Page 28 of Cowboy Mountain Man

“It’s very good.”

I take the card and secure it in the inside pocket of my jacket. Her eyes move to the ruined lantern, then the broken glass by the kitchen.

“I liked this place.”

“So do I.”

“I’m sorry.”

I step close enough that she has to look up. “Hope.”

She stops.

“Next time you say that, I’m going to assume you threw the lantern.”

A shaky laugh escapes her.

“There it is,” I murmur.

“What?”

“You.”

Her face softens. I pull her wet coat from the rack and replace it with one of mine. It hangs nearly to her knees. I zip it myself. Her eyes stay on my face.

“Are we taking the truck?”

“No.”

“How are we getting out?”

I pick up the bag and open the front door. Rain has eased to a fine mist. Beyond the porch, the woods are black. I listen before letting her step outside. Then I take her hand.

“The horses.”

She stares toward the barn. “Harlan.”

I look back.

“I should probably mention something.”

“What?”

Her fingers tighten around mine. “My boots have more riding experience than I do.”

I glance at the trees. Then at the woman standing beside me in my coat. “All right,” I say. “You’re riding with me.”

Chapter

Five

HARLAN

Hope takes one look at Buck and stops. “He’s bigger than he looked from the truck.”

“He’ll behave.”

“Wonderful. One of us should.”