Page 27 of A Montana Rodeo Star

“You know me too well,” she groaned.

They shared a look. One that lingered. So many unspoken words were in that loaded look and for that moment Brent almost wanted to pretend that they were something more. It took a great deal of effort to tear his eyes away from her and focus on the task at hand.

“Try the black forest brownies.”

Her lower lip protruded and she tilted her head as she considered his suggestion. “You really think they’ll like it?”

“They’re Tripp’s favorite.”

“But not yours.”

He shot her a grin. “You already know what kind of treats are my favorite. Honestly, I can’t for the life of me understand why you wouldn’t just make them your famous cookies.”

Scoffing, she shook her head. “They’re hardly famous. And my brothers are used to them.”

“Blasphemy!” He slammed his hand to his chest as if he’d been hit. And the most beautiful sound escaped her parted lips. It was a giggle that started deep in her chest and rose higher.

He was so gone for her.

Brent shook his head to clear it. “Seriously, though. You can’t go wrong with the brownies. Chocolate being what it is.”

“Maybe you’re right.” She glanced up at him with appreciation. Then she turned to the gal behind the counter. “Can I get two, please?”

After she paid for her purchase, they left the bakery. As bad as it was, Brent didn’t want to leave her yet. The thought of going home and having to return to the daily grind was far less appealing than spending an hour with the woman at his side. He cut her a glance and rocked back on his heels.

“You need to go anywhere else?”

Her eyes snapped to his. “I was actually going to head to the bookstore. But then I thought my brothers probably don’t want books. So now I’m wondering if I should just get them a gift card at the saddle store.”

“You’d probably be right about that. I don’t know of anyone who is as passionate about books as you are.”

“Not just books,” she reminded him.

“Right,” he drew out the word. “Just the boring stuff.”

“Hey!” She attempted to dig her elbow into his ribs, but he side-stepped her which resulted in a huff on her end.

“A gift card though? You really think that’s going to land well?”

All at once her expression shifted into something more contemplative. “Yeah, I’m not sure. They’re so hard to shop for.”

“I’m sure we can find something good at the store. Guys are easy. Find a neat gadget or something like that.”

“So not easy.” She flashed him a smile and he returned it.

This.

This right here was something he’d never thought he’d have. Even before he started on the path toward rodeo stardom. Brent had known that he’d want to fall in love eventually. That happened when someone cared a lot about their family. He couldn’t see a future without his own children running around in it.

He definitely wasn’t ready for it.

Right?

And yet as he strode next to this woman, he could see a future with her. It was strange. Startling, even. Not just because this was Faith—his friends’ sister. But because he hadn’t been prepared for it.

But love?

Ha. He wasn’t falling in love with the girl. This moment that had thrown him off was merely a glimpse into what it might be like to find someone who got him. What it would be like to find someone who could be something more.