Page 36 of A Cowboy's Trust

His hesitation only made her grin wider. She did have a plan forming, such as she ever did, and it didn’t involve icy dips. It would definitely take him out of his comfort zone, and it would help deal with one of their biggest issues.

The need for somehands-ontime.

“Only us five for lunch?”Petra asked Jake.

Aiden stood at the counter, plating sandwiches for himself and Petra. Kevin and Tansy were already seated as Jake brought the iced tea pitcher to the table.

“Declan took the hands out riding this morning. They won’t be back until late,” Jake told Petra.

“Brrr.” Tansy wrapped her arms around herself. “It’s far too cold to spend the entire day outside.”

“Agreed.” Petra took the plate Aiden handed her with a thanks then eyed Tansy hard. “What are you up to?”

Jake turned immediately to make sure he had a prime view of whatever followed. He hadn’t been about to say anything, but Tansy had basically spent all morning wearing a smirk that was somehow simultaneously adorable and annoying.

Thank goodness someone else had finally noticed and called her on it.

“Tell me,” Petra demanded. “I see mischief written all over your face.”

“Mischief? Moi?Never.” Tansy’s snort of amusement landed the same moment as Petra’sha!.“Fine. I’m taking Jake out this afternoon for a date I planned.”

Across the table from them, Aiden and Kevin both froze. Aiden’s lips twitched, but Kevin looked confused. “Youplanned? What does that even mean?” he asked.

“That Jake isn’t going to know what hit him,” Petra muttered into her glass.

“Sounds about right,” Tansy agreed far too quickly, and between Aiden’s snicker and Petra’s grin, suddenly Jake was a whole lot more uncertain about surviving his afternoon.

He sat, turning to Kevin. “If I need an emergency extraction, I have you on speed dial, agreed?”

Kevin raised his hands in the air in protest. “Hey, I’m booked this afternoon. You’re on your own.”

Interesting. Distracted for a moment, Jake examined Kevin closer. “Who are you meeting with? The hands are all out riding.”

Their resident psychologist shrugged, focusing on his plate. “Never said I had a work meeting.”

Now Jake was really curious. “You have a date?”

“Well, that would make sense, wouldn’t it?” Kevin lifted his sandwich to his mouth and took a big bite, ensuring his mouth was too full to answer nosy questions.

Petra was delighted. “You can try to keep it a secret, but it’s doubtful that will last long. Life would be much simpler if you simply told us.”

The man nodded but kept silently chewing.

Which meant the rest of the meal was dedicated to tormenting Kevin and not teasing Tansy for more details. A far better use of their time, Jake decided.

Still, when the meal was over and Tansy all but hauled him toward the door, Jake had to laugh. “You safe to drive? You’re bouncing pretty hard.”

“Of course. Just ready for fun and games.” Mischief sparkled in her eyes. “You?”

“More ready than I thought I’d be.”

He swung both their bags over his shoulder then took her hand and walked beside her to her SUV.

He waited until they were on the highway to speak again. “You plan to give me any hints about what’s happening on this date?”

“You’re going to enjoy yourself, that’s what. And it won’t involve freezing your ass off riding country highways with your brother and the ranch hands.”

Tansy’s smile was so bright Jake couldn’t look away. “Okay. I trust you.” He settled back in his seat and watched out his window so he didn’t try to guess where they were going.