Page 57 of Mister Cowboy

“So, you wanna tell me what that was about?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“It’s a program that helps local kids whose parents are incarcerated.”

“Why do they think I donated books?”

“Because you did.”

He raised both eyebrows, and she continued. “The amount you paid me for my work at the ranch was ridiculous. I donated a portion of it to the program in your name.”

“Why didn’t you just ask me to donate the money?”

“Would you have?”

“A portion of your money?” He tilted his head to the side like he was considering it. “Probably not, but I would have made a donation to them separately if you’d asked.”

Brecken grabbed her hand and swung it lightly as they stepped into the elevator. “How did you get involved with it?”

“My father started the foundation in honor of my mother. She was an English teacher at a low-income school. When I moved to Denver, I asked if I could continue it here. It isn’t much, but somehow it does make me feel like I’m honoring her memory.”

“I’m impressed and I’m sure your mother would be too.”

She gave him a sheepish grin as a thank you.

“Any other surprises for me today?” he asked.

“Not today.”

“Good, becauseIhave a surprise.”

“Hmmm,” she said. “What kind of surprise?”

He brought his lips down to hers, tickling her mouth but not applying any pressure. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

* * *

“How many carsdo you own?” January asked as she stood in his parking garage and eyed the vehicles parked in a row. The old truck stuck out between the sports car and town car.

“Just the two. Three if you count the town car Edward drives, but I don’t really count that.”

“Of course not.” She rolled her eyes as she slid into the passenger’s seat of the truck. “So tell me where we’re going!”

“Nope. It’s a surprise.”

She sat back and tried to enjoy the ride as Brecken turned on the radio and rested his right arm around the back of the seat. Her contentment switched to confusion when he turned down the county road that she knew led to the ranch.

“Are we going to the ranch?”

He nodded and one side of his mouth lifted, but the smile didn’t meet his eyes.

A million thoughts ran through her mind. Why would he bring her here? Were they going to have another awkward run in with Louisa and Henry?She didn’t ask any of those questions. Instead, she stayed quiet and studied Brecken’s body language. At first glance, it read casual, but upon closer inspection, she could see that he gripped the steering wheel a little too tightly and his left leg was bouncing.

When he turned the truck down the driveway, his anxious energy became more pronounced. He tapped the steering wheel with one hand and ran the other over his chin. She’d never witnessed his arrival at the ranch, but watching him transform as they drew closer was unsettling.

Pulling up in front of the barn, Brecken shut off the truck and turned to her. “Are you ready?” he asked, his happy, playful side back on display.

He helped her down from the truck and led her into the barn. Timothy brushed a stunning brown horse and beside him a smaller black one eyed them wearily. Noticing the saddles, she looked to Brecken, the big smile on his face confirming her assumption.

“We’re going horseback riding?”