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of alarm into his chest. “Great timing for what?”
“That horseback ride you promised me. I’d love to see the canyon, if you’re up to playing tour guide again.”
Her interest in the land impressed him, but spending time with a woman who was set to turn the whole town against him was courting disaster. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Come on. You know you love my company.” The smile pulling at her lips made her blue eyes twinkle.
She reached out, grabbing his hand. He looked down at where they were linked. His thumb instinctively rubbed over her smooth skin. This wasn’t right. She shouldn’t set his heart racing with just a smile. She was the enemy.
His gaze moved to her eyes. Okay, maybe enemy was too strong a word. The real problem was that aside from their issue with the land, he liked her. He really liked her smile, her laugh, her chattiness. Oh boy, was he in big trouble. But as he stared into her eyes, his apprehension about her tagging along slowly ebbed into a whisper of warning in the back of his mind.
“If you give me this tour,” she said, still keeping hold of him, “you won’t have to worry about what I’m up to while you’re gone.”
“Why? Are you planning to do some more trespassing?” He cocked a brow at her. “Or are you working to turn more townspeople against me?”
She released her hold on him. “That isn’t my intent.”
“Really?” He crossed his arms and stared at her. “From where I’m standing, your little town meeting is intended to apply public pressure so I’ll agree to the sale of my family’s land for your resort.”
Her face filled with color. “It may have started off that way, but…”
He wasn’t about to let her off the hook. He needed to know what she wasn’t saying. “But what?”
She glance away. “But things have changed since then.”
“Mind elaborating?”
“Yes, I mind.”
It was nagging at him. What had changed? Was it the kiss? Or should he say, the kisses? They promised so much and left him barely able to think of anything else. And spending more time with her wasn’t going to help that situation. Of that he was certain.
He needed to remind her that the idea of them spending the day together was a bad one. “Your adventure to Haggerty didn’t turn out so well. I’m surprised you would want to go exploring again so soon.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “I’m not a quitter.”
“No, you’re not.”
“As I recall, we have an agreement about the letter of intent,” she said, gaining his full attention. “I’ll sign it once you let me ride your horse.”
His jaw tightened. He didn’t like being obligated to anyone and he didn’t go back on his word. What was it with this woman? She was more stubborn than the old bull he had in the north pasture. “You’ll be bored. There’s no ghost town to explore or folklore attached to it.”
She shrugged but her gaze never left his. “I’m sure I’ll find something to hold my interest.”
His heart thumped. Was there an underlying meaning in her words? Did she want to go to be near him? His gaze lingered on her face before zeroing in on her lush lips. Maybe having her along wouldn’t be so bad—as long as they stuck to a little innocent flirting.
She clasped her hands together. “Does the smile mean I can join you?” When he didn’t say anything, she grinned and added, “I could always go by myself.”
“Don’t even think about it.”
“Fine. I’ll play nice.”
Playing with Lexi filled his mind with all kinds of naughty scenarios. He’d start with exploring those tempting full lips, and then he’d find the ticklish spot on her neck… Each thought was steamier than the last. He swallowed. If he intended to spend the day with her, he’d best lasso his rambling thoughts. He couldn’t let the memory of her sultry kisses erode his defenses. Or he might end up doing something he’d later regret.
“You can come, but what about your clothes?” He glanced down at her skirt and cowboy boots. “Do you have anything to change into?”
“You mean with me?”
He nodded.
