Page 63 of Hometown Cowboy
Sudden happiness buoyed his spirits so much he almost laughed. She was still attracted to him and embarrassed to be caught staring.
Andthatwas a very good thing indeed.
He’d felt the pull between them at lunch yesterday, the sexual thrill of being near her, but he’d thought maybe it was only his wishful thinking. Gabe had mentioned something, but had been incredibly vague when he’d questioned his comments.
“I’m pregnant, not an invalid.”
She looked at him then, the invitation to a sparring match sparking in her eyes.
“I’m not insinuating that you are. I’m just happier knowing you aren’t pushing things too hard in the second trimester. I want to do this—so let me.”
He could see she wanted to argue, but she puffed out a breath and shook her head. “Fine. As long asyoutake it easy too.”
He nodded and picked up another large chunk of wood. He set it on the chopping block. “I stopped by to see Miss Appleton yesterday.”
Darby’s raised eyebrows said it all. “Oh? Why’s that?”
He shrugged and brought the axe down hard. “To say thank you for organising the fundraiser. I wanted to tell her in person that I appreciated it.”
He glanced at Darby when she didn’t reply. She was listening intently, her head tilted to the side.
“She apologised.”
“For what?”
He tossed the split pieces of wood to the side and grabbed another big log. “For her nastiness to you at the supermarket that day; for telling everyone you were pregnant without evidence, just because she could; and for the nasty things she’s said about me over the last few years.” He looked at her and sent her a lopsided smile. Happy surprise and, if he wasn’t wrong, something close to hope gleamed in her eyes. “That part I actually deserved, but she apologised anyway.”
He set the wood on its edge. “She was really subdued, to be honest. It was weird. I’ve never seen her be so…nice. She kept asking about how my recovery was going, if I’d be okay eventually, you know, make a full recovery? I think she blames herself for what happened, that she set in motion the series of events that ended up with me getting hurt.”
He brought the blockbuster down hard and felt a deep satisfaction at the crack of the wood. “I tried to tell her it was all fine, but I could tell she’s been worrying herself about it. Maybe you could go see her too?”
He looked over at Darby again. She nodded slowly. “Of course. I’ll pop by tomorrow. Do you really think she believes it’s her fault?”
Ryan nodded and stood up straight. “Yeah, I do. She kept telling me that if there’s anything she can do, to call her. Kind of gave me the heebie-jeebies that she was being so nice.”
Darby let out a small laugh. “I bet it did. I’ll leave you to it then, and go make you a cuppa. Come in when you’re done.”
She turned and walked back to the kitchen door. Ryan leaned on the axe to watch her walk away, unable to remove his gaze from her shapely butt. The way she walked was enough to raise his temperature ten degrees.
Damn, she’s fine!
Appreciation shone from his face as she looked at him when she opened the screen door. His grin widened as she ducked her head and disappeared into the house, her face ablaze with the knowledge he was staring at her butt.
*
Darby opened thefridge to get the milk out and stood for a moment while the cold air met her burning cheeks. Her stomach somersaulted and churned.
Damn her stupid blushing! He’d not only caught her ogling him cutting the wood, but he’d seen her embarrassment when she’d realised he was checking her out.
Good God. She felt fifteen years old and inexperienced, embarrassed that a guy was staring at her butt.
A smile wound out, becoming fully fledged on her mouth.
He’d checked out her butt. As in, looked like he wanted to touch her.
She laughed and started the coffees, shaking her head. She should’ve jumped him instead of running away.
And he’d talked about Miss Appleton’s snark and rumours, as if he’d actuallyrememberedthem.