small town like this is about as slim as the single male.”
“How old are you anyhow?” She fingered the collar of his black button-down shirt. “I mean, your brother is in his fifties, but you’re not near as old. What happened there?”
“I was a mistake.”
Her eyebrows shot up comically. “A wha–”
Laughing, he gave her a little hug and resumed moving to the music with her. “My brother was born within the first year of our parents’ marriage. They had a horrible time trying to conceive another child. They thought he was going to be the only one. Then… over twenty years later… I show up.”
She remained silent, and he could see her doing the math in her head.
“I’m twenty-nine.”
“Wow, you’re younger than I expected!”
He forced his face to remain serious. “Darlin’ you saying I look old? I can take that day off away from you, have you with a shovel come tomorrow morning.”
She swatted at his shoulder and gave him an unexpected kiss on the cheek. “No, I mean you look good, just different than I expected before I met you.”
“Ahhh. Old guy, beer gut, big ol’ Stetson hat?”
She nodded.
“I do have a hat you know. I even wear it frequently.” He winked at her and she grinned in response; the smile lit up her face beautifully. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever seen such a beautiful woman in his life as the woman before him at that moment. Her glossed lips parted and God help him he wanted to kiss her. The world around them faded, leaving only a soft melody in the background – and her. One kiss wouldn’t hurt. Just one.
“Hey, do you guys mind if I cut in for a song or two?” The moment shattered with the sound of Gina’s voice. “Oh shoot. I’m sorry you two. Am I interrupting?”
What in the hell was I just about to do? He pulled away from Samantha and focused his attention to Gina. “No. You’re not. We were just…” He looked over at Samantha and she appeared as visually flustered as he felt.
“I’m going to go get another beer,” Samantha murmured, avoiding his eyes, slipping from his arms, turning and fleeing the barn.
Connor sighed and focused his attention back to Gina and smiled at her, hoping she wouldn’t notice how flustered he felt. “How could I possibly turn you down?”
Chapter 6
Samantha kept replaying the moment with Connor over and over in her mind wondering what would happen if they hadn’t been interrupted. She went to sleep thinking about it and awoke the next morning thinking about it. The drive home later that night had been made in silence, with a quick “good night” as they retired to their respective rooms. It made her unsure and she hated the feeling. Had she imagined the moment?
After taking a quick shower, she slipped into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Today her t-shirt featured the faces of the stars of The Big Bang Theory: Dr Cooper, Dr Hofstadter, Dr Koothrappali and Mr Wolowitz. She pulled her hair into a ponytail high on her head and made her way downstairs. She had to admit, it felt nice not having to worry about her wardrobe and make-up and looking perfect. It was a really freeing feeling just to let loose and be herself. If she were to be honest with herself she really wasn’t sure who she was without the life she led in New York, but was anxious to find out.
After doing a thorough search of the house she wandered outside in search of Connor. Today was a new day. She was anxious to see if the previous night was just a fleeting moment or if maybe there might be something there.
She found Connor by the stables with William, securing a saddle on one of the male horses.
“Hey guys.” The two men quit talking to focus their attention on her as she approached.
“Afternoon Samantha,” William said, turned to Connor, nodded and left them alone, heading toward the milking parlour.
“Didn’t think you were ever going to wake up. How are you feeling?” Connor snugged up the saddle of the horse