Page 17 of A Montana Rodeo Star

She flushed deeply and looked away. “I shouldn’t… What happened… Nothing is going to happen between us.” Faith released a nervous laugh. “I didn’t want you to think that I came to your house to hit on you. I brought you cookies because I thought you’d like them, but they weren’t a sign that I wanted anything to develop between us.” She pointed to herself then him. “You’ve got your heart set on something and that’s great. I might not agree with the way you’re going about it—not telling your family and all that—but I want you to know that I’ll support you. As a friend.”

Wow.

He couldn’t have said it better himself.

And yet he couldn’t deny the ache that settled in his chest at her words. Why did he suddenly feel like he was losing out on something? It was like she closed the door on a possibility that really wasn’t one to begin with, so why was he bothered?

A tightness in his throat forced him to clear it with a nervous cough. “Right, well, good.”

“Good?”

He nodded. “Good. I think it’s important we understand that this friendship is all that it will ever be.”

A smile touched her lips and she reached for her book to hug it to her chest. “Yeah, that’s what I said.”

Brent nodded again, feeling like one of those bobble-head toys that couldn’t stop moving. “Exactly.”

“How were the cookies?”

“The cookies?”

She laughed inching closer. “Yes, you told me you’d let me know what you thought about them.”

“Oh yeah. Of course. They were amazing. Best cookies I’ve ever had.” He frowned. “Actually, that’s not true.”

Disappointment flickered in her eyes and the frown that crossed her lips was adorable. “What?”

“I only got one.”

Now she looked utterly confused.

“I could only enjoy one cookie, so… it was the best cookie I’ve ever had. Singular. You’re definitely going to have to make more.”

Faith blinked several times as if she needed to go over everything he’d just said in detail. Then she laughed. “And why didn’t you get to enjoy more than one?”

He groaned exaggeratedly. “My brother came home, saw them, and turned into the Cookie Monster.”

The laughter that followed warmed him from the inside out and he found himself wanting to do more to hear it again. “You have the best laugh.” Brent hadn’t realized he’d said it out loud until her expression faltered and she stared at him with surprise.

“Oh. Thanks?”

He ducked his head. “You’re welcome.”

Well, this was just great. Now he’d made it awkward. He shuffled his booted toe against the wooden steps. “Anyway, the next time you make me cookies, I’ll be sure to hide them from the monster before he has a chance to sniff them out.”

“That’s a little selfish of you, don’t you think?” Her shy smile returned.

Shrugging, he flashed her another bright smile. Some things are worth being selfish over.” He turned to head away but she stopped him once again.

“This weekend my brothers are having a party. There’s going to be music, dancing, and lots of food. Just a way to start off the season right. Will you be coming? I’ll be sure to make my famous cookies.”

He eyed her with a grin. “Well… if there’s going to be cookies…”

She grinned right back. “Maybe don’t tell Tripp.” Then she laughed at the grimace he made.

“Pretty sure that man is a bloodhound. Not sure I’ll be able to keep him away.”

“Then I’ll make extra.”