Freaky was one word to describe the experience of strolling toward the old hip-roofed barn with Gage. Emma would go along with that description. But two others applied—exciting and liberating.

She’d hired a sitter for Josh a few times since he’d been born, but always for some obligatory thing like a dentist appointment. Never so that she could walk hand-in-hand with a handsome cowboy in the twilight.

Gage had worn a dove-gray yoked shirt that emphasized the width of this shoulders and the breadth of his chest. He’d also shaved, which he’d claimed had been for Josh’s benefit. Maybe. And maybe he’d had a second motive.

“Do you know if Quinn and Kendra set this up on purpose?”

“I don’t know, but if they did, I had nothing to do with it. I’m an innocent bystander.”

She grinned. “Oh, yeah? Then why did you shave?”

“Like I said, for Josh.”

She glanced at his profile. A crease in his freshly shaven cheek gave him away. “Uh-huh.”

“And also on the off chance I might get a chance to kiss you again. I just didn’t know when or where.”

“That’s what I thought.” Heat shot through her body. The soft, gentle kiss he’d given her this afternoon had taunted her ever since. His restraint had been touching…and frustrating.

She’d experienced a fully involved Gage Sawyer kiss. The one in the Eagles Nest Market’s parking lot had been like getting a sample of an ice cream flavor—so delicious she was tempted to ask for a full serving.

But did she dare indulge? That was the big question. As they approached the open double doors of the picturesque barn, her body warmed in anticipation. She hadn’t kissed a man since Gage had ridden off into the sunset nineteen months ago.

Now that he was back in the picture, she was fantasizing about kisses and…maybe something more. She’d challenge any woman in her shoes not to.

He led her into the barn, fragrant with hay. “Usually they stick their heads out to see who’s here, but as you can tell from all the chomping going on, they’re too busy to care about us.”

“Dinnertime, huh?”

“Yes, ma’am. What kind of experience have you had with horses?”

“I’ve watched the Budweiser Clydesdales on TV and I took Josh to the Fourth of July parade in Great Falls this summer.”

“I see. You’ve never been on a horse?”

“Nope. But as I told Kendra today, I’d like to try it.”

“That’s good news. I think you’d have fun. I sure do. I’d like to teach Josh when he’s old enough.”

“When would that be?”

“If we’re talking about putting him up there by himself, no sooner than four years old and more like five or six. But I could take him up with me now.”

She sucked in a breath. “That scares me a little.”

His smile was gentle. “Perfectly natural since you’re not used to horses. No rush.” He squeezed her hand. “Come on. I’ll introduce you around.” He paused next to a stall. “This is Strawberry, so named because he’s a strawberry roan. Pete has a gelding named Clifford who looks something like this.”

“What’s a gelding?”

“A stallion who’s been neutered. There’s one mare named Licorice in this barn. The rest are all geldings. They make the best saddle horses.”

“Huh.” She studied the big horse as he munched away on the hay stuck in a wire basket attached to the stall. “He’s very pretty.”

“And such a sweetheart. If you decide to take a lesson, Kendra would likely put you on Strawberry.”

Gage was close, very close. His warmth and the scent of his cologne surrounded her, awakening a response she hadn’t experienced since…their last night together.

The air stirred as he moved away and came to a stop at the next stall. “This bay gelding is Jake. He has a very smooth gait, which is one of the reasons Zane uses him when he releases a raptor into the wild. Less jostling on the way out to the canyon.”

The sensual undercurrent in his voice distracted her, making it difficult to focus on the conversation. Zane. Raptors. The rescue center they hoped to visit tomorrow. “It would be great if we can take Josh over to see those birds.”

“It would be. My dad’s artwork is in the lobby. Going there would be a twofer.”

“Your dad’s an artist? How did I miss that?”

“Probably because he doesn’t go around talking about it. Selling the Lazy S has given him more time for his art and he’s developed quite a following.”

“I had no idea. That’s wonderful. Is he a painter?”

“Scratchboard artist.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s a little hard to explain. You’ll see when we go to Raptors Rise. Glad you came down?”

She gazed at him. “Yes, I am.”

“Me, too.” Heat flickered in his dark eyes as he slowly lifted their joined hands and kissed the tips of her fingers.

The air left her lungs. He used to do that when…

“Emma, you’re driving me crazy.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “But we…” He paused to take a breath. “You need to meet Winston.”

“Why?”

A piercing whinny filled the barn.

“There’s your answer. He expects it.”

“Alrighty, then.”

Keeping a firm grip on her hand, Gage bypassed the other residents of the barn, who were still engrossed in their dinner. At the far end, a horse poked his head out of the stall. His dramatic coat was splashed with butterscotch and white.

“Oh, Gage, he’s beautiful.”

“Don’t think he doesn’t know it. Hey, Winston. Say hello to Emma.”

The horse bobbed his head and made a throaty huh-HUH-huh sound.

“That almost sounds like hello!”

“Because it is his way of saying it.” Gage reached across the stall door and stroked the horse’s glossy neck. “He’s named for Winston Churchill, and he’s a talker. He’s also the kingpin around here and if someone comes into the barn and doesn’t pay attention to him, he lets that person know. Isn’t that right, Winston?”

He snorted and tossed his head.

“He’s fun to ride, too. Kendra’s been generous enough to let me take him out a few times.”

“You don’t have a horse?”

“Used to. When I was ready to leave home, I knew I wouldn’t be coming back except for visits. Didn’t seem like Dad should be stuck feeding and exercising Sparrow. Didn’t feel right to sell him.” He scratched under Winston’s flowing mane.

“I can understand that.” The more he fondled the horse, the more her skin tingled.

“Sparrow was real gentle, so I donated him to an organization that teaches disabled kids to ride.”

“What a great idea. Do you think you’ll ever get another one?”

“I’ve thought about it. It’s a commitment, though. Once you have a horse, you either take care of it every day or pay someone to do it. Ideally it should be you, so you bond with that animal. I do enjoy ‘em, though.” He looked over at her. “Want to stroke Winston’s nose? It’s like velvet. He loves being touched.”

He’s not the only one. She stepped closer and smoothed her hand down the horse’s nose. “It does feel like velvet. Do you like this, Winston?”

He blew air softly through his nostrils.

“I think that’s a yes. And now you can say you’ve made friends with a horse.”

“Yeah.” She continued to stroke Winston’s nose. “This is kind of fun.”

“You can branch out, reach up and scratch behind his ears, rub his neck.”

“Like he’s a big dog?”

“Exactly.”

Winston did his low huh-HUH-huh thing again.

“He’s telling you he likes that.”

“I like it, too. His coat is so warm and smooth.” She moved her hand in circles over his powerful neck.

“It is.” He cleared his throat. “But you need to stop, now.”

“Oh? Am I doing something wrong?” Turning her head, she met his gaze.

“Not wrong, but you’re doing something…to me.” Heat flared in his eyes.

Her hand stilled as her breathing kicked into high gear.

“Come on over here.” He guided her away from the stall and into a secluded corner at the back of the barn. Releasing her hand, he slowly pulled her into his arms, his gaze never leaving hers. “I’m going to kiss you, Emma, and I hope to hell you feel like kissing me back, because I need…”

Her heart performed a quick drum solo and she couldn’t seem to get enough air. “What…what do you need?”

He cradled the back of her head, splaying his fingers on either side of her ponytail. Then he leaned down until his mouth brushed hers. “You.”

Her pulse leaped as he took full possession of her mouth. She kissed him back, all right. And then some.

The response she’d locked down since arriving yesterday burst forth, bubbling through her veins in a wild river of pleasure. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she reveled in the urgent press of his lips, the eager slide of his tongue, the erotic taste of his desire.

With a soft groan, he used both hands to cup her backside and tuck her in tight against his hips. There was no mistaking that move. He wanted more than a kiss.

So did she. The firm ridge of his cock brought everything back—the wild nights that had steamed up the windows of her bedroom and left her breathless and satisfied. The laughter and the pillow fights. Drinking cocoa in bed and experimenting with whipped cream…

He lifted his head and gulped for air. “We can’t…we have to…”

“We have to go back to the house.” She drew in a ragged breath. “How long have we been out here?”

“Damned if I know.” His fingers flexed against the denim of her jeans. “And you’re definitely in great shape.”

She smiled. “We should have checked the time.”

“Didn’t think of it.” He nuzzled the curve of her neck. “Too busy thinking about this.”

Heaven. She tilted her head to give him greater access. “Admit it. You shaved for me.”

“For both you and the baby.” He nibbled her ear. “You taste delicious. Who needs dinner?”

“This isn’t about dinner. We’re Kendra’s guests. We can’t—”

“But I don’t want to let you go.”

“Mm.” She closed her eyes. “But if one of us doesn’t put a stop to this…”

“I will. Any minute, now.” He dropped soft kisses all over her face.

“It’s not like we can have sex.”

“We can’t?” He relaxed his grip and eased away from her. “I mean, I know not right now, but maybe later—”

“Later we’ll have our little munchkin.”

“Oh.” He looked sheepish. “You’re right. I’m not used to thinking in those terms.” He heaved a sigh. “So this is it, then? A quick make-out session and back to being platonic for the rest of your visit?”

“It might be for the best.”

He gazed at her. “Do you really think so?”

“I have no idea.”

“That makes two of us.” He recaptured her hand and squeezed it. “Let’s go see about that munchkin.”