Sam said nothing, but she thought that his features softened.
Next they went to visit the pigsty, an open-field enclosure with mounds of fresh straw, half-round metal shelters where the small group of pink-and-white pigs could get out of the sun, and a shallow pond where they could bathe and cool themselves.
“We only raise enough animals for our own use, but the visitors enjoy them,” Sam said. “We’ve also got five miniature goats. They’re a real favoritewith the kids.”
Her interest sharpened. “Where are they? I’d love to see them.”
Sam pulled out his cell and checked the screen. “Unfortunately, we’re out of time. Our next guests should be arriving any minute.” He tucked the phone into the back pocket of his jeans, and Libby’s gaze lingered on his tight behind.
“Why do you get to use your cell and the rest of us don’t?” she grumbled, annoyed with herself for noticing.
“Now that we have guests, I won’t use it unless there’s an emergency. As I said, people come here to escape the digital world we livein these days.”
Sam started walking, and Libby lengthened her stride to keep up with him. “I’m surprised you have any cell service out here at all.”
“It’s spotty, that’s for sure. There’s not much once you head up in the hills, but close to the house it’s fairly reliable.”
At least she could use herphone upstairs.
She looked up to see one of the ranch vehicles, a black Ford Expedition, pulling up in front of the cabins. The next guests to arrive had flown from Los Angeles into the Eagle airport, and Big John Coolwater had gone to pick them up.
According to Sam, they were on their honeymoon.
“You must be Brad and Kim Hillman,” he said, shaking Brad’s hand as Big John unloaded their luggage from the back of the SUV. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Sam Bridger, and thisis Libby Hale.”
“Good to meet you,” Brad said. He was a lawyer, and he looked like one—attractive, with short, perfectly styled dark hairand blue eyes.
“Libby will be taking care of your cabin. If you need anything, justlet her know.”
Brad slid an arm around his pretty blond bride. “I’ve got everything I could possibly need right here.”
Kim blushed.
“Congratulations to you both,” Sam said. “You’ll be staying in the Dove’s Nest. That’s our honeymoon cabin. I think you’ll like it.”
It turned out to be a one-bedroom with a natural rock fireplace in the living room, a king-size four-poster bed, and a kitchenette. All of the cabins, Libby discovered, were cozy and welcoming and reflected the mountain setting of the ranch.
When Big John set the couple’s bags on the pine floor at the foot of the bed, Brad leaned down and brushed a soft kiss over Kim’s lips. Warm color crept into her cheeks.
“This looks great,” Brad said, his gaze sweeping the room furnished with a pine dresser and nightstands. “The bed looks real comfortable.”
Kim’sflush deepened.
“We’ll leave you two to settle in,” Sam said. “Part of the honeymoon package is your choice of supper with us in the main house or having your dinner brought over so you can eat here. You just need to let us knowahead of time.”
Brad flicked Kim a heated glance. “We’re both pretty slammed after the flight. I think we’ll have supper here.”
It wasn’t hard to read Brad’s plans for the evening, or the anticipation in Kim’s pretty face. Libby’s glance strayed from Sam to the big four-poster bed, and a little thread of heat curled low in her belly.
Sam’s eyes met hers and seemed to turn a shade darker, but he made no comment as they left the cabin and headed back to the house.
“I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of the Hillmans,” he said. “At least not for the first few days.”
Libby glanced back over her shoulder and saw that the curtains had already been drawn. Unexpected longing welled inside her. “They really seem happy,” she said.
“They’re newlyweds and they’re in love. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.”
Libby pressed her lips together. “I suppose.”
