Page 27 of All in with the Maverick Montana

“Not quite morning anymore,” he said.

“You’re right. Afternoon, then.” Amy smiled up at him. “Should I assume we’re not going to lunch since you told me to wear good shoes?”

“You assume correctly. I wanted to take you somewhere, if you’re up for it?”

“Are you going to tell me where?”

He winked as he looked down at her, his eyes shadowed by the brim of his hat. “If I say no is that going to sway your decision?”

Amy hummed, narrowing her eyes. “What are you up to, cowboy?”

“Nothing, I swear.” He crossed his finger over his heart. “I promise to ensure you enjoy every second of your afternoon.”

“Well, in that case,” she said, “lead the way.”

He grinned and set off down the sidewalk, pausing long enough for Amy to fall in step beside him. Josh led them past Town Hall and the few businesses on Central Avenue before turning down an alleyway next to the Little Cowpokes Daycare Center. He cut across the parking lot behind the building, heading for a grove of trees that was fenced off. Amy slowed as they reached a gap in the fence.

“I’m starting to wonder if I agreed to this too quickly,” she said as Josh slipped through the fence to stand in front of an overgrown trailhead that was blocked by a wooden gate. A no-entry sign was nailed to one of the beams.

“It’ll be fine.” He hopped the gate with all the grace of a mountain lion, then turned around, waiting for her.

Amy slid through the gap in the fence and stopped on the other side of the gate. “There’s definitely a sign that says we shouldn’t be in here.”

“Do you always do what signs tell you?”

“Typically.” She laughed. “I’ve always assumed they’re there for a reason.”

Josh held his hand out for her. “Then you’re just gonna have to trust me. This is one sign you can ignore.”

Amy bit down on her lip as butterflies exploded in her chest. She didn’t want to ignore that sign. She wanted to trust Josh. Not just with this, but with all the feelings bubbling up inside her. She laid her hand in his, and he squeezed once before releasing her so she could scale the gate. At the top, he took her by the waist and helped her down. His fingers pressed against her sides, and her skin heated where he touched her.

“You’re sure you can be away from the ranch this long?” she asked as he stepped away. She stared into the trees, the branches parting slightly, revealing a worn trail cutting through the brush. “Aren’t there afternoon chores and such?”

“There are always chores, but I’ve got my ranch hands covering for me.” He glanced over at her as they started down the path. “I wanted to see you.”

I wanted to see you.

Amy felt like she’d swallowed soap bubbles. Like the elation didn’t fit in her chest. She bit down on her cheek to keep from grinning too hard. “Maybe I wanted to see you too.”

“Did you?”

“Yes. But only to ask how Bitsy’s doing.”

Josh huffed playfully. “Of course. Now that you mention it, though, she’s been all out of sorts with me since the other day. I think she misses you.”

Amy nudged his arm. “I told you she was my girl now.”

“Well, she used to be my girl. Which is why I need you to come by the ranch again sometime. Set her straight for me.”

“I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any promises. We clearly have a bond that can’t be broken.”

Josh held aside a branch for her to pass. “I can’t believe you’ve usurped my relationship with my horse.”

Amy smirked. “Get used to it, cowboy. Bella and Mac are next. So, how’s your day been? Other than Bitsy giving you the cold shoulder.”

“No calving emergencies so far. Everyone is doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing. How’s the store been? Busy?”

“Not too bad. Though we do have this one customer that keeps coming back again and again.”