As if recognizing the same, Tyler blew out a breath and then changed the subject, turning their conversation to more lighthearted topics again. When they arrived at an exclusive mountaintop restaurant, Tyler handed her a bag that Emberly had packed with a change of clothing for the evening—an elegant silver gown and blingy shoes and jewelry.
Tyler changed too, and took her to the best table in the establishment, with a rooftop view of the sunset while they ate. The food was almost as good as Cliffside Dining Room, but they both agreed the Healing Springs chef was superior. They stayed to listen to the live music afterward, but when she started yawning, he cut short their night amidst her protests, and they started back toward the ranch.
She dozed for part of the way, the full day of sunshine, fresh air, and activity having worn her out. As they entered through the gate and it clanked shut and locked behind them, she yawned and stretched.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better day off. Thank you.”
He was relaxed in his seat, one hand on the wheel. “I’m glad I got to be the one to show you more of the state.”
“I’m glad you were the one too.” And she meant it. Just because she didn’t want to be in a serious relationship with him didn’t mean she couldn’t admit just how much she’d enjoyed his company today.
He drove the Jeep slowly. Was he reluctant for their day to come to an end?
It was late, and from what she could tell, most of the guests were back in their cabins. She’d already been in touch with T.W. and Leah, and both had assured her there was no hurry for her to return. Leah was staying with T.W., and all was well.
The problem-free day was just one more indication that T.W. was improving and wouldn’t need her much longer. In fact, Kinsey suspected she could take another job sooner than she’d expected.
For tonight, however, she didn’t want to think about leaving. She wanted to enjoy the end of a really fun day without ruining the mood.
She stretched, then winced. “I thought I’d be in better shape than I am, but I’m feeling that hike.”
Tyler tapped his thumbs against the steering wheel for a moment, then veered the Jeep toward the lodge. “I know just what you need.”
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“More ice cream?”
“Something even better.”
“I doubt anything could be better than ice cream.”
“Trust me. There is.”
He drove the Jeep around to a parking lot near the lodge. He was at her door before she could open it all the way, helping herdown. She’d discarded the heels Emberly had packed for her and now her feet were bare.
“What are we doing here?” She peered at the elegant lodge, some of the windows still lit, but most were dark since the hour was late.
“You’ll see.” His feet crunched against the gravel as he started in the opposite direction of the lodge.
She took several steps, the rocks biting into her soles. “Hold up. Let me grab my shoes.”
He halted. In the darkness that was lit by a full moon overhead, he looked more darkly handsome than ever, his suit now unbuttoned and his tie hanging loosely. “What happened to your shoes?”
“I took them off during the ride.” She pivoted and began to make her way gingerly back to the Jeep.
Before she could protest, he was hoisting her off her feet and into his arms.
She released a small yelp. “What are you doing?”
“What does it look like?” He started forward with his long stride, easily carrying her.
“I can walk, you know.” But she honestly didn’t mind. She’d been half asleep last night when he’d carried her to her bedroom, and she’d liked both the gentleness and strength he’d displayed when he’d deposited her on the bed.
He was already moving out of the parking lot to a wide mulch-covered trail. The waft of his cologne was faint but still tantalizing, and the warmth of his body seemed to welcome her to lose herself in his arms.
Maybe it was a bad idea to head out for another adventure with him tonight. After spending the day with him, she needed to put some distance between them and keep him firmly in the friend zone.
