A Marriage-Minded Cowboy

Orphaned at a young age, Austin Teague found a loving foster home at Thunder Mountain Ranch. After four years away, he’s back in Wyoming for a family wedding...with hopes to plan his own nuptials once he finds his ideal bride. Between their mutual off-the-charts attraction and easy camaraderie, it seems as if Austin and gorgeous videographer Drew Martinelli are made for each other.

Drew cherishes her independence—in her job, and during this time-out from her boisterous Montana clan. But the sexy, straight-shooting brother of the groom wants to settle down—now!—and Drew isn’t ready to say “I do.” What if that means giving up the chance to have it all with the smoking-hot cowboy of her dreams?

Praise for Vicki Lewis Thompson

“It’s a wonderful sexy romance, with some very appealing and likable characters, and I’m definitely going to delve into more of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood series.”

—Harlequin Junkie,

Top Pick, on Cowboy Untamed

“The tongue-in-cheek, sweet yet sensual and comfortable family feel... remains until the last page. Cowboy After Dark is a story that will keep you smiling.”

—RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

“Thompson continues to do what she does best, tying together strong family values bound by blood and choice, interspersed with the more sizzling aspects of the relationship.”

—RT Book Reviews on Thunderstruck

“All the characters, background stories and character development are positively stellar; the warm family feeling is not saccharine-sweet, but heartfelt and genuine, and Lexi and Cade’s rekindled romance is believable from beginning to end, along with the classy, sexy and tender love scenes.”

—Fresh Fiction on Midnight Thunder

“Vicki Lewis Thompson has compiled a tale of this terrific family, along with their friends and employees, to keep you glued to the page and ending with that warm and loving feeling.”

—Fresh Fiction on Cowboys and Angels

Do You Take This Cowboy?

Vicki Lewis Thompson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

A passion for travel has taken New York Times bestselling author VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON to Europe, Great Britain, the Greek isles, Australia and New Zealand. She’s visited most of North America and has her eye on South America’s rain forests. Africa, India and China beckon. But her first love is her home state of Arizona, with its deserts, mountains, sunsets and—last but not least—cowboys! The wide-open spaces and heroes on horseback influence everything she writes. Connect with her at www.vickilewisthompson.com, Facebook.com/vickilewisthompson and Twitter.com/vickilthompson.

To all my loyal readers who’ve loved the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, thank you! Your emails and Facebook posts mean so much to me!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Praise

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Drew Martinelli walked backward up the steps of the ranch house to the porch while keeping her camcorder focused on the couple strolling toward her hand in hand. Cade and Lexi’s wedding was four days away and they’d hired Drew to create a video illustrating their love for each other, their appreciation of Thunder Mountain Ranch and their gratitude to both sets of parents. They planned to give a copy to the two couples at the rehearsal dinner as a surprise.

Because they’d wanted to shoot it at the ranch Cade grew up on, they’d had to get his foster parents, Rosie and Herb, to leave for the afternoon. They’d sent them to town on a somewhat bogus errand to pick up more decorations for the wedding. Drew knew Rosie and Herb pretty well by now. She doubted they believed the decorations were necessary but they’d played along, probably realizing something secret was going on.

Drew had begun the video down at the barn with Lexi and Cade tossing hay at each other. Next she’d followed them out to the pasture where they’d played tag with their horses, Hematite and Serendipity. She’d shot footage in the cabin where Cade had lived with two of his foster brothers as a teenager.

Then she’d walked with Cade and Lexi to their own recently constructed cabin and recorded Cade fixing lasagna. Cade’s ability to cook must be a big deal because the two teased each other unmercifully during the process. Drew had struggled to keep from laughing, which would have been picked up on the mic.

A last shot on the ranch house porch would be the finale. Drew turned slowly to keep them in the frame as they climbed the steps. Cade sat in one of the roomy Adirondack chairs lining the porch and Lexi nestled on his lap.

As they’d planned, Drew crouched down and zoomed in on Lexi’s face. Bits of hay stuck in her brown curls and her cheeks were flushed. Drew had a hunch Lexi’s parents would totally lose it when they saw the joy and happiness in their daughter’s eyes. Even Drew was a little choked up.

Lexi’s warm smile completed the image. “Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always supporting me in everything I ever wanted to do and for welcoming the man I’ve chosen to share my life with. I love you both so much.”

Drew’s throat tightened. She didn’t often become emotionally invested in her video subjects, but Lexi and Cade had become friends as well as clients. She slowly panned over to Cade. Wow. The big cowboy was clearly moved. That level of intensity wasn’t common in the men she’d photographed.

He cleared his throat. “Mom and Dad, you took me in when I had nowhere else to go.” He cleared his throat a second time. “There’s not enough thanks in the world for that. Because of you I became a man worthy of this wonderful woman. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

Blinking back tears, Drew widened her camera’s focus to include Cade and Lexi as they turned to each other and leaned in for a sweet, lingering kiss. Then she switched off the camera, reached for the tissue in her pocket and blew her nose.

When she looked up, Cade and Lexi were watching her in obvious bemusement.

“You got me.” She tucked the tissue back in her pocket and stood. “That’s one of the most touching scenes I’ve ever shot. Your folks are gonna turn into faucets when they see this.”

“That’s the idea.” Lexi slid off Cade’s lap.

“Yep.” Cade got up and scrubbed a hand over his face. “I don’t know about anybody else, but I could use a beer.”

“Me, too.” Lexi glanced at Drew. “Do you have time?”

“Sure, but what if Rosie and Herb come back and catch me here?”

“We’ll say that you and I had more details to iron out regarding the wedding video.”

“Okay, that works. Let me put my stuff in my truck.”

“Oh, and you can meet Austin,” Lexi said. “He’s probably still working on the kitchen sink that got clogged while we were cleaning up after lunch. Thank God Austin was here or Herb would have stayed home to fix it and our plan would have been wrecked.”

Cade laughed. “And we all know Herb would never have left me to do it.”

“We do?” Drew looked at him. “Why not?”

“Sorry, Drew. I keep forgetting you haven’t been around forever.” Lexi slid her arm around Cade’s waist. “My husband-to-be has many talents but he’s so not a handyman.”

Cade shrugged as if he’d accepted that minor flaw long ago. “I didn’t get that gene. Austin, though, he’s good with tools.”

“Is he the brother who just flew in from New Zealand?”

“Two days ago. Austin Teague. Nice guy.” Lexi waved Drew toward her truck. “Get rid of your stuff. Your beer will be waiting for you in the kitchen.”

This Austin person would be in the kitchen, too, apparently. Drew was eager to talk with someone who’d been halfway around the world, especially when he’d lived in a place she’d love to video someday.

She stashed her equipment in her truck and headed back to the house. She’d looked forward to meeting Austin ever since Rosie had mentioned him during a discussion of the wedding setup. They’d needed a head count of the foster brothers who’d be participating in the wedding.

Over the years Rosie and Herb Padgett had taken in quite a few boys, who at different times in their lives had ended up at Thunder Mountain Ranch. Cade had been one of their first foster boys, and it seemed that the whole family was excited about his wedding.

The ceremony would be held in the barn, a trendy wedding venue choice these days. But this ceremony would be unique in that the horses would remain in their stalls. Cade and Lexi were very much into horses and they loved the idea that the ranch’s equine population would attend the wedding. This way Cade’s cat, Ringo, could even be there if he chose.

Human guests would be seated on benches facing the barn’s wide front door, which would be open. Instead of an arbor placed in the open doorway as a backdrop, the foster brothers in attendance would stand in a semicircle behind the minister.

Not all of Cade’s foster brothers could make it to the wedding, but at last count at least nine would be standing in that group. Drew couldn’t wait to film this ceremony, which promised to be more visually interesting than most.

She walked into the ranch house without knocking. People didn’t stand on ceremony at Thunder Mountain, and while the living room was comfy and inviting, the large kitchen with its sturdy oak table was the heart of the house. She found Cade and Lexi sitting there, each with a bottle of beer. Two other open bottles were on the table along with a large bowl of chips.

Drew figured one beer was for her and the other must be for the man who was half-hidden under the kitchen sink. All she could see were scuffed boots, wear-softened jeans, a silver belt buckle with a kiwi bird etched on it, and a small section of skin that told her he was shirtless.

“Hey, Drew,” Cade said. “That would be Junior’s legs sticking out from under the sink over there. He says he’ll be done in thirty seconds, tops.”

She frowned. “Junior?”

“The name’s Austin, ma’am.” He wiggled partway out from under the sink, wiped his hand on his jeans and thrust it toward her. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Hi, there.” She walked over, leaned down and shook his outstretched hand. She tried not to stare, but oh...my...God. She had the urge to race back to her truck and fetch her camera. Abs and pecs like that should be captured on film and preserved for posterity. She was also amazed that he could fit those broad shoulders into such a small space.

On top of that he was blond and blue-eyed. Even his chest hair was blond, although a little darker than the sun-bleached, close-cropped hair on his head. Because of her Italian heritage, she’d spent her life surrounded by dark-haired, dark-eyed people. She had a weakness for men who looked like Austin.

As they shook hands he smiled. “Really glad to meet you,” he murmured.

“Same here.” Lord help her, she sounded breathless. He probably got that a lot.

“Be done in a jiffy.” He released her hand, scooted back under the sink and bumped his head on the pipe. “Ow.”

“Are you okay?” She leaned down to peer into the cabinet.

“Yes, ma’am. Didn’t watch where I was going is all.”

“He’ll be fine,” Cade said. “Junior’s practically indestructible.”

“The name’s Austin.” His voice echoed a bit coming from under the sink.

“Why do you call him Junior?” Drew walked over to the table and Cade got up to pull out her chair.

He winked at her. “Because it’s his name.”

Lexi leaned over and gave him a light punch on the arm. “He’s all grown up now. Retire the Junior thing.”

“Yes, please,” came the voice from under the sink.

“So I take it he was Junior when you all lived at the ranch?” Drew took a sip of her beer.

“And still is, as far as I’m concerned.” Cade grinned as he went back to his seat. “I don’t care how big he gets, he’ll always be Junior to me.”

“No respect.” Austin slid out from under the sink and rose to his glorious height, which had to be at least six-three. “I go and sell my truck so I can buy a plane ticket to attend your wedding and this is my reward—still stuck with the same old crummy nickname.” His dramatic sigh made his chest heave in a most arresting way.

“I call you Austin,” Lexi said.

“Yes, you do, Lexi, and I appreciate the support.”

Cade tipped his chair onto its back legs and picked up his beer. “The way I heard it, you didn’t sell your truck to buy a plane ticket. You sold it because you wanted to buy a new one over here instead of shipping your old rattletrap across the Pacific.”

“Technically, yes, but some of the proceeds went toward the ticket, so my statement stands.”

“So you’re staying?” Drew hadn’t been clear on that but it was the best news she’d heard all day.

“Yes, ma’am. New Zealand was great, but I missed Wyoming.”

“And me,” Cade said. “I know you really missed me.”

Austin laughed, flashing beautiful white teeth. “Can’t live without you, bro.”

“And FYI, your beer’s getting warm the longer you stand there working your jaw.”

“Let me wash up.” He turned back to the sink.

Much as Drew would have loved to admire the ripple of his back muscles as he scrubbed his hands clean, ogling would be inappropriate. She redirected her attention toward Cade and Lexi. Why was she here, again? Oh, yes. “I think we got some great stuff today. I’ll edit it as soon as I get home and email you a link to a preview.”

“Good.” Lexi reached for the chips. “I’m really excited to see it.”

“So am I.” Cade returned his chair to its original position so he could also reach the chip bowl. “By the way, I was impressed that you walked up the steps backward while you filmed that last part. I’m not sure I could have done that.”

“I know I couldn’t,” Lexi said.

“My years of playing hockey probably helps. You have to have eyes in the back of your head to play that game.”

“You played hockey?” Austin joined them at the table.

“Yes, and I was really, really lucky that I got to. Some parents organized a Montana youth league and my brother and I were both in it. I don’t think that league exists anymore. For three years I lived and breathed hockey. Every night before I went to sleep I recited that famous Wayne Gretzky quote.”

Austin picked up his beer and reached for a chip. “I don’t think I know that one.”

“I do, more or less,” Cade said. “Instead of following the puck, you need to anticipate where it will be and go there.”

“Aha!” Lexi looked as if inspiration had hit. “That’s why you’re such an excellent videographer. You’re always a little ahead of the action. I couldn’t put my finger on why your videos are so much better than others I’ve seen and I’ll bet that’s the secret.”

Drew’s cheeks warmed. “Thank you. I never thought of it that way but if I manage to pull it off I’m glad.”

“Montana, huh?” Austin’s gaze had remained on her ever since he’d come to the table. “Where in Montana?”

“Billings. My parents own an Italian restaurant there.”

“I love Italian food. Do you like to cook?”

“God, no.” She shuddered. “I’m probably the least domestic woman you’ll ever meet.”

“But you’re great with a camera,” Lexi said. “Plenty of people make videos but you make memories.”

“What a lovely thing to say.” Drew savored the compliment. “Any chance you’d be willing to put that in a review on my website?”

“Absolutely! I wish I’d thought of it before.”

“No worries. You’ve been busy planning a wedding.”

“Reviews make a difference,” Austin said. “The company I worked for always asked for them at the end of a ride.”

“Horseback ride?” Drew made a guess based on where he’d grown up.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“What made you go so far away from home?” She’d done a little bit of traveling related to her videography but she’d never considered relocating to a different country. His willingness to seek out adventure added to his appeal.

“Lord of the Rings. When I saw those movies I stayed for the credits. That’s when I made up my mind I had to go to New Zealand.” He popped another chip in his mouth.

“How old were you?”

“I must’ve been around thirteen.”

Cade nodded. “Oh, yeah, you were thirteen, all right. I remember it well. You drove us all crazy with your fixation on those movies and New Zealand.” He looked at Drew. “Watch out for Junior. Once he gets an idea in his head, he’s like one of those bullet trains in Japan.”

“That’s not such a bad thing.” Drew sent Austin a glance of solidarity. “Nothing wrong with being highly motivated to attain a goal.”

He tipped his head in silent acknowledgment.

“True,” Cade said. “But if you’ve booked a seat on that train you’d better be sure you want to go where it’s headed.” He looked over at Austin. “I’m flattered that you came back for the wedding, but surely you have other reasons for relocating to your old stomping grounds. At least I hope you do. I can only be entertaining for so long before I run out of material.”

Austin rotated his bottle on the table and smiled at Cade. “The new truck’s a clue, bro.”

Cade gazed at him and then he blinked. “I’ll be damned. I should have figured that out.”

Lexi turned to Drew. “I have no idea what they’re talking about, do you?”

“No.” But she was intrigued. Austin was clearly a man who knew what he wanted and went after it. He hadn’t allowed the ties to his foster parents or his foster brothers to stop him from pursuing a dream that had taken him halfway around the world.

She, on the other hand, had felt obligated to stay in Billings far too long. She was the oldest and her large family seemed to depend on her for support and advice. But in the past year or so she’d felt smothered by their neediness. She’d been desperate to get away and discover who she was outside of that boisterous clan.

Over the Christmas holiday she’d talked her way into teaching a six-week course in videography at Sheridan’s community college. That had justified moving her base of operations from Billings to Wyoming in January.

Through Molly Radcliffe, who worked at the college and was Cade’s cousin, she’d met Rosie and Herb. That connection had brought her business and friendship. Today it had brought her in contact with Austin. He probably had something to teach her about making bold moves toward an exciting future.

It sounded as if he had a grand plan for his decision to come back home. That put him several steps ahead of her. As of now, she was making it up as she went along.

She knew what she didn’t want—to be dragged down by so many family obligations that she lost track of her own goals and who she was besides oldest daughter and big sister. Austin had already made that journey away from his people. Maybe hanging out with him would give her the gumption she needed to do the same. And whether his spirit of adventure rubbed off or not, he was pretty to look at.

“So why is the truck a clue to your current plans?” Lexi asked.

Austin hesitated and exchanged a quick glance with Cade.

Cade flashed him a smile. “You’re the one who said it.”

Austin cleared his throat and faced Lexi. “Well, a man who’s starting out fresh needs a decent ride to...to...” He sent Cade a look that was clearly a plea for a little help with this explanation.

“A man’s truck is like his alter ego,” Cade said. “You can tell a lot by what he chooses to drive. Junior, here, is ready to project a more polished image.”

Austin let out a relieved sigh. “Exactly.”

Drew figured it was a guy thing. She didn’t care what Austin chose to drive. She just wanted to be in the passenger seat.

Chapter Two

Drew left far sooner than Austin would have liked, but she had to get home and edit the video and he was all in favor of that. He wanted her to finish it because he had other plans for how she’d spend her evening, assuming she wasn’t seeing anyone. When he’d first slid out from under that sink, he felt as if he’d been struck by lightning.

The view from the floor had been spectacular—long, tanned legs that ended in a snug pair of jeans shorts and above that a bare, toned midriff and a white halter top that had gaped a little when she’d leaned over to shake his hand.

But he hadn’t focused on that because he was a gentleman. Instead he’d gazed into eyes that were a beautiful deep brown and gleamed with interest. Excellent. Mutual attraction.

She wore a silver pendant consisting of a freeform heart, a large pearl and several little diamonds. He’d noticed it because it had swung toward him when she’d bent down. It looked expensive, and yet she’d worn it when she was dressed very casually. That interested him, too.

He munched on chips and sipped his beer while Cade and Lexi discussed the video they’d just made and how awesome it was going to be. When he heard Drew’s truck pull away, he turned to Lexi. “Does she have a steady guy?”

Cade sighed. “Look out. Bullet train.”

“Not necessarily.” Austin sat up a little straighter. “She seemed interested in me. It might go nowhere, but what’s wrong with checking things out if she’s available?”

“I don’t think she’s with anyone,” Lexi said. “When I asked if she wanted to bring a guest to the wedding she said no.”

“That’s great.” He got up and retrieved his phone from where he’d laid it on the kitchen counter. “I’d like her number.” He settled back in his chair and clicked on his contacts page. “What’s her last name?”

“Martinelli.” Lexi took out her phone.

“That explains the big brown eyes and the Italian restaurant.” He typed in her name. “Ready when you are.”

Cade tugged his hat down over his eyes and groaned. “If you give him that number, I guarantee he’ll dial it right now.”

“So what?” Lexi scrolled through her contacts. “If she doesn’t want to go out with him she can always say no.”

Leaning both elbows on the table, Cade studied Austin. “When are you fixing to get that courtin’ truck?”

“That what?” Lexi looked up from her phone. “Is a courtin’ truck what I think it is?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Cade took a long pull on his beer.

She turned to Austin. “Are you really buying a new truck so you can impress women?”

“Not all women. Just certain ones.”

“Let me put it this way, Lexi.” Cade put down his beer. “When you attended that riding clinic in Denver last year you took cabs to get around, right?”

“Right.”

“How did you know a cab was available?”

“The roof light was on.”

“Well, Junior here has his light on.”

“I do not.” Austin glared at his brother. “That suggests I’ll take the first one who comes along, and that’s not how I—”

“Isn’t Drew the first one who’s come along?”

“Yes, but we still don’t know if she’ll go out with me.”

“What if she does?”

“Then I’ll have to go truck shopping pretty soon.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Lexi waved her hands in the air. “You two are speaking in tongues. Could you both use your native language, which also happens to be mine? What the hell are you talking about?”

Cade reached over and covered her hand with his. “I called it his courtin’ truck because Junior is looking for a wife.”

Lexi swiveled in her seat to look at Austin. “You are?”

He hadn’t planned to lay out his plan this soon but he also couldn’t beat around the bush with Lexi. She was like a big sister to him. “Yes, ma’am.”

“See?” Cade gestured to him. “I knew he had another reason for coming back to Wyoming besides our wedding.”

“Austin.” Lexi put her hand on his arm. “Please tell me you didn’t get this idea because of our wedding invitation. There’s such a thing as wedding fever. When I was twenty-two I tried to get Cade to propose because of peer pressure. You probably don’t remember that.”

“Oh, I remember, all right. That’s when he took off for Colorado.” At seventeen, Austin had been devastated when his idol had driven away from Thunder Mountain Ranch. Lexi hadn’t been the only one with a broken heart. “It wasn’t just the invitation, although that made me realize all I was missing and I didn’t want to miss this. But I’ve been thinking about moving back and settling down for quite a while now.”

“You’re only twenty-six. You have lots of time.”

“I know. The thing is, I’m sick of getting involved with someone when it’ll never go anywhere. Every woman I dated in New Zealand told me flat out she wasn’t relocating. That made perfect sense. Their families were there and it’s a beautiful country.”

“All right.” Lexi seemed relieved. “Then ultimately you want to get married, but you don’t have a timetable or anything.” She smiled. “It’s not like you’ll ask Drew out now and propose next week.”

“I certainly wouldn’t plan on it.”

“Good, because—”

“But what if she’s perfect? What if we’re perfect for each other? Life’s short. We don’t know what’s going to happen.” He’d learned that early. Both his parents had died in their thirties. “I don’t believe in putting things off if taking action is the right decision.”

Cade glanced up at the ceiling.

Austin knew he didn’t fully agree, but Drew had liked that he was focused. Didn’t mean she’d go out with him but he thought she would. He didn’t get many refusals when he asked a lady out.

He glanced at the phone in Lexi’s free hand. “So can I have the number?”

She looked at him for a moment longer. “Yes. Just—”

“Just what?”

“Nothing.” She squeezed his arm and moved her hand away. “Ready?”

He touched the screen to refresh it. “Yes, ma’am.” He entered Drew’s number. “Do you think she’s had time to get home?”

“Probably not.”

“Then I’ll wait.” He put down his phone and picked up his beer. “It sounded like you were both happy with how the filming went.”

“I think it went great,” Lexi said. “I’ll know for sure once we see the edited version, but I meant what I said about her work. She’s phenomenal.”

“Good to know. Now that I understand how to run a trail ride company, I’ve been thinking about starting one. A good video on a website would be a big help.”

Cade leaned forward. “Gonna go into business for yourself?”

“I’d like to. I’ll have to begin small, work with one of the local stables, maybe get a business loan, but I think that’s all doable.”

“Absolutely,” Lexi said. “I’m sure Rosie and Herb would let you stay here for a while, which would save money on rent.”

Austin had been thinking the same thing until meeting Drew. “They probably would and I’ve considered it, but I’d rather get an apartment in town.”

Cade gave him a knowing look. “That doesn’t surprise me. I—” He paused as the front door opened.

“Anybody home?”

“Hey, Zeke!” Cade pushed back his chair. “We’re in the kitchen having a beer. Come on back and I’ll get you one.”

“Don’t mind if I do.”

Austin left his chair to greet his foster brother, one he’d liked okay but had never felt close to when they’d all lived at Thunder Mountain. Zeke Rafferty had kept to himself and all the guys had figured it was because his dad had committed suicide. But Rosie said that Zeke had come out of his shell ever since discovering he was about to be a father.

It seemed that Rosie was right, because the rugged cowboy who’d always looked slightly ticked off came in all smiles. “Hey, Austin!” His handshake was firm and enthusiastic. “I swear you’re a lot taller than I remember.”

“Not much taller, but I filled out a little.”

“I’d say so. How was New Zealand?” He took the beer Cade handed him. “Thanks, bro.”

“I loved New Zealand but I got homesick.”

Zeke nodded. “I can understand that. New Zealand’s a long way from Wyoming. Listen, I came over hoping you’d be around. As you’ve probably heard, I’ve been the caretaker at Matt’s ranch for the past few weeks.”

“I did hear that.” Their foster brother Matt Forrest was starring in his first major film and he’d used the sudden influx of money to buy a ranch adjoining Thunder Mountain. “Matt’s premiere was another reason to come back. I want to go to LA with everybody next month.”

“Yeah, with all the people going, we might end up renting a couple of vans instead of flying. Anyway, my situation is changing and I’m looking for someone to take over for me at Matt’s. I thought you might be interested.”

“That could be a good deal for you, Junior,” Cade said. “Free room and board.”

Austin thought about it for less than two seconds. Good deal or not, it would mean he’d agreed to take care of someone else’s place instead of moving toward buying his own. He might have to start with a tiny apartment, but it would be his. Paying his rent on time would establish his creditworthiness when he applied for a home loan.

He gazed at Zeke. “Much as I’d like to help, staying at Matt’s doesn’t fit in with my plans. Sorry.” He noticed that Lexi and Cade exchanged a look. At one time he would have followed any advice either of them had given him. But he’d had four years of being completely on his own. He still respected their opinions, but he no longer felt obligated to make decisions based on what they thought.

“That’s okay.” Zeke shrugged. “Just thought I’d ask.” He moved to the table and took a seat. “Somebody will turn up.”

“They will.” Cade walked to the refrigerator. “Who’s ready for another beer? Junior?”

“In a little while, thanks. If you’ll all excuse me, I need to make a phone call.” He left the kitchen and walked through the living room and out to the porch. Now that the moment was here, he had to decide where he’d take Drew if she agreed to go out with him.

Then it came to him. Plopping into an Adirondack chair, he touched the screen and put the phone to his ear. Damn it, he got her voice mail. “Hi, this is Austin Teague. I enjoyed meeting you today and was hoping you’d have some free time tonight.” He gave his number and disconnected.

He knew she was going home because she had a video to edit, so she might have been engrossed in that and hadn’t heard the phone. Or maybe she automatically let every call go to voice mail. Then again, she might have turned off her phone. She might—

His phone chimed and her name popped up on the screen. Heart pounding, he answered. “Hi, Drew.”

“Hi, yourself.” She sounded happy. Interested. “Didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”

“Didn’t you?”

“Well, okay, I sort of did. What did you have in mind?”

He didn’t dare tell her what was in his mind this very minute. He’d already started imagining what it would be like to kiss her.

“Austin? Are you there?”

“Yes, ma’am. Sorry. I’m on the porch and got distracted by...” He glanced around for an excuse. “A butterfly.”

“I can understand how that could happen. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

“Yes, ma’am. Anyway, here’s my thought, if you’re available for dinner. We’ll have a cookout.”

“Where?”

“There’s a nice little spot on a far corner of the ranch property. Since you’re not into cooking, I’ll handle that.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“I can pick you up.”

“That’s totally unnecessary. I’ll meet you there. What time?”

He glanced at the time on his phone and quickly calculated how long he’d need to set things up. “Is seven too late?”

“Seven’s perfect. That will give me time to finish the video and send the link to Cade and Lexi. I’ll see you then.”

“Great!” He disconnected the call. He’d just given himself a heck of a lot of work to do in a short time. This was his deal so he wouldn’t raid the Thunder Mountain kitchen for what he needed.

But he had a transportation problem. His foster mom and dad had been generous with the loan of their truck but they weren’t back from town. He really did need to buy that courtin’ truck Cade had teased him about, but he certainly wouldn’t be doing that between now and seven tonight.

As if in answer to his silent plea, Herb and Rosie drove up and parked in front of the porch steps. Austin got up and went around to the passenger side where Rosie was to see if he could help with her packages.

His foster mom was a short, rounded lady who had decided to be a blond for the rest of her life. She was the kindest woman Austin had ever known, but tough enough to keep her foster boys in line. Most of the time there had been at least ten boys living in the log cabins down in the meadow. They’d all known that Rosie was the boss around here.

She’d already opened her door but he was able to take her shopping bags and give her a hand down. She was perfectly capable of doing all that herself, but she’d taught her boys to be gentlemen. They’d practiced their manners on her because usually she’d been the only available woman.

“Are you the sentry?” she asked as she stepped down from the truck’s running board.

“The sentry?”

“You know. The lookout. The person watching for us in case we got home before whatever was happening was still happening.”

“Oh. No, ma’am.” Then he realized he hadn’t contradicted her assumption that something secret was going on. “I mean, nothing’s happening. Nothing at all. Zeke’s inside talking to Cade and Lexi. That’s about the size of it.”

“I saw Zeke’s truck parked down by the barn.” Herb, a wiry man who’d finally surrendered to wearing glasses in his later years, chuckled as he walked around the truck to join them. “We dawdled in town as long as we could but finally ran out of things to do other than cruising Main Street. That looks a little strange for a couple of sixtysomethings.”

“Like I said.” Austin tried to blot out the image of Drew because she was part of the secret. “Not a single thing going on, except the sink’s fixed.”

“Thank you!” Rosie beamed at him. “By the way, now that some of my boys are back, they sometimes get together for poker. If they ask you to play, you might want to think twice.”

“Yes, ma’am, I already know I’m lousy at poker. Some of the guides got me into a game and ended up with all my tip money for the week.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. But at least now you know it’s not your thing.”

“Nothing wrong with being a bad liar, son.” Herb clapped him on the shoulder. “So are you saying it’s okay for us to go in the house?”

“Absolutely. But now that you’re back, would it be possible for me to borrow the truck to run a few errands?”

“Sure thing.” Herb handed over the keys.

“And would it be okay if I used a Coleman stove for a little cookout on the back twenty tonight? I’ll get the food, but I’ll also need to borrow some tongs and a pan or two.”

Rosie smiled at him. “This sounds like it could be a date.”

“It is.” And now he was in the soup because she’d probably ask who he’d asked out and how he could possibly have met someone when he’d been in town exactly two days. He was saved when Zeke, Cade and Lexi came out the front door.

Amid much laughter and teasing, Rosie and Herb promised they wouldn’t try to uncover whatever surprise was in the works. Lexi wanted to see what they’d bought in town so Austin handed her the bags and excused himself to go put on a shirt. That finished, he grabbed his hat and wallet and headed out the door, his shirt still unbuttoned. He was eager to get away before he had to answer any more questions that would bring up the subject of Drew being here.

But Lexi had to call out to him. “Does this mean she said yes?”

“She did.”

Rosie lifted her eyebrows. “So who’s the lucky lady?”

“I’ll let Lexi explain it.” Touching his fingers to the brim of his hat, he hurried around the truck, hopped in and made his escape.

Chapter Three

Drew pulled into the ranch’s circular gravel drive exactly at seven. The sun had dipped behind the Bighorn Mountains, but there was still plenty of light to see Austin sitting on the porch in one of the Adirondack chairs. The picture he made in his gray Stetson, yoked Western shirt, boots and faded jeans was exactly why so many women fantasized about cowboys.

That outfit, especially on a man built like Austin, made her feel safe. Like the knights of old, he would leap on his horse and ride to her rescue. Even though she didn’t need rescuing, she still loved the idea of a cowboy hero who’d protect her from the bad guys and look great doing it.

He left his chair as she shut off the motor. Anticipation thrummed through her veins as he came down the steps with the slightly bowlegged stride common to men who’d spent most of their lives on horseback. Oddly enough, she hadn’t dated cowboys while living in Montana.

In high school and college she’d hung out with the art students and at home her life had revolved around the family restaurant. She’d dated some artist types and a couple of chefs but no cowboys. Thunder Mountain, however, was chockablock with them.

She moved her purse to the floor of the passenger side out of habit. Nobody would break into her truck to steal it while she was parked here. She tossed the keys down there, too, and opened her door. She’d started to climb out when he rounded the front of the vehicle.

“Let me help you down.”

Amused, she waited. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had made that offer. He knew perfectly well she was capable of getting down by herself. But when he held out his hand, she was charmed.

“I like your hair like that.”

“Thanks.” Most of the summer she’d worn it in a braid or a ponytail but she’d decided to leave it down tonight. She was on a date, after all.

“I’m glad you could make it.”

“Me, too.” She put her hand in his and the controlled strength in his grip sent a shiver of pleasure up her arm. “Fortunately the editing went well and I had time to finish the video.” Then she glanced around, not sure who might be within hearing distance. “Did you have to dream up a story to explain to your folks how we ended up going out tonight?”

“I have Lexi to thank for that. She told them you came out today to check on some details for the wedding video.” He let go of her hand once she had both feet on the ground.

“That will give them another hint, though.” She breathed in the scent of his aftershave. “They know something’s going on.”

He sighed. “You’re right. Now they might think it involves a video. My mistake. If we’d met in town I could’ve snuck away without explaining I was meeting someone.”

“I didn’t think of that, either, so I’m as much at fault as you.” Something else occurred to her but when she gazed into his blue eyes she lost her train of thought.

He smiled. “Not letting you shoulder any of the blame, ma’am. I complicated things, case closed.”

Ah, that smile. And speaking of shoulders...

She remembered what she’d been about to say. “Actually, Lexi took a risk when she invited me in for a beer. When I pointed out that Rosie and Herb might come back and find me there, she came up with that cover story she used to help you out.”

“Yeah?” He brightened. “I didn’t know that.”

“And if she hadn’t invited me in for a beer, you and I wouldn’t have met.”

“So it’s all Lexi’s fault?”

She laughed. “Pretty much.”

“Now I don’t feel so guilty. I just thought a cookout would be more fun than a boring restaurant meal.”

“You’ve got that right. I was thrilled with the suggestion. I’ve spent so much time in Martinelli’s that I don’t care if I never eat in another restaurant again.”

“Then I’m glad I thought of it.”

“So where are we headed? Backyard barbecue? Fire pit?”

He gestured toward the edge of the porch. “We’ll take the ATV out to the back twenty.”

She looked and sure enough, a green-and-brown ATV was sitting there. She’d been so focused on his handsome self she hadn’t noticed it. “The back twenty? I’ve only heard people refer to the back forty.”

“They do.” He started walking toward the ATV. “But this ranch isn’t that big so we have the back twenty. We joke about it, but I have great memories of the place. It’s where we used to camp out when we were kids. Or I should say, when I was a kid and was allowed to tag along with the big guys. I came here when I was nine. Everybody else was a teenager.”

“And so they called you Junior.”

“Mostly Cade.” He stopped next to the ATV and turned to her with another one of his endearing smiles. “I don’t mind it as much as he thinks I do. I did back then, but now...now I think he says it because he likes me.”

“I’m pretty sure he likes you.” She wondered if Austin had any idea how appealing he was. “Cade strikes me as the kind of guy who only teases people he likes.”

He nodded. “These days, probably so. But you should have heard the way he said Junior years ago when I used to bug him to death. I followed him everywhere. Looking back on it, I wonder why he didn’t deck me. I’ll bet he wanted to but I was a lot smaller and he’d never have beat up on someone smaller.”

“Then he must like you, because you’ve grown enough for him to beat up on if he wanted to.”

“Guess so.” He laughed. “Come to think of it, yesterday he said now I was too big to mess with, especially since he’s hit thirty and is losing muscle mass.”

“So if he’s thirty, how old are you?”

“Twenty-six.”

“Huh.” She decided to go for full disclosure and get it over with. “How do you feel about having a cookout with an older woman?”

“I don’t care how old you are.”

“For the record, I’m twenty-eight.”

He shrugged. “Two years is nothing.” He turned toward the ATV, but then swung back to her. “Unless you’re not happy about going out with a younger guy. Some ladies would rather date someone older than they are. I’ve run into a few of those.”

Silly women. “I’m not one of them.”

“Good to know.” He swung one long leg over the ATV. “Climb on behind me and we’ll get this show started. Oh, and hold on tight. I won’t be going fast but we’ll hit some bumps along the way. Can’t help it. The rain’s done a number on the road.”

She needed no encouragement to wrap both arms around his solid torso and scoot against his firm backside. Riding on the back of an ATV with Austin immediately became her favorite outdoor activity. What a great excuse to get up close and personal with a guy who not only looked good but felt even better.

The ride ended long before she was ready to let go of him. He pulled into a clearing with a boundary marked by rocks spaced a few inches apart. Beyond them the brush, mostly sage, grew three to four feet high.

But now they’d stopped and she felt obliged to climb off, darn it. She had a nice buzz going and she had the crazy urge to ask if that had been as good for him as it had been for her.

When he just sat there while he took a couple of deep breaths, she had a feeling it had been.

“Lordy.” His low chuckle was followed by a long sigh. “Maybe I should have taken you to a restaurant in town, after all.”

“Oh?”

“I knew I was attracted to you, but I thought I could manage a short ATV ride. Turns out it affected me more than I thought it would.” He climbed off the four-wheeler and faced her. “But everything’s under control now.” He gave her a sheepish smile. “I promise you’re safe with me.”

She met his gaze. “If it makes you feel any better, the drive turned me on, too.”

Heat flared in his eyes.

She felt obliged to add one more fact. “But we just met.”

“Only hours ago.”

“At this point it wouldn’t be about you and me as individuals with histories and personality quirks. It would be like strangers scratching an itch. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I—”

“I didn’t invite you out here to scratch an itch. I’m past that stage in my life.”

“Good. So am I. Come to think of it, I never went through that stage.” She noticed a folded blanket on top of a metal ice chest but that was probably so they’d have a place to sit. “I’ve always wanted to get to know someone first.”

“Exactly.”

“It’s good we’re agreed on that.” Definitely good. Maybe. Except he wasn’t some guy she’d met in a bar. She knew his foster family. She knew he’d been to New Zealand. She knew he could fix a clogged sink. “I see you’ve toted everything out here already, so let’s have our meal and swap stories.”

“That was my plan.” He gestured toward the campsite he’d set up. “Welcome to our dining room. That little fire pit is strictly for ambiance. I’m using the Coleman stove to make dinner. Cooking over a campfire gives you lots of atmosphere but it can also give you undercooked or overcooked food.”

“A Coleman stove sounds fine. I have one myself.”

“You do? I thought you didn’t cook.”

“I don’t when I have alternatives, but I camp out quite a bit when I’m shooting nature videos. I love my coffee in the morning and scrambled eggs are nice to go with it. What can I do to help?”

“The cooking’s my deal, but you can light the campfire if you want. I left some matches next to it.”

“Looks like you thought of everything.” She walked over and crouched next to the fire pit where he’d arranged kindling and a couple of larger logs. Extra wood was stacked nearby. She recognized a fire laid by someone who knew what he was doing and sure enough, it caught with one match. “Done.”

“Then all you have to do is keep an eye on it and add a log if you think it needs one. You can have a seat on the blanket and I’ll get you something to drink.”

“I won’t object to that.” She found a good spot for the blanket, folded it so two could fit and sat down. The clearing had been raked recently but she’d guess the rocks defining the perimeter had been there for years.

“You know what?” He opened the ice chest. “I should have asked you about the wine instead of making an assumption because you’re Italian.”

“You brought Chianti.”

“No, I brought a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.” He held it up. “The assumption was that you were a wine drinker. Like I said, I should have asked.”

“I am a wine drinker and I’m glad it’s not Chianti. I can have that anytime just by walking in the back door of Martinelli’s and asking for a glass.”

“All righty, then.” He twisted off the screw top. “It was going to be this or water. I didn’t bring anything else to drink.” He took out two chilled glasses and handed her one. “I had this when I was over there and really liked it.” He poured them each some wine.

“I’m sure I will, too.” She lifted her glass in his direction. “Here’s to adventure.”

“To adventure.” He tapped his glass to hers. “That’s a good thing to toast.”

“I haven’t had nearly as much adventure as you, I’m afraid.” She took a slow sip. “Nice wine.”

“Then I lucked out. Here’s hoping the meal works for you, too.”

“Since I rarely cook, almost any food made by someone else works for me.”

“This is a skillet dish a trail guide buddy created.” Setting his wine on the ground beside him, he hunkered down, turned on the stove and began pulling ingredients out of the ice chest. “It’s flexible regarding ingredients. Some kind of white fish, vegetables you have on hand and rice.”

“Sounds gourmet.”

“My friend’s a talented guy. Once every two weeks we offered an overnight trail ride. He was the chef on those outings.”

“I’m betting you were in charge of the fire.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Drew savored her wine. “Your life over there seems exotic and wonderful. I’m a little surprised you didn’t stay.”

“I wanted to spend enough time there that I felt the rhythm of the place in my bones.” He tended his stir-fry dinner. “But I always knew I’d come back here.”

“I like that idea—absorbing a place until you feel the rhythm in your bones. That’s what I try to do when I shoot a video. I think I’m almost there with Thunder Mountain.” She took another swallow of wine. “You’re a bit of a philosopher, aren’t you?”

“I don’t know about that, but ever since I saw The Lord of the Rings I’ve been into books. I might’ve read that phrase somewhere so don’t give me too much credit.”

“What books?”

“Anything about adventure, courage, honor, stuff like that. A librarian steered me toward The Iliad and The Odyssey. If I’d known that was serious literature I never would have read them. I’d taken enough teasing for Lord of the Rings.”

“But you liked them?”

“Sure did.” He paused to drink some wine. “My dad was kind of an epic hero. That’s probably why I related to those stories.”

She went very still. She knew this was important information but she didn’t know how to get him to elaborate. Finally, she decided to make it simple. “Would you tell me about your dad?”

His answer was slow in coming, but at last he spoke. “He was in Search and Rescue.”

She slowly let out her breath and waited for the story to unfold.

“A minor avalanche had trapped a family of five. My dad was on the team that went in to get them out.” He kept his attention on his cooking, carefully stirring the mixture in the pan. “They rescued everyone except the family dog. My dad went back for the dog and a second avalanche hit. The dog jumped out of his arms when he saw his family and ran to them. But when he jumped, he threw my dad off balance. He couldn’t get up fast enough.”

“That’s rough.”

He switched off the burner and put a lid on the pan. “It was rough, especially because I was only six and idolized him.” Standing, he reached into a basket next to the cooler and took out plates, napkins and utensils. “My mom must have been torn apart by the news, but she said all the right things to me—that my dad had died doing what he loved and he’d helped save the family and their beloved pet.”

She wanted to hug him and offer comfort, even though the event had taken place twenty years ago. Didn’t matter. He still felt the loss. She could tell by the catch in his voice as he’d finished the story.

But their relationship was still so new that she hesitated. At least she could help with serving up the meal. She got to her feet. “I’ll hold the plates while you fill them.”

“Good idea.” He handed her the dishes with the silverware and napkins on top. As he met her gaze, his voice gentled. “I know it seems like I got a rotten deal, but compared to the other foster boys, I was lucky. My parents adored each other and adored me. I thank God for that every day.”

That was when she realized she only had half the story. His dad died when he was six and he’d come to the ranch when he was nine. She asked the question as gently as possible. “And your mom?”

“She was a riding teacher. A normally steady horse freaked out. She fell off, broke her neck and died instantly.”

“Oh, Austin.”

“I’m not saying it wasn’t awful, because it was. But after my dad died she spent the next three years emphasizing that I should do what I love because nobody knows the future. She loved riding almost as much as she loved me.”

“So you went to New Zealand.”

“Yes, ma’am. I knew they would have wanted me to.”

“Well, then.” She managed to give him a smile. “I can’t wait to see what adventure you choose next.”

He smiled back. “Who knows? You might want to be a part of it.”

“You know, I just might.”

Chapter Four

As dusk arrived along with a cool breeze, Austin decided they should sit closer to the fire while they ate. He switched on the lantern he’d brought but kept it on low to preserve the ambience. As he settled down next to Drew on the blanket, he could feel the hum of sexual tension moving back through his system.

He did his best to ignore it and tucked into the stir-fry. It had turned out fairly well, which was a relief. Multitasking had never been one of his favorite ways to operate and he wouldn’t have chosen to cook dinner while telling his life story. But he’d known those facts had to come out, and the sooner the better. If he expected to spend more time with Drew, she needed to hear about his folks.

But he wanted to know her story, too. She’d worn the pearl-and-diamond pendant again tonight with a long-sleeved cotton shirt and jeans. Clearly it was important to her, so he decided to start with that. He mentioned that he’d noticed it when they’d first met.

She glanced down at the pendant as if she’d forgotten it was there. “My grandmother gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday.”

“You had it on earlier today, too.” Her scent, light and sweet, mingled with the aroma of wood smoke from the fire. It was an arousing combination.

“I wear it every day. I didn’t use to, though.” She picked up her wineglass and drank what was left in it.

“More?” He reached for the bottle.

“Sure.”

“Might as well finish off the bottle.” He divided the rest between them. “So when did you start wearing it all the time?”

“After she died last October. Wearing it makes me feel close to her again.”

“Ah.” He should have guessed something like that. “I’m sorry.”

She put down her fork and looked over at him. “Me, too, but she was ninety-three and wasn’t well. I miss her like crazy, but that’s all about me. She was ready.”

“Ninety-three. That’s a good run.” He wondered if she realized she was now holding on to the pendant and moving it slowly back and forth along its chain.

“She had a full life, although not one I would have chosen. My mother was the youngest of nine children.”

“Whew.”

“I know. My mom has a framed picture of my grandparents surrounded by all those kids. I would have gone insane with a brood like that depending on me, constantly needing things, but in the picture she looks serene. That’s something I admired about her. Our family is huge and when we all get together it’s a circus. Nonna Elena took it all in stride.”

“Rosie’s like that. Growing up, there could’ve been ten or eleven of us running around, more if we’d invited our friends over, and she hardly ever lost her cool. When she needed us to behave, though, all she had to do was give us The Look.”

Drew smiled. “Nonna Elena had that technique down, too. We used to say she could cut glass with The Look.”

“How many of that crew lives in Billings?”

“Most of them.” She let go of the pendant, picked up her fork and went back to her meal. “Did I remember to tell you this is really good? I’ve been so busy eating it I might not have.”

“Since you weren’t gagging and choking, I figured you were okay with it. Save room for dessert, though. I bought brownies at the bakery while I was in town.” He noticed she’d changed the subject. Was that on purpose?

“I love brownies, but I want to finish this, which means I’ll be too full for dessert. Can we wait awhile?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m flattered you like the stir-fry so much.”

“It’s great.”

“Want the recipe?” He grinned at her.

“How about I just talk you into making it for me again sometime?”

“Love to.”

“I look forward to it.” She went back to eating.

He did, too, but he wanted to find out if the change of subject had been deliberate. “Do you miss living close to your family?”

She finished chewing and swallowed. “Sometimes, I guess.” Then she shook her head. “At the risk of sounding awful, no, I don’t really miss that. If we were in Billings right now, I could expect several texts tonight wanting info about my date. I’m thrilled that they don’t even know you exist.”

“Gonna keep me a secret?” He finished off his meal and set aside his plate.

“For now, if you don’t mind. I love them all and they love me, but we’re too enmeshed, at least in my estimation. I came to Sheridan to escape the lack of privacy and the constant expectations.”

“A lot of privacy out here.” Seductive privacy that was working on him the longer they sat within inches of each other. By turning his head a fraction, he could study her profile—her high, intelligent forehead, thick dark lashes, prominent cheekbones and plump lips, which he’d longed to taste ever since he’d had his first glimpse of them while lying under the sink.

“Yes, I like this a lot. Much better than a crowded restaurant.” She scooped up her last bite and ate it.

“And no obligations.”

She put down her plate and gazed at him. “I like that a lot, too.”

“For example, just because I brought you out here to this extremely secluded place, fed you a good dinner and served you some excellent wine, you’re not obliged to kiss me.”

Her full mouth widened in a smile. “Really?”

“Scout’s honor. And that’s legit because I was a Boy Scout.”

“That doesn’t surprise me at all. Okay, then I’ll point out that just because I showered, changed clothes and drove out here to meet you when I could have spent the evening watching a movie in my grubby old sweats, you’re not obliged to kiss me, either.”

“Now that’s where you’re wrong.” He laid his hat on the blanket before reaching out to cup her cheek. Her skin felt so delicate that he lightened his touch. “I have a huge obligation after you made all those sacrifices.” He rubbed his thumb gently over skin soft as a rose petal.

Her breath hitched. “It was nothing.”

“That’s not the way I heard it.” He leaned closer and watched her eyes flutter closed and her lips part in invitation. “Sounds to me like you went to a lot of trouble to be here.”

“On second thought, maybe I did.”

“Let me make it up to you.” His heart thundered as he brushed his mouth over her velvet lips. He could barely feel her hand as she slipped it around his neck, yet knowing she’d reached for him heated his blood.

He moaned and fit his lips to hers, pressing a little, then a little more. Her grip on his neck tightened a tiny bit. Slowly he began to explore with his tongue, savoring the warm, arousing taste of her. Her jaw slackened ever so slightly. Easy, easy...

Drawing back, he changed the angle, settling down more firmly this time and becoming bolder with his tongue. A tiny whimper, a quick gasp, and she surrendered completely, opening to him with a rush of passion that made him dizzy.

He rose to his knees and cradled her face in both hands. She mirrored him, gripping his shoulders as she balanced on her knees and turned fully into his kiss, her intensity matching his.

Breathing hard, he lifted his head. “We should probably—”

“I know.” She gulped for air and leaned back, but she didn’t let go of him. “This is crazy.”

“Feels good, though.”

“It does, but...” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I think—” She sucked in a breath and let it out again. “I think we need to slow down.”

“Agreed.” He reminded himself he was in this for the long haul. He combed his fingers through her silky hair and resisted the urge to grip her head and kiss her again. “We met a few hours ago.”

Letting go of him, she took another deep breath and settled back on her heels. “We’ll deal with this sudden attraction like two intelligent adults.”

“One intelligent adult. All my brain cells are swimming in testosterone right now so I don’t qualify.” But one thought did make it through his fevered brain. “I’m buying a truck tomorrow.”

She stared at him. “What?”

“I’ll have my own truck by tomorrow afternoon.” He retrieved his hat and put it on.

“What’s having your own truck got to do with anything?”

“It’s a guy thing. I don’t want to borrow the ranch truck every time we go out. Which reminds me. Are you free tomorrow night?” He sat back and winced at the sharp pinch of unforgiving denim on his privates.

“No, I’m not. I’ll be camping at the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Refuge so I can get more video of the mustangs.”

“Oh.” He hesitated. Asking her to change her plans seemed pushy, even for a guy who liked to seize the moment. “I’ve heard about that place. Never been out there, though. Sounds interesting.” Maybe she’d agree to put it off. Tomorrow night was his window of opportunity because the following night was Cade’s bachelor party. Then they were into the weekend wedding activities with the rehearsal Friday and the wedding Saturday.

“It’s fascinating out there. I have a friend who works at the center and she keeps me posted on the herd’s activities. Right now the horses are hanging out in an ideal location for the kind of footage I’m looking for.”

“You probably need to grab that opportunity while you can.” His chances of spending an evening with her anytime soon were growing dimmer by the minute.

“Right. I would have gone this afternoon except Lexi and Cade asked me to film the video for their folks and it had to be edited right away. I like to get out there in the late afternoon and set up camp, so I couldn’t see that working out today.”

“So how about this. What if I went with you?” It was a bold suggestion, but tough times called for tough measures.

She blinked. “Um, I’ll be camping overnight.”

“So you’d rather not?” He didn’t want to push her. “Look, I realize that might not work for you. Like we’ve said, we just met.” He hesitated. “I could bring my own tent.”

“Do you have one?”

“No, but I’d have time to go into town and pick one up.”

“That seems silly. Mine sleeps two.”

Now there was an encouraging remark. He didn’t think they’d spend the whole time sleeping but decided not to say so. “I’d be honored to be your Sherpa. I’m good at carrying things, setting up tents and building fires. I’d bring the food and do all the cooking. And I’ll drive us there in my new truck.” He was already picturing that it would be black.

“That makes no sense. The ranch is on the way to the refuge. If you come, I should just swing by and pick you up.”

“That would be fine.” He still needed to buy that truck, but maybe not tomorrow.

“I was planning to leave around four. The best times to film the horses are at dusk and dawn.”

He thought about all the time that left in between but again decided to keep his mouth shut about it. Instead he offered her a way out of taking him along in case she had any second thoughts. “If I go along, I promise not to mess with your schedule for getting good videos. But if you’d rather go out there alone, I’ll back off. I’d never want to interfere with your job.”

She reached out and touched his cheek. “Don’t back off. Persistence is sexy.”

Capturing her hand, he turned his head so he could place a kiss in her palm.

She moaned softly and pulled her hand away. “And so are you. Let’s go back before we both forget this is only our first date.”

Chapter Five

Drew put the dirty dishes and anything food-related in the metal cooler while Austin smothered the fire. He told her the ice chest was fairly critter-proof and should be okay until he drove out with the ranch truck in a little while to haul everything back and make sure the fire was out.

“But we can take the blanket.” He shook it out, folded it and handed it to her. “If you wouldn’t mind holding it on the way back.”

“Or I could sit on it. That might make more sense.” She wasn’t sure why he wanted to take the blanket when he was leaving the rest of the gear, but she’d go along with the plan.

“Actually, I want you to stuff it between us.”

“You want me to... Oh, I get it.” She managed not to laugh. “A barrier.”

“The trip out here was painful, especially going over bumps.” He tugged on the brim of his hat. “Now that I’ve kissed you, the ride back will be even worse.”

“I’m really glad I’m a girl.”

He laughed. “Yes, ma’am, so am I. Let’s go.” He swung his leg over the ATV and sat down.

She climbed on after him and sandwiched the folded blanket between them. “I’ll still need to hold on to you.” She wrapped her arms around both the blanket and him. Not nearly as much fun as she’d had without the extra padding, but she didn’t want to make the poor guy suffer.

“That’s okay. I’m just trying to avoid having you pressed tight against my backside.”

“What if I drove?”

“That would be worse.”

She imagined his arms wrapped around her middle just below her breasts and her bottom nestled in the V of his legs. Her pulse kicked up a notch. “Guess so. Next time we do this you should probably just drive the truck out here and forget about the ATV.”

“Next time we do this I don’t plan to be in a constant state of arousal. Ready?”

“Y-yes.” She managed to get the word out, but her brain had stalled on his last statement. She’d never met a person more goal-oriented than Austin.

She was beginning to understand what Cade meant. Being with Austin was a little like booking a ticket on a high-speed train and she could be in for a thrilling ride. She might regret allowing him to go along on this video trip because of all the ramifications, but she seriously doubted that he’d get in her way.

If anything, he might make things easier because he was more experienced at camping than she was. The more she thought about it, the more she looked forward to showing him something inspirational right here in Wyoming. Those mustangs were descended from horses ridden by Spaniards looking for adventure two hundred years ago. That should appeal to him.

Mostly, though, she was excited about exploring a relationship with a man, both sexually and emotionally, without her family members knowing about it. They’d met and evaluated nearly everyone she’d dated except a few times when she’d only gone out with the guy once. Setting up this overnight camping trip with Austin seemed strange because he hadn’t been vetted. But ultimately it felt liberating.

When they pulled up in front of the ranch house, she was very glad they hadn’t continued to make out furiously on that blanket because Rosie and Herb sat on the front porch with a cowboy she didn’t recognize.

Austin did, though. “Jonah, is that you? I thought you were driving over tomorrow!”

“Got off a day earlier so I just headed out.” The cowboy ambled down the steps toward them.

“And why wouldn’t you? We’ve gotta be more fun than the folks in Pinedale.” Austin dismounted from the ATV and then helped her climb off.

“That’s the truth, bro.”

Drew left the blanket on the seat and turned to meet another returning foster son. His name sounded familiar but she’d heard so many recently that they were all blurring together.

Austin gestured toward the newcomer. “Drew Martinelli, I’d like you to meet Jonah Bridger, Zen master.”

Jonah shook her hand. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am. Don’t pay attention to that Zen stuff Austin’s spouting. I’m not a master of anything. But Rosie and Herb tell me that you’re the best videographer in Wyoming.”

“That’s stretching it, but it’s nice to hear.”

“Ah, she’s just modest.” Austin gave his foster brother a hug. “Like you are, bro. With all that meditating you used to do, you must be enlightened by now.”

“’Fraid not. I’ve learned just enough to be dangerous.”

“And to conduct Cade and Lexi’s ceremony.” Austin clapped him on the back. “I’m gonna get a kick out of that.”

“Oh, right!” Drew remembered now. “You’re the minister.”

“With no church and no parishioners,” Jonah said.

“So how does that work?” All Drew’s relatives had been married in a church.

“I work at a dude ranch, and my boss wanted to offer weddings to our guests. He asked me if I’d be willing to get qualified to marry folks. You can apply online. It sounded like fun so I did it.”

Austin nodded. “I can see how it would be fun being the person who launches a couple on their great adventure.”

“Then you should get into it.”

“Nope, not my thing. I have other plans in the hopper. But I look forward to seeing your performance on Saturday.”

Drew realized that she’d heard Austin mention his future plans but he’d never been specific about them. She’d have to ask him about it tomorrow night. Right now, though, she needed to make her exit. These guys had some catching up to do, and at some point Austin had to drive back out to the clearing and gather the cookout gear.

She laid her hand on his arm. “Thanks for a great dinner. I’m going to head home.” She glanced over at his brother. “Great to meet you, Jonah.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “Same here, Drew.”

She raised her voice. “Rosie and Herb, I’m going home. Have a good night.”

“Come on up and sit for a while,” Rosie called back. “Have some coffee.”

“Thanks. I’ll take a rain check.” She turned back to Austin and smiled. “See you tomorrow afternoon.”

“I’ll walk you to your truck.” He looked over at Jonah. “Be right back.”

“Take your time.”

She didn’t bother to tell him that walking her to her truck, which was only a few yards away, was completely unnecessary. She suspected he’d want to open her door for her and give her a hand up. In truth, she was beginning to cherish that about him.

Once they’d reached the driver’s side they had a small measure of privacy. She kept her voice low. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stick around here tomorrow night and spend time with Jonah? You two seem fairly close.”

“We lived in the same cabin once I was old enough to move out of the ranch house. He’s a great guy and I’m glad he’s here, but the answer is no, I wouldn’t rather hang out here tomorrow. I want to be with you.”

“All right.” The intensity in his gaze made her heart race. “Then I’ll see you at four.”

He opened her door. “Don’t bring any food. That’ll be my contribution.”

“Understood, but I’ll ice up the chest so it’s ready for the food. Having a chef along will be a treat.”

He nudged back his hat and grinned. “Well, maybe food won’t be my only contribution, come to think of it.”

“Hey, don’t go getting me hot and bothered.”

“Do I?”

“You know you do.”

“Good.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. Then he helped her into the truck, closed the door and stepped back.

She had to get her keys from under the seat and when she looked out the window he was still there, feet braced apart, thumbs through his belt loops, looking amazing. She gave a little wave and he touched the brim of his hat.

Somehow she managed to start the engine and drive away even though her mind was completely occupied by the image of Austin standing in the driveway. She’d be sharing a small tent with that gorgeous cowboy within twenty-four hours and the concept left her breathless. It wasn’t until she’d started down the dark ranch road that she realized she’d forgotten to turn on her headlights.

* * *

Austin climbed the steps to the porch where Jonah had resumed his seat next to Rosie. He and Herb each had a beer but his foster mom was sipping from a coffee mug that probably contained her favorite evening beverage, maybe her favorite beverage period—coffee laced with a little Baileys.

She lowered the mug to smile at him. “Did you have a good time?”

“We had a great time. Thank you for loaning me all that stuff. I’d better get back out there and pick it up, though. If I could borrow the ranch truck one more time, that should be it for a while.”

Jonah put down his beer and stood. “We can take my truck. I wouldn’t mind paying a visit to the back twenty.”

“Hasn’t changed much,” Herb said. “Same scrub brush, same rocks around the perimeter.”

“But it must be overgrown with weeds by now.”

“It was a few months ago.” Herb cradled his beer in both hands. “But this summer I started taking the academy kids out there for sleepovers. They’ve cleaned out the weeds.”

“So that’s why I didn’t have much to do.” Austin had raked a little but the place had looked as if it had been used regularly. Apparently the teens enrolled in the recently launched equine program would carry on some of the traditions the foster brothers had helped create.

“It’s great to think of the kids enjoying the same things we did.” Jonah walked over to join Austin before turning back to Rosie and Herb. “Listen, if you two want to hit the sack, you can leave my beer where it is. I’ll come back to it after we finish up.”

“We’ll still be here,” Rosie said. “Unless you boys dawdle.”

“Then we’ll see you soon.” Austin walked with Jonah toward the barn where Jonah’s beat-up truck was parked.

“Drew’s pretty,” Jonah said.

Austin chuckled. “That doesn’t even begin to describe her.”

“I know that, but I have to be careful. If I get too detailed, you might punch me.”

“No, I wouldn’t. I know you better than that. You don’t poach.”

“None of us ever did. I mean, think about it. I’ll bet at one time or another all of us had a crush on Lexi. But once Cade made his move, that was it, hands off.” He fished his keys out of his pocket. “I suppose you got the word that we’re all considered part of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood now.”

“Cade told me. It’s kind of nice, you know?”

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