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Weston’s head swung left as he slowed Ranger.

Huh, he was listening for Paisley, whether he’d admit it or not.

He reined in, studying the sow and two cubs who were a few hundred feet away or so. The sow’s head lifted as she stared in their direction.

Weston fingered his holster, but Paisley knew he wouldn’t shoot unless his life depended on it.

The bear flipped over a decaying log and nosed into the space it had evicted. The cubs crowded close.

Paisley couldn’t help smiling at the sight. The sow had correctly deduced the humans and equines were no threat, and she was back to foraging for her family. A glance at Weston showed softened features and a grin creasing his day-old stubble.

See? He did have a soft side, no matter how hard he tried to hide it.

Her mission: to prove to him that he didn’t have to guard himself so closely, that it was okay to let people in and have friends. More than that? She wouldn’t say no, but if he’d just loosen up a little, she’d count her mission a success.

What had happened in his life, causing him to wrap himself in barbed wire? Would he ever trust her enough to confide?

His gaze swung to hers.

She gestured to the bears. “Pretty cool, huh?”

“Yeah.” He settled a fidgety Ranger. “You said you had food?”

“Sure. Let’s get further from the bears and dismount, and I’ll dig out sandwiches.”

“There’s a river crossing not far up. Ranger could use a drink.”

And a cool-down, no doubt, not that Paisley would say so. Weston knew horses, not just Ranger, far better than she did. “Sounds good.”

The horses moseyed up the trail, drawing the sow’s attention again for a moment before she turned away. Then they increased speed again until Weston reined to a stop a few minutes later. He’d dismounted and led Ranger into the shallow water before Paisley realized this was the spot.

She slid off Enchantment’s back. She’d ridden a few times since returning to Montana a couple of weeks ago, but that wasn’t enough conditioning for a full day in the saddle. She was going to feel every single one of her many, many muscles tomorrow.

Weston accepted a sandwich from her with a low “thanks” before he took a seat on a rock beside the river. That might be the politest word she’d ever received from him.

She was absolutely nuts to keep putting herself through this. How could Weston ever be worth the turmoil? But a glance at his profile as he studied his surroundings and chewed his sandwich reminded her.

He was one of God’s creatures, and he was hurting. Same for her, but where he seemed to wallow in it, she shoved all her bad memories under and covered them with a happy smile. No one wanted to be around a grump all the time, after all. Except her, or she wouldn’t keep on seeking out Weston’s company. Maybe she admired him for just being who he was instead of pretending otherwise.

Nah. Couldn’t be that.

Paisley dug in her bag. “Want a protein bar or a cookie?”

He eyed the objects in her hand. “Yeah, okay. Thanks.”

He’d thanked her twice in five minutes. That was practically gushing.

She tossed him a baggie with a few cookies and followed it with a wrapped bar. She’d raided the kitchen last night, and Weston’s mother had been all sorts of helpful when she caught onto Paisley’s plan. Hence, the soft-sided cooler she’d stuffed in the saddle bags contained nothing but Weston’s favorites. Paisley had no complaints with peanut butter cookies and ham sandwiches on sourdough. She’d also grabbed carrots and sugar snap peas. Veggies were important, too. She began munching on a carrot stick.

Weston eyed her. “You didn’t offer me that.”

Ha. He was paying attention. “Want some?”

“Of course.” This time he crossed over to her and sat on the same log before digging into the bag between them.

This was practically like getting a skittish squirrel to eat from her hand. No sudden movements, or he’d be gone. Maybe she should also avoid eye contact and prodding questions. The thought made her smile.

“What’s so amusing?” Weston’s voice was guarded.