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Of all the people Paisley could have imagined sharing responsibilities on for this trail ride, no one could have done a better job than Weston. He might think he wasn’t a people person, but he was wrong. He was great with the kids, patient and kind, putting himself last.

The problem was she’d kind of hoped he’d be rude to everyone and prove that he truly wasn’t worthy of her notice. Instead, he’d confirmed his worth to her, almost certainly unwittingly.

He wasn’t even growling at her all the time anymore. Might they become friends through this shared experience?

But Paisley’s emotions were half a step ahead of reality. If they could be friends — true friends — they could also be more. Right?

She watched him across the campfire until her hot dog singed, and he was still there, helping kids, while Harvey stood off to the side, wolfing down his meal. Paisley headed for the food station and slid her wiener into a bun. Then she stabbed a raw one and handed the stick to Weston. “It’s your turn. I’ve got this.’

Something like an electric current passed between them for a few seconds before he nodded and headed to the fire. She fixed her bun while helping a couple of the kids. Then Susanna was there, obviously trying not to let her curling lip show to the kids.

Paisley kept her face straight. “What would you like on yours?” She took a quick bite, waiting for Susanna’s reply.

“You’re amazing. I don’t know how you do this.”

“I love the outdoors.”

“Cute cowboy doesn’t hurt, either?”

Paisley nearly choked. “Pardon me?”

“Have you been dating long?”

“We… we’re not.”

Susanna blinked and stepped back. “Really? There’s certainly something between you. I’ve forgotten what that’s like, so it’s been fun to watch you two.”

That was a lot to unpack. “Sorry to disappoint you.”

“Oh, I don’t think I’m wrong.” Susanna looked down at the food and grimaced.

“You’re probably wrong about the hot dog, too. They’re not a staple for me, but they sure hit the spot on camping trips like this.”

“Well, there’s nothing else.” Susanna braced herself as she squirted ketchup on her bun. “I’ll likely survive.”

“Pretty sure you will.”

Kids surged through for seconds before Weston reappeared with his cooked hot dog. He handed her the stick. “Your turn. Better get another before the vultures eat everything.”

He wasn’t completely wrong. Only one partial package remained.

“You’d better reserve another one for yourself.”

Weston shrugged. “Not if the kids are this hungry.”

“What, you have a snack stash along just in case?”

“I’ll never tell.” But something like amusement flashed in his eyes.

“What?” Paisley leaned closer. “Care to share?”

“Just jerky, because it suits my personality.”

“It doesn’t.”

His brown eyes darkened. “Then, yeah, if you want some later.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Maybe. But I’m still having another hot dog now.”