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WINNOW

T he only clothing store still open is what Gideon calls a Western store. I have no idea what that is, so I brace myself for a surprise as I unwrap my legs from his waist and stand on my own.

The clothing I’m met with inside is… interesting. Gideon chuckles at my expression. “I take it people back home don’t wear bedazzled, hot pink cowboy boots?”

A snort of laughter leaves me. Akash no. My eyes scan over the myriad of hats, boots, denim, and leather garments before settling on a black, smocked, off-the-shoulder dress with a cinched waist and a thigh-high slit. I find myself drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

Gideon is a warm presence behind me. “Try it on, darlin’.”

My gaze lifts to his. “This isn’t exactly practical attire for me to help you with work on your ranch.”

His lips tilt in a crooked grin. “And what a shame it would be to dress you only in practical attire . I want you to get whatever you’ll be happiest wearing.”

This man.

Rising to the tips of my toes, I pull his face down to mine by fisting his shirt and press a kiss to his cheek. “Why don’t you pick a few things out for me lest I cause injury to your coin purse.”

Gideon chuckles. “Angel, my coin purse is doin’ just fine, and there isn’t anything in this store you could buy to injure it, but if it makes you feel any better for me to give you some guidelines, why don’t you pick comfy clothes, goin’ out clothes, and durable clothes that can withstand a day of horseback ridin’ for each day of the week.

My brows pinch. “Gideon… that would be an entire wardrobe.”

There’s a look of insecurity that passes over his gorgeous face.

“Not really. They don’t have pajamas or underwear here, but we can take care of that another day... If you decide to stick around.”

If you decide to stick around.

Relief floods me at those small words. Perhaps I do have hope. Perhaps he is falling in love with me and will accept me as I truly am. Plucking a hat off the table in front of us, I place it on my head, boasting my glee.

“Let’s see. You might just be stuck with me, cowboy.”

Feeling particularly brave, I rise once more on my toes and press a kiss to his lips. Before he has the chance to react, I turn and quickly saunter to the other side of the store before he makes me feel any more of these warm, bubbly feelings I can’t yet act on.