He’s taller than I am but not by a lot, and he looks so relaxed I suddenly realize just how stressed out I am.
“Need some help with anything?” His question is innocent, but the words come out heated, and our gazes clash.
“No, thanks.”
I break away from him, from those sapphire blue eyes that look even more alive and sparkly than I remembered.
And I’ve remembered him a lot over the years. As much as I’ve tried to forget that night, I could never forget the Keep Montana Wild boy who gave me my first real kiss.
And now he’s a man, all sexy and mature and standing right in front of me.
Emotions—and needs—that I’d stuffed away into the recesses of my heart come flooding back.
The way I wanted him that night when my lips clung to his.
The way he held me.
The way I ran away.
I swallow and reach to put the spoon back into the proper bin. I suddenly don’t feel hungry, at least not for granola.
He extends his hand. “I’m Brayden.”
I take his hand and feel how strong it is in mine. I shake it quickly and then let it go. “Leleila.”
“Nice to finally put a name to the face.”
I clench and then unclench my hands together. “You remember.”
“Of course I remember. I never forgot you.”
“It’s just…it’s been a long time.”
“Sure has.” His eyes are warm on mine. “You’re all grown up now.”
“So are you,” I say without thinking.
He chuckles. “I think I saw you earlier today. At Big River Ranch? I didn’t make the connection then, but something about you was familiar.”
I startle. “Oh! Yes, I was collecting a sample of cow dung.”
His eyes flash with amusement. “Cow dung?”
I nod. “Phil and Betsy requested it. My parents run a foundation called Save the Soil. We focus on teaching people about ways to protect the soil from contamination, such as the dangers of pesticides. Mountainview is working to increase its organic fertilizer options, but it still has a ways to go. Sometimes the ranches get hit with pesticides from surrounding properties, and it shows up in the cows’ waste. Sometimes the ranchers are grateful, and sometimes they hate us.” I laugh nervously. “I didn’t know you lived at Big River Ranch. That’s the first time I’ve collected from you, I swear.”
“I think that’s cool what you’re doing.” He tilts his head. “So you work in the environmental field then?”
I blow out a breath. “No, my parents do, but I’m actually a psych major. I’m supposed to have my PhD but…I didn’t pass. Not yet. So I don’t currently have a job. Not a paying one, anyway. I help my parents with their foundation as much as I can.” I fumble with the bag I’m still holding. “I didn’t see you. At the ranch.”
“I know. You were too busy looking at the shit.” He grins. “No matter. I got a second chance to meet you. Or I guess I should say a third chance.”
Our eyes clash, and silence fills the space between us.
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.
Brayden breaks the eye contact and gestures at the empty plastic bag in my hand. “You going to try again for the granola?”
I shake my head and back away from him. “No. I have to go, actually. I have…” To go home to Phillip. “I have a prior engagement.”
