Page 13 of Condor’s Vow

They made it back to the farm before sunset and handed the horses over to the ranch hands. Clay walked Hattie to her car, not wanting to say goodnight but knowing he needed to.

He took her hand in his, and she rested her head on his shoulder in the most natural way as they reached her car. He turned her toward him and held her hips, his thumbs rubbing over the exposed skin in circles. “When can I see you again?”

“I have some stuff to take care of tomorrow, and then I have three twelve-hour shifts and then a day off, then two shifts, and then two days off.”

“Hmm, I have next weekend off. Want to spend it together?”

“Sounds perfect to me.”

“You don’t even know what I was going to suggest.” His chuckle vibrated in his chest, but he saw her eyes smile, the dimple in her cheek peeking out and making him crazy with the need to kiss her again.

“You organized this, which is the best date I’ve ever been on. I trust you, Clay.”

Her words made his heart thud hard in his chest. “That means a lot, Hattie.”

He kissed her slowly, keeping it as proper as he could before he opened her car door and watched her get in, clicking the safety belt in place.

“Drive safe and text me when you get home.”

Hattie rolled her eyes but nodded. “Are you usually this bossy?”

“Only when it’s someone I care about.”

“Wow, way to take the wind out of my sails.”

He laughed along with her before stealing one last kiss and backing up so she could pull out in front of him. As they headed into town, he flashed his lights at her as they went their separate ways, his mind going over every last detail of the date like a teenage girl.

He didn’t care. He was head over heels for her and wasn’t afraid to admit it. He couldn’t wait to see her again, but texts and calls, if she’d allow it, would have to do until then.

As he walked in his front door and locked it behind him, he felt his phone vibrate and grinned when he saw her name.

Hattie: Home safe and sound.

Clay: Did you lock up, gorgeous?

Hattie: Yes, all safe and sound. Thank you for today. I had the best time.

Clay: I’m glad. Me too, and now to sleep with the vision of the hottest cowgirl in the world in my head.

Hattie: Hope they’re sweet dreams, Clay.

Clay: Not sure about sweet, but I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy them.

Hattie: Good night, Clay.

Clay: Good night, Hattie.

Clay set his alarm for five am wanting to get a jump on the day so he could review the case files before everyone else got into the office. He had a ton of pressure on him from the higher-ups wanting this case solved as quick as possible. He understood it and felt the weight of protecting his fellow law enforcement and emergency colleagues, but he still fell asleep with a smile on his face that night and Hattie’s name on his lips.