Austin (New Horizon Ranch Book 8) by Debra Clopton Page B

again.
    “Yes, I do.” They looked at each other and she couldn’t help smiling. This night had taken such an unexpected turn and she was just thrilled. And more than a little intrigued.
     
     
    Austin held the refrigerator open and looked back at Jolene. He still couldn’t believe they were in his house and about to go fishing. But he was feeling overwhelmed. It had been like a shell coming off her the moment he’d mentioned fishing. And he couldn’t believe she was so excited. But he liked it. “What would you like? I’ve got tea, Coke, water, orange juice.”
    “Water is fine.”
    He pulled a couple of bottles out and handed her one. Their fingers met and he took his time letting go. “I’m glad you’re here.”
    Her gaze held his. “I’m glad I’m here too. Now, let’s go drop a line.”
    He laughed. “Sounds like a plan to me, darlin’.” He paused, seeing the flicker of hesitation in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Jolene. I called you darlin’ because right now that’s how I feel. Don’t let that worry come into your pretty eyes, okay?” He was amazed that this tough woman could look so vulnerable at times. It dug at him and he needed to know why.
    “I’m fine. I like what you’ve done with the place,” she said, teasing.
    He’d done absolutely nothing with the place. His counters were clear. His walls were vacant and the wood floors were bare of any rugs. “Gee, thanks. I’m glad you like it. As you can tell, there’s been no time. And then when I do have a free moment, the lake or the horses are calling.” The air in the room seemed to evaporate. He wanted to hold her. Instead, he moved to the door. “Let’s go to the lake.”
    He paused at the mudroom and grabbed a couple of fishing poles and his tackle box. “Got to have these.” He led the way outside. His heart thundered in his chest like the hooves of a thousand horses stampeding.
     
     
    Jolene followed Austin out onto the small pier that stretched about twenty feet across the water. There was a small metal rowboat tied to the pier. Austin set the fishing poles in it and the tackle box and the water bottle he’d tucked under his arm. Then he held out his hand to her. Jolene’s fingers still tingled from touching him when he’d handed her the water and it caused her heart rate to kick up even before she slipped her hand into his. Oh boy . His touch was warm and electric as he took her hand. She carefully stepped into the boat and sat down. Then he followed as soon as she was sitting.
    The heat of the day had eased some but it was still in the mid-eighties as Austin untied the boat and pushed off from the pier. The water lapped at the small boat as it floated out into the open water of the lake and Jolene felt the calm of the atmosphere surround her. She swallowed a sudden and unexpected lump in her throat and found the ache of tears behind her eyes. What was wrong with her? It was just so perfect.
    “Look, we have company,” Austin said quietly as he leaned forward to pick up the oars, pausing first to point toward a deer and her spotted fawn near the water at the far side of the lake.
    Jolene had thought it was perfect seconds before; now she knew it was. “Beautiful,” she whispered.
    Austin looked at her and nodded. “There’s a lot of beauty here this evening. And my fishing partner is top of the list.”
    She smiled and a jolt of joy hit her. “Thanks. I can say the same thing.”
    He rowed in long, powerful movements and within seconds they were in the center of the lake. He pulled the oars in and for a moment made no move. They just sat in the calm boat and the sounds of nature surrounded them.
    “Are you ready to fish?”
    “I’m ready. It’s been awhile. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am.”
    He opened the tackle box and she saw the array of lures. “See anything you like?”
    You . She met his gaze and then immediately focused on the lures. “This one.” She snagged up one and then reached for her rod