Caleb by Cindy Stark Page A

own.
    “Thank you for that. I haven’t had this much fun in forever.”
    He pushed off the tree and approached her. “It’s amazing what fresh air and sunshine can do for the soul. You look more relaxed already.” He gave her a look that left every cell in her body tingling..
    “I won’t tell you that you were right, but you were right. I need to keep things in perspective through this crazy time. Otherwise, I’ll be insane before it’s over.” She narrowed her gaze, giving him a cryptic smile. “How did you get to be so smart?”
    He shrugged. “I’ve been where you are.”
    “And where is that?”
    His gaze darkened. “About to have the rug pulled out from under me. About to lose everything that matters.”
    She sobered, concern replacing the lighthearted joy that was present moments ago. “Will you tell me what happened?”
    He released a heavy sigh. “Very similar circumstances. My dad died leaving his spread to me and my brothers. I thought the three of us would run the place together. I know my brothers weren’t as interested as I was, but I was happy to shoulder the bulk of the management while they pursued other interests. It would have brought them a nice income with little work on their part.”
    “But they didn’t want to,” she said. His sadness and loss nearly broke her heart.
    “No, they didn’t. They wanted their money upfront and not spread over time. I didn’t have enough to buy out both of them, so we sold it. That was two years ago. My wife left me shortly after that.”
    “What did you do?”
    “What could I do? Worked odd jobs here and there. I have enough to live comfortably on for a while until I find what’s right for me, not to mention I’m enjoying consulting others. Gives me a chance to see the country and meet new people. Like you.” His smile returned. “I shouldn’t be dumping on you. Shouldn’t make you worry more. The outcome of my situation has absolutely nothing to do with yours.”
    He could put on a smile if he wanted, but she could see the heartbreak resting beneath. He’d been cast from his home and was now wandering the country looking for another.
    She couldn’t say what propelled her, but she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around him. His coat was rough against her cheek, but it smelled enticingly like him.
    Seconds passed before he returned her embrace. “What’s that for?” She’d swear his voice carried a hint of emotion.
    “I’m loving you better.” She gave him one last squeeze before she stepped away. “You might not know, but yours helped me earlier. I thought one might help you, too.”
    He placed a hand over his heart. “Thank you. I appreciate it. Let’s make damn sure you don’t lose what’s most important to you, too, okay?”
    “Okay.” She exhaled a deep breath, knowing she needed to move, or she’d end up kissing him again. “We should get on our way. We have a few more miles to ride, and my houseguest will want dinner before it gets too late.”
    “Yeah, he’s getting hungry.” As they headed toward their horses, he slanted a sideways glance at her that sent a sensual shiver rolling through her. “Are you territorial about your kitchen, or would you mind a little help?”
    She snorted. “Oh no. My kitchen is fair game. The less I have to cook, the better.”
    “Great.” He held onto her horse’s reins while she saddled up and then handed them to her. “I like to keep busy. Like I said before, it’s good to be needed.”
    “Be careful,” she warned with a glint in her eye. “I’ll have you so busy you won’t know which day is which.”
    He grinned as he mounted his horse. “Bring it on.”

Chapter Twelve
     
    Dinner was a simple, but delicious meal of open-faced turkey sandwiches and a salad, which Caleb, true to his word, had made for them. Their dinner had been quaint, and Caleb had kept her entertained with wild stories from his youth. She tried to pretend there wasn’t a