Page 7 of Ethan

He tilted his head. “You had excellent references.”

“I hope so. I worked for Mr. Jones for a long time. I’ll miss him.”

“I was sorry to hear about his passing. He was a damn good trainer. If you learned from him, I have no doubt you know what you’re doing. I spoke to Helen before I called you about the position.”

“Oh, Helen is wonderful. I’d still be there if she hadn’t decided to sell the ranch and move in with her daughter.”

“Helen used to barrel race, back in the day. I remember watching her when I was a boy. She was something else.”

“Mr. Jones showed me videos of her. No wonder she was a champion.”

Ethan opened his bag, pulled out his burger, and unwrapped it.

“This better be good,” she said.

“It’s better than good.”

Naomi took a breath and lifted the burger. She bit into it, chewed slowly, then closed her eyes and moaned.

“This is fantastic.”

“Told you.” He grinned.

She stared at him. He had a beautiful smile, perfect white teeth, and all. Did the man have any flaws? None she could see.

“So how did you end up in Clifton? I’m sure there were training jobs in Kalispell.”

“There were. None that appealed to me.”

“I hope you plan on staying. I don’t want to be looking for another trainer anytime soon.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“What about family? Nothing that might pull you back?”

Naomi clenched her jaw. “I don’t have any.”

“None?”

“None I’m interested in,” she said quietly.

“Okay. I won’t push.” He held her gaze. “I just want to know you’re not going to disappear on me.”

“No worries there.”

For a moment neither of them spoke. Then his eyes dropped to her lips and came back up to meet hers, and she felt it all the way to her toes.

She looked away. If she didn’t, she’d lean forward and kiss those sexy lips of his. It seemed awfully warm in here suddenly.

“It’s hot today, isn’t it?”

“Yes, ma’am. Summer’s in full swing. I’d rather have fall weather myself.”

“I love winter.” She smiled.

Ethan shook his head. “Are you sure about that? You’ve experienced a Montana winter.”

“Yes, and I love it.”