, the still water called for Bridie to take a swim and soak the ache out of her back and legs.

Ethan stopped, grinned and made a slow sweep of his hand toward the high altitude lake. “Welcome to Home Sweet Home for the next two nights.”



To Ethan’s surprise, he and Bridie worked well as team as they set up camp. Bridie hadn’t been lying when she said she was an experienced camper. She didn’t rush, instead her movements economical and unhurried, she anticipated what needed to be done next.

Once the horses were unsaddled and tied to a highline strung between two trees, she unraveled the bedrolls and placed them well apart around the campfire. She’d been serious when she’d warned him she was a mosquito magnet. Mosquitoes didn’t bother him but one beautiful outback cowgirl did. So the further he slept away from her, the more his hormones would behave and the more he would sleep.

He finished checking Cloud’s hooves. The horses’ welfare was a top priority; he couldn’t have them lame or sore or it would be a long walk home. He reached for the first of the two packs Cloud had carried.

“Need some help?” Bridie asked, as she took a swig from her water bottle.

The sun had started its downward arc but the temperature remained summer hot. With the higher altitude Bridie’s paler skin wouldn’t take long to burn. Already her cheeks were pink.

“No. Thanks. I’ve got this.” He nodded toward the lake he’d seen her throw increasingly longing glances at. “Why don’t you cool off? The water’s safe to swim in.”

Her gaze lingered on his hands as he untied the pack knots. “Are you sure? I’m here to pull my weight not goof off.”

“Yes. Stay in for as long as you want. I’ll holler when the campfire burritos are ready.”

Goofing off and having fun was exactly what Bridie needed but first she had to say good-bye to her father. Even though the fresh air and beauty of their surroundings had brought a sparkle to her eyes, shadows still lingered. A swim would provide the perfect chance for her to have some personal space.

As the shadows lengthened and the burritos filled the campsite with their rich and spicy aroma, Ethan regretted his words. Bridie had been away a long time. His first instinct was to go in search of her but his second instinct urged caution. She needed time alone. She’d taken her saddlebag that contained her bear spray and EpiPen. She’d be fine.

Needing something to do, he split a large log into smaller pieces. It wasn’t like him to feel restless. Anyone would think that Bridie’s energy was contagious. But then when it came to Bridie, this wasn’t the first time he’d acted out of character. He didn’t even know himself that he was capable of wanting to rush into a relationship.

He heard footsteps and placed some wood on the fire so he didn’t appear to be waiting for her.

“How was your swim?” he asked, stoking the campfire coals as she approached. “I was just about to call you. Burritos are ready.”

Slim, bare legs wearing nothing but cowgirl boots came into view. He silenced a groan. His bedroll would need to go on the other side of the lake if he were to get any real sleep tonight. He risked a glance upwards and at mid-thigh glimpsed the hem of Bridie’s long pink shirt.

He straightened, making sure his expression didn’t reveal just how beautiful he found the Australian cowgirl. Just as well Henry didn’t have his binoculars. He’d see right through Ethan’s composure.

Bridie stopped before him, her jeans slung over her forearm. Her damp hair hung in heavy ringlets, her checks were again pale ... His heart clenched. And her eyes were swollen and red.

He folded his arms to stop himself tugging her close. For all of her bravado, Bridie’s grief continued to cut her up inside. He had to be her friend and help her find the closure she needed. His attraction, respect and admiration would have to stay buried.

Her eyes, more grey now than blue, slid away from his. “That smells good.”

“And it tastes even better. No one does campfire food like Rosa does.”

“Great. I’ll get dressed. These jeans might go on easier now that I’m dry.”

Dinner passed with small talk interspersed with lengthening periods of silence. When the blueberry cobbler had been polished off for dessert and their mugs of coffee emptied, Bridie helped him clean up. She then slung the bear spray saddlebag over her shoulder and collected her camera.

“It’ll soon be sunset and it will be a good time to see some more animals. Don’t worry. I won’t go far.”