Page 37 of Country Winds (King Creek Cowboys #9)

She hurried to the front door, wrapped her hand around the knob, and took a deep breath before opening it. Cool fall air swept in, and she smiled when she saw Porter and a young girl on the other side of the screen door.

Leeann pushed it open. “Hi, Porter.” She looked at the girl. “You must be Ashley. Why don’t you both come on in?”

Porter touched the brim of his hat. “Good afternoon, Leeann.”

She nearly sighed with pleasure, hearing him say her name.

They walked into her living room, and she closed the doors. She gestured to the couch and chairs. “Have a seat.”

“We can’t stay long.” Porter dug in his pocket and pulled out a new bottle of the cleaner. “Stopped at the grocery store to replace the one you gave us yesterday.”

The brush of his fingers against hers electrified her as she took it from him. Their eyes locked, and her belly swooped.

“Porter said you’re an author.” Ashley plopped down on the couch. “I’ve never met a real author before.”

Being called an author was weird, and it felt strange that anyone would be impressed. She wondered if she’d ever get used to it.

“My first novel comes out the week after Christmas.” Leeann smiled and sat in the chair opposite Ashley.

Porter took the recliner to her right, apparently realizing he wasn’t going to be able to run off without spending a little time chatting.

“That’s so cool.” Ashley leaned forward. “What kinds of books do you write?”

“It’s a genre called women’s fiction.” Leeann crossed her legs at her knees. “My first one is about a woman and her adopted daughter.”

“I’m adopted.” Ashley glanced at Porter and back at Leeann. “Porter’s my older brother, but he’s more like a dad.”

Porter shot a look at Ashley, surprise written on his features.

Leeann smiled. “Sounds like you’re lucky to have each other.”

Ashley nodded. “We are.”

Porter looked like he could have been knocked over with a feather, but then he nodded his agreement. “That’s true for both of us.”

“He said you have a palomino named Applejack.” Ashley clasped her hands. “I’d love to meet him.”

“I’d be happy to introduce you to my horse. I board him at my brother’s ranch.” She thought about it a moment. “I’m at the hospital during the week, but I’m off Saturdays and Sundays. Would one of those days work for you?” She prayed Porter would say yes.

“Saturday would be fine.” Porter studied her. “We’re on the other side of King Creek from your brother. How about we pick you up on the way?”

“I’d like that,” Leeann said.

“You two could go out to dinner after we see Applejack.” Ashley had a mischievous expression as Leeann felt herself go red. “You could drop me off first.”

At first, Leeann was afraid to look at Porter, but she pulled herself together and met his gaze. “I’d enjoy going to dinner with you.” She turned to Ashley. “You, too.”

Ashley shook her head. “Nope. Just the two of you.”

The corner of Porter’s mouth quirked as Leeann locked gazes with him. “I do think my kid sister is trying to set us up.”

“Is it working?” Ashley grinned.

Leeann still felt warm, but she laughed.

Porter continued to watch her. “I think that’s a fine idea. Where’s a good place to go in King Creek?”

“Mickey’s Bar and Grill is popular.” She listed places off with her fingers. “There’s Gus’s Pizza, King Creek Café, Black Bear BBQ, and Ricardo’s is a nice little hole-in-the-wall. Oh, and there’s a new place I haven’t had a chance to try out—it’s called the Steak-Out Restaurant.”

Porter’s gaze never left her face. “Your choice.”

The way he focused on her made her feel like he appreciated her and was very interested, maybe even as much as she was.

“I’d like to try the Steak-Out.” She linked her fingers in her lap. “It might be quieter.” She grinned.” It’s likely to have fewer McLeods to run into than Mickey’s.”

“Steak-Out it is.” He looked at his kid sister. “Are you ready to go, kiddo? You wanted to go for a ride this afternoon.”

“I’m ready.” She stood, as did Porter, and Leeann joined them. Ashley turned to Leeann. “Porter promised that we could ride to the Superstitions.”

“Just to the foothills,” he said. “It’ll be too late in the day to go far.”

“Maybe you can bring over Applejack someday.” Ashley looked up at Leeann. She was short for her age. “We could have a picnic in the mountains.”

“I’d like that.” Leeann smiled. “Can I give you a hug? I’m a hugger.”

“Me, too.” Ashley hugged Leeann before stepping back, smiling.

Porter opened the door and the screen, and she stood on the threshold. She shivered as a chill wind swept over her.

“Get on inside,” he said. “You’re not wearing a jacket.”

“I’m all for that.” She nodded to Ashley, then Porter. “See you Saturday.”

“I’ll text you this week, and we can arrange a time to pick you up,” he said.

“Perfect.” Leeann gave them both a little wave before she stepped inside and closed the doors behind her.

Leeann felt giddy with excitement at seeing him again and thrilled that they had a date planned for Saturday night. Ashley certainly was a sweetheart, clearly interested in seeing her brother happy. Apparently, she had liked Leeann as much as Leeann enjoyed the twelve-year-old.

She went back to her laptop, this time to open a new document and get started on that third novel. Maybe she’d even throw in a love interest, who happened to be a cowboy.

Read more Country Frost !