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“What?”
“I ate both brownies.”
A laugh escaped her. “The Black Forest ones?”
He nodded. “I was going to save you one.”
“You could’ve called me.”
“I thought showing up with one brownie might hurt my chances.”
She tipped her head, pretending to consider. “That depends. How big was it?”
Chet laughed, and she leaned into him again, resting her cheek against his shoulder. She’d forgotten how his laughter moved beneath her cheek when she sat this close. She slipped her hand into his and stayed there.
After a while, she lifted her head. “You know my family’s going to have something to say about this.”
“Why? Your family loves me.”
“Exactly. Someone’s going to claim this whole evening was their idea.”
He glanced toward the path. “Do you think they’re still at the window?”
“Probably taking turns.” She nudged him. “And you’re not allowed to encourage them. Being my someone trumps being their friend.”
He arched a brow. “Your someone, huh?”
Lydia lifted a shoulder. “My boyfriend?”
“I like that better.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
Lydia smiled down at their hands. A cricket chirped nearby, then another answered from farther off. She couldn’t remember when she’d last sat still without checking the time or deciding what she should do next.
“We never did take that trail ride,” she said.
“No, we didn’t.”
“Tomorrow? After we finish at the barn?”
Chet turned her hand over in his. “I can do that. Lola will be glad to get out.”
“I’ll bring something to eat.”
“Should I be worried that you’re taking charge of the food?”
She gave him a pointed look. “You just confessed to eating my brownie.”
“Fair enough. I’ll bring the coffee.”
“And we’re taking the long way.”
His thumb moved over her palm. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
Lydia looked toward the dark trees at the edge of the meadow. Tomorrow they’d ride out together. She’d pack enough for both of them, and he’d probably complain if she took all the best bites. The thought brought a smile she didn’t hide.
A cool breeze lifted her hair, and she rubbed her free hand over her arm. Chet reached for her jacket, lifting the buckle from it before he held it open for her.
“Ready?” he asked.
