Page 22 of All in with the Maverick Montana

“Yes. With that head of hair you don’t have much room to work with.”

So she thought he was charming and had good hair? If he was ever in need of a compliment he knew where to come. She met his eye and held his gaze for a long moment. “I didn’t just come here to get my ego stroked.”

“No?”

“I actually swung by because I was wondering… I mean, I had a really nice time the other day. At lunch.”

Something about her softened, and Josh wanted to sweep her into his arms. “I did too,” she said.

He nodded. Reassured. “Good. Great.” He cleared his throat. “I thought maybe you’d like to go for a ride then? Up at my ranch. We could take the horses out, I could show you the property. It’s a nice, easy trail. Though I suppose you’re not one to shy away from some rough terrain.”

Amy lit up. “I’d love that actually.”

“Perfect,” Josh said. If he’d known that, he wouldn’t have taken so long to spit it out. “I guess I’ll pick you up later? At Faith’s?”

“Sure.”

He smiled, backing away from the doorway. “See you then.”

“See you, cowboy.”

Josh turned, heading for the exit, practically buzzing with energy. He clapped a surprised Caleb on the shoulder as he passed him. “Hey, man. How’s it going?”

“Hey?” Caleb said.

Josh was out the door before he could say any more. The faster he got back to the ranch and finished up with the chores, the faster he could get back to Amy.

***

Josh pulled into Caleb and Faith’s driveway several hours later. He’d run later than planned, thanks to a complicated calf birth that required a call to the local large animal vet. But as Josh’s father used to say, mother nature changed her plans for no one, so he’d texted Amy, telling her he was absolutely still coming to pick her up, just a little later than anticipated.

There was still enough time left in the day for a ride, plus if the weather cooperated, it should make for a pretty decent sunset. And who didn’t like a nice sunset?

When Amy appeared on the porch, Josh got out to meet her.

She wore jeans, a jewel-toned plaid shirt, and a black puffer vest. It wasn’t exactly cold, but at this time of year the temperature did drop the closer it got to sundown. Her hair was pulled back too, tied off in a high ponytail, and he admired the long, graceful line of her neck as she came down the steps.

“How are mother and baby?” she asked.

“Everyone’s doing well. Doc said there should be no issues going forward.”

She grinned at that and he walked her around to the passenger side of the truck, opening the door for her. “You didn’t have to get out,” she said, giving him a look that was both amused and a little exasperated. “I am fully capable of opening my own door.”

He leaned against the open door. “I know that, but I wanted to.”

“Well, just don’t expect any more ego stroking.”

“I would never.” He grinned at her, already basking in the pleasure of her company.

“So, are we gonna go ride some horses?” she said. “Or are you gonna stand there and keep staring at me?”

Josh laughed. He liked how cheeky she could be. How bold. “What would you say if I decided I just wanted to keep staring?”

“Hmm. You’re not supposed to ask that question.” She reached out, nudged him out of the way and closed the door.

Josh rounded the front of the cab and climbed into the truck, starting the ignition. “But I did ask,” he said, backing out of the driveway.

“Then I would say you’re wasting precious horseback riding time.”