Page 26 of A Montana Rodeo Star

“Oh.” Then her eyes widened. “Oh.”

He nodded, his smile half-grin, half-grimace. “I haven’t corrected them. Especially after you brought those cookies and Hallie noticed us talking at that party. I just figured it’d be easier to let them believe it.”

“So…” It was her turn to feel a little awkward before him. He wasn’t exactly asking her to be his fake girlfriend. His parents didn’t think they were dating. But he was letting them believe he might be interested in her.

Faith couldn’t tell if this pleased her or if it hurt. The emotions rolling through her were hard for even her to make out.

Pinching her lips together, she glanced away.

“Are you mad?”

When she dragged her attention back to him, he was squinting at her. How could she be mad at the guy who made her feel seen. She’d already made herself out to be his alibi once without question.

She smiled. “Of course not. I don’t mind at all.” Then she plastered on her biggest smile. “What are friends for, right?”

That got him smiling again and the ache in her chest eased. “Now, I think you owe me a prize.” Faith tapped her chin as she turned toward the nearest carnival game. “Think you’re good enough to win me that purple flamingo?”

Brent followed her gaze and his smile widened further. “You got it. Anything for a friend.” Then he winked. And why did that small act make her insides flutter?

Because he was sweet and if he was available, she would have jumped on the chance to capture his attention.

Faith sighed as she followed after him. Enough dreaming. Simply spending time with Brent would have to be enough. He was fun. Sweet. And she couldn’t forget he was utterly charming. One day, he’d make some lucky girl very happy.

And that was the worst part, wasn’t it?

Because if spending the evening with Brent Gilley had taught her anything, it was that she wouldn’t be against something more. In fact, she might actually want it.

CHAPTER NINE

Brent did a double take. There was no hiding the amusement that overtook him when he got a good look at Faith in the Sweet Everything Bakery. He’d come to town to pick up a few things for his mom and as he passed the shop, he’d noticed her.

Refusing to delve too deep into what that might mean, he moved closer to the large window and tapped on the glass. When she didn’t immediately turn his way, he tapped louder.

Her eyes found his through the glass and she smiled.

This girl.

She had the sort of smile that could crumble mountains if she wanted it to. It could build cities. That smile was gold and he’d do just about anything to catch a glimpse of it.

Faith gestured for him to enter the shop and without giving it a second thought, Brent obliged. She hurried over to him and grabbed a hold of his forearm. “Okay, you have to help me.”

He laughed. “With what?”

She motioned toward the display case. “It’s the twins’ birthday and I have to pick out a treat.”

“What about cake?”

Faith rolled her eyes. “That’s already covered. I wanted to get them something to go with it.”

“Something to go with the cake. You know that sounds ridiculous, right?”

“Will you just help me? What do guys like?”

He laughed. “I’d assume the same kind of stuff girls like.”

Faith’s cheeks flushed. “Yeah, well, I can’t pick. So you do it.”

“And have your brothers blame me when I pick wrong? No thank you.”