Page 48

“You forget how well we know each other, Maggie. I know your hare-brained-idea face, just like I know the way your breath catches when you’re surprised in a good way.” He said that last part in a whisper by her left ear and her breath did, indeed, catch.

“Knock it off, Bennett. You can’t go around using what you know against me. It isn’t fair.”

“Oh, Maggie. By now you oughtta know nothing’s fair in love or ranching.”

Her breath didn’t just catch at that—it flat out refused to come.

Which one was he referring to with her—love? Or ranching?

“So, spill. What’re you up to out here?”

“Well, if you must know, I had an idea I wanted to test out. Something my dad and I were interested in doing out here.”

His arms tightened around her waist, and she froze, afraid to break the spell.

“An idea? Talk me through it.”

God, she wanted to. He’d always supported her wacky schemes when it came to engineering, but this… this was different. If she followed through with it, this idea might have lasting effects on the whole valley.

Her history with him won in the end.

“It’s a safety system for the valley. I don’t want to say more than that until I’ve drawn up plans, but… it could be great.”

“I’m sure it will be with your incredible brain behind it.”

Her cheeks felt hot and not from the waning sun. “Thanks. I’m just sorry I couldn’t get here to do it for him—for the valley—sooner.”

“I can help, you know. Even drawing up the plans. Don’t forget I know this valley as well as I do the layout of my own home.”

“I’ve got it, Bennett.”

“You don’t need to tackle the world by yourself, Maggie. I’m here.”

He was. For now. But her father’s death weighed her down, reminded her what had gotten her to this point. If she risked relying on Bennett—on anyone—and lost that help like she’d lost her father? No, it was better for her to do this on her own. Maybe then, she and Bennett would actually have a shot at being friends without the ranch getting in the way.

“I’m sorry, but this is still my valley. I appreciate your friendship, even your help with the fencing, but some things I have to do on my own.”

His hands tightened around the reins. “We’re still here. Haven’t I shown that I can be trusted, Maggie?”

“You have. You’re my closest friend here, Bennett.”

“Okay, then let me help. Friends show up for each other.”

“They do. And you have. But what you’ve done is enough, okay? I’ve got this.”

“So, you’ll take Johnny on staff but won’t let me pitch in?”

“Bennett, stop.”

His thighs flexed around hers, his whole body following suit. The rigid wall of flesh behind her spoke volumes.

“I don’t expect you to understand, but friendship doesn’t have to come with a white-knight savior complex. Some damsels in distress are stronger than you think.”

Space opened up between her back and his chest. His hands lifted the reins again, leaving at least three places her body ached for his to come back and make it feel whole again.

But it didn’t. Not till they got home and Bennett slid off his horse, then took her by the waist and deposited her gently on the ground outside her back porch. Gander had wandered off with his antler, but Marty and the guys were rolling up after a day on the north field.

“Have one of ’em take you into town, Maggie. I don’t think it’s broken, but you should have it checked out by Doc.” He tipped his hat and was back on his horse and out of sight in mere seconds. It was like a mirage. Had he been there at all? Had his lips ever touched hers and drawn out life from them?