Page 52 of Over the Line
“Uhm… About that…” She smiled.
“Goats can swim,” he assured her.
“Seriously?”
“But she’ll need a bath.”
“I look forward to watching.”
Which meant Sydney might not be rushing off—the thought gave him some hope.
“And I’m fine, too. Thanks for asking.” The goat’s arrival had shattered the tension, and he wasn’t sure he welcomed that. The conversation had been important, and he wanted to know more about her. “Spend the day with me?” he invited. “We have a lot of things to discuss.”
“I can’t.” She shook her head.
Her teasing tone held no regret.
“I have a pile of things to do at home, laundry, packing. I leave town tomorrow and I’ll be gone for ten days.”
A story so you can escape? “I’d better make you a hearty breakfast before you go.”
“You cook?” Her eyes widened.
“I have a housekeeper who does my cleaning and shopping. Every once in a while, she’ll make a meal, and I appreciate it. But my grandfather believed all men should know how to cook.” He shrugged. “Probably from being on the range, away from the house so much. He and Grandma made sure I’m self-sufficient. I can manage biscuits and gravy for breakfast, along with bacon and eggs. From the ranch’s chickens.”
“Fresh eggs?”
“I get a few a day.”
“There’s nothing better. I like to go to the local farmer’s market, but sometimes I don’t get there early enough, and they’re already sold out.”
“Whatever is your preference, I can probably whip them up. Scrambled, poached, fried.”
“Is there still some coffee left?”
“I’ll brew you a fresh pot.”
She opened her mouth then shut it.
“Are you interested?”
“Yes, please. It turns out that I’ve burned a lot of energy since last night.”
“That’s two of us.”
Chewie bleated.
“Let’s get you dry,” he told Sydney, exiting the river and offering her a hand to help her over the rocks.
Chewie followed, staying close to see what they were doing.
On the bank, he wadded his shirt and used it to pat Sydney’s chest dry.
“The water didn’t cause you much shrinkage, Sir.”
“Seems to be a constant condition when you’re naked.” The sun emerged from behind a cloud, and he told her, “Turn around.”
Once she had, he dried the rest of her body. When he was finished, he gave one cheek a quick pinch.