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He took a deep breath, blew it out through pursed lips and then gave himself a firm nod before striding forward. The cabin door opened before he got to it and Agatha materialized. Her loose-fitted white blouse was paired with a nice set of jeans that hugged her figure. But what pulled everything together and made his stomach twist like a tornado was the cowboy hat and boots she’d donned with them.
Zeke placed a hand to his heart and let out a slow whistle. “You look…”
She glanced down at her outfit, then flashed him a nervous smile. “Is it too much?”
He shook his head. “No, ma’am. You look like you were born and bred to be a cowgirl.”
Her smile widened and she stepped toward him, easily placing her hands around his neck. “What can I say? I learned from the best.” Her lips whispered a kiss against his. How she could manage to draw him in, lasso him to the point he didn’t dare move was beyond him. This woman had already managed to capture his attention, and it would only be a matter of time before she controlled his heart.
Agatha was the first to withdraw from their kiss, leaving him aching for more. She nodded behind him to where he’d left the horses. “It’s a good thing I know you, Zeke Callahan. Or I might have gone with a different option.”
“Oh yeah? What option was that?”
She slipped her hand into his, and they headed for the horses. “A woman my age has two kinds of looks. She can sport a pair of jeans or get dolled up in a dress.”
He stopped and faced her, anticipation already manifesting itself within. “Well, Ms. Birch, one of these days I’m going to have to see this other look you speak of.”
Her coy smile only served to add to the way he was feeling.
They stopped at the horses, and her eyes flitted to meet his. “A picnic?”
“I thought you said you knew me,” he teased.
“I only meant that you wouldn’t be caught dead in a fancy restaurant—especially at one of those in town.”
Zeke’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t eat supper already, did you?”
“Of course not.”
“Then what did you suppose we were going to be doing? I told you I’d take you to dinner.”
She flushed that pretty rose color he found so irresistible. “I suppose I didn’t know what I was expecting. Perhaps you’d take us to your place.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “I’m not in the business of telling anyone about my personal life. And if my daughters knew I was dating, I wouldn’t hear the end of it.” His expression grew serious, and he pulled her closer as his voice lowered. “No, I want to spend this evening with you and only you. I don’t need to share you with anyone, and that’s how I like it.”
Agatha placed her hand against his cheek. “Who knew you could be such a charmer?”
“I only share this side of me with the women I care about, so count yourself lucky.”
“Oh, I do,” she insisted, then she kissed him again.
The sparks of electricity that came with each peck hadn’t faded, no matter how many times she touched him. This was a strange new experience he wasn’t prepared for, and yet he was ready to dive right in.
Zeke held up her hand as she placed her toe into the stirrup. “I have the perfect spot for our picnic. You’re going to love it.”
“I don’t doubt it.” The way she gazed down at him like he was the only man in the world set off a wave of fireworks. He could stand there all day looking up at her and be content.
She let out a little laugh and touched her hair. “What?”
He shook his head. “Nothing.”
The ride wasn’t long. In fact, the clearing was just on the other side of where he’d pitched his tent, but when they took the scenic route, he could continue to sneak glances at her.
Once the picnic was all set up and they were seated on the blanket, it was almost too easy to fall into conversation.
Agatha took a bite of her sandwich and closed her eyes with pleasure. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a good turkey sandwich?”
He chuckled. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
