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Cal was quiet as they walked down the street, then asked, “Think Tanner’ll be feeling well enough to ride with me in the cattle drive? If Papa lets me ride?”
India looked lost and more than a little defeated. “I don’t know, Cal.”
Cal nodded, his sniff echoing.
“You’re going to ride?” Brody led them across the street, hoping the change in topic would rouse the boy’s spirits. “Good for you. I started about your age, if I remember right.”
Cal shrugged. “I’m not a real good rider yet. Papa’s always real busy so...”
Brody watched the tightening of India’s jaw. He’d gone and stuck his foot in it again. But, maybe, he could do something about it this time. “I can show you.”
India came to a dead stop. “You don’t have time for that, Brody. The girls, your family businesses, the campaign—it’s not a good idea.”
“Why not?” he and Cal asked in unison.
He couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face. And, finally, Cal was smiling a little, too.
“You know why not,” India pleaded, her gaze searching his.
It would be so damn easy to pull her close and tell her all the reasons why it was a very good idea. He’d do just about anything to chase the defeat from her eyes. And holding her close and comforting her sounded like the perfect place to start.
She seemed unwilling to share the weight of the world she shouldered—even if the weight might be crushing her. And he didn’t understand it. Did he want to hold her and kiss her and tell her he loved her? Yes, but, he knew—to her—they were just friends. And friends helped each other out.
“Click has a bunch of horses. Your truck is at Click’s. I’m Click’s neighbor.” He shrugged, holding open the door of the Soda Shop. “I’m happy to help. Your boy should know how to ride. He’s a cowboy after all—from a founding family hereabouts.”
“Then I could surprise Papa,” Cal said. “He’d be proud to see me on a horse.”
“I know he’s already proud of you,” Brody assured him. “You’ve got the makings of a fine young man. Someone I’m proud to call my friend.” Cal lit up like a Christmas tree, trotting into the Soda Shop and heading straight for the girls to update them on Tanner’s status.
“Brody.” India’s hand gripped his, stopping him. “I know you mean well, but...” She shook her head, searching for the right words. “He’s had a lot of people disappoint him.” India studied him, warning him away like a mother bear protecting her cub.
There was steel in her voice, a certain stiffness in her posture that earned his respect. And made him long to show her how good things could be. He wasn’t her father. He wasn’t Cal’s father. He knew what it meant to love unconditionally. That was how he loved her—how he’d love Cal, if she gave him the chance.
He squeezed her hand, cradling it against his chest. “I promise you, I won’t be one of them.”
Chapter Ten
India felt the beat of Brody’s heart against her hand. It was fast. No, not fast. Th
undering. The concern in those tawny eyes reached down inside and melted the ice around her heart. No. Dammit. No. She had to fight this. Fight him.
“India?” he asked, tugging her aside of the door.
“Stop, please,” she whispered. “You keep looking at me like that...”
He grinned, one brow cocking up. “Like I want you, India. I do. To be here for you.”
Her breath escaped on a shudder. The memory of his hands gripping her against him, his lips sealed against hers, flashed through her eyes.
His eyes narrowed. “You want me to kiss you.” He swallowed. “I’m happy to do it. Right here on Main Street in front of the whole damn town—”
“Stop.” She covered his lips with her hand, startled when he pressed a kiss to her fingertips. The touch was a jolt to the system—racing down her arm, into her chest and low in her belly. It was heaven. The heat in his eyes was all that mattered.
No, it wasn’t. They were out in the open, for crying out loud. Her gaze darted around what appeared to be an empty street. But half a dozen storefront windows lined the opposite side of the street. For all she knew, twice as many eyes were watching them—taking notes and making phone calls. And still, the feel of his lips kept her captive. What was she thinking? What was he thinking?
His eyes blazed with raw hunger, a hunger she shared.
“Behave,” she whispered, tugging her hand from his and hurrying into the Soda Shop.
