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Caleb’s brows pulled together—it was slight and almost imperceptible—but she’d noticed. Emma had no idea what it could possibly mean. Was he upset that she’d intruded on his work? Or could it be possible that he’d been thinking along the same lines that she’d been today?
Emma shifted her focus to the horse, recognizing it right away as the horse that had given her the ride of her life. She smirked before bringing her gaze back to Caleb. “So, she recovered from her snake scare, huh?”
He stiffened. Apparently that joke was in bad form. Thankfully he didn’t point it out.
She swallowed hard, embarrassed. “Anyway… Sophia and her family… they’re supposed to come back in two more days, right?”
Caleb nodded, no longer looking at her. “I haven’t heard from them today, but that was the plan in the beginning.”
Emma couldn’t decide if she was disappointed that their little arrangement was coming to an end so soon, or if shewas relieved. The tensions had remained high since the day they’d met—but since the day he’d helped her with those lyrics, everything seemed to be changing. It was slow but noticeable, and she found herself wanting to get to know this quiet man a little better.
There was only one problem with that desire. It wasn’t just the mere getting to know him that was the problem. It was the underlying reasons. Emma could already feel the attraction bubbling beneath the surface. It would be too easy to grow attached to this handsome, albeit moody, cowboy.
She picked at a splinter in the wooden fence that separated them. Emma couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so awkward. Being famous had its drawbacks, but it also had its perks. Those who knew her fell over themselves to be in her company. While it was refreshing to spend time with someone who had no clue who she was, it was also utterly terrifying.
She felt drawn to him in more ways than one. It was strange wanting to be in his presence even if they weren’t going to be speaking.
He cleared his throat, and she glanced up at him, finding him watching her intently. “Did you need something?”
Emma flushed and shook her head. “No.” She lifted the guitar in her hand. “I’m just going to put this inside and go for a walk.”
“Do you… want me to go with you?” His offer was sweet, and she found herself wanting to accept it. But she knew better. This wasn’t some romantic comedy. He had work to do, and she needed to clear her head.
Shaking her head, she forced a small smile. “I’ll be back in time to fix some dinner if you’d like. But I’m going to head out on my own.”
He took a step toward her, hesitation or something else hovering just beneath the surface of those dark eyes. But then heseemed to change his mind and gave her a short nod. “Take your phone.”
Emma stiffened. “My phone?” Had he noticed the influx of calls she’d been getting from her sister lately? She could feel the warmth spreading in her face again, but this time she couldn’t look away.
“If you get lost or hurt—call me, and I’ll come help.”
She bit back a smile. “How would you know where I am?”
His gaze darkened. “Don’t do anything stupid. Stay on the trails and I’ll manage.” His gruff voice wasn’t nearly as hard as those eyes. She was caught off guard by the way they seemed to penetrate right to her core.
“Yeah, okay. Fine,” she mumbled. “I’ll stay on the trails.”
It was laterthan she’d anticipated when she climbed the stairs to the house. Dinner wouldn’t be ready until it was dark at this rate. She’d gotten so lost in her thoughts while on her walk that she had completely lost track of time.
Thankfully, Caleb hadn’t called her to lecture her on the length of her walk. She half-expected him to come in search of her when the amount of time she’d been gone had hit two hours. It made her think that his concern for her was all in her head. He wasn’t interested in her safety any more than he would have been interested in the safety of a barn cat.
The doorknob was cool to the touch. Lights were on in the house, but she couldn’t see or hear any signs that Caleb was inside. He could be out working on something for all she knew. Maybe he got so tired of waiting for her to get back and fix supper that he went home to eat. That made the most sense.
She glanced over her shoulder toward the vehicles. His truck was here, though, so she could rule that out. Emma turned the knob and entered the house, only to be inundated with the smell of steak and seasoned vegetables. It almost smelled like he’d been cooking on a barbecue grill, but that wasn’t possible inside.
Emma moved toward the kitchen slowly, quietly. She didn’t know if Caleb was cooking for himself or the both of them, and she would rather not let him see the surprise or disappointment that would inevitably be plastered to her face.
In the doorway of the kitchen, she found him standing at a skillet on the stove. His back was to her, but there were already two steaks plated on the counter behind him. Steam rose from the plates, drawing her eye. They looked as good as if they’d been cooked in a restaurant.
“Oh, you’re back.”
She jumped, finding him staring at her. “Yeah…” she mumbled. “I’m back.”
He turned fully with the pan of sizzling vegetables.
“What would you have done if I wasn’t?” she asked as she stepped into the kitchen fully.
Caleb’s eyes darted toward her briefly before he served up the vegetables. “I suppose I would have come looking for you.”
