Need You Now. Debbi Rawlins

to focus. He brushed another kiss across her lips and released her.

      “That wasn’t planned,” he murmured, “but I won’t apologize.”

      “I’d be annoyed if you did.”

      Lucas smiled. “If I’d had a teacher like you, high school might not have been so painful.”

      Melanie stiffened, then turned to hide her reaction. She was a teacher and to some degree a role model. But she had a right to a private life. It wasn’t as if she made a habit of kissing good-looking strangers, and certainly not in front of her students. No, it was the “stranger” part that had her shaken. And on her home turf. Clearly she was overworked.

      “So you didn’t like school, huh?” she said, unnecessarily cinching Candy’s saddle strap. He’d tasted faintly of peanut butter, and the lingering flavor on her own lips calmed her, fooled her into thinking he was more familiar.

      “I hated sitting indoors all day. What you’re doing for these kids by bringing them out here shouldn’t be underestimated. I bet they learn more by being involved with the sanctuary.”

      Delighted by his observation, she turned back to him. “A few parents objected at first. I think they equated coming out here to field trips instead of an actual learning experience. But now, as long as this doesn’t interfere with football practice, everyone’s okay with it.” The corners of his mouth quirked up. “What?”

      “Don’t like football, huh?”

      She shrugged. “It’s okay, I guess. I don’t really have an opinion about it.”

      “You rolled your eyes.”

      “Did I? Just now?”

      Watching her, Lucas nodded. “I bet you fought like a tiger for the program.”

      How could she not be aware of rolling her eyes? She didn’t like that, not one bit. She prided herself on remaining centered, keeping her expressions impassive, especially when dealing with the students and their parents. And especially with her father’s congregation. Even when she disagreed with his dogma.

      “Melanie?”

      She blinked at him. “I doubt I was that fierce. But yes, I felt strongly about bringing the classroom outside. Some of the kids will be moving to cities, but a lot of them will end up taking over the family ranch. They need to know they have other options and not just do what their parents and grandparents have done.”

      A slight frown drew his brows together, as if she confused him. Though she couldn’t imagine why. She was straightforward and predictable, much more likely to inspire a yawn than confusion.

      “A tiger?” she said and turned to Candy when the mare moved restlessly. “That was a strange analogy.”

      “Why?” He watched her mount, then swung into his own saddle. “You strike me as someone who would go all out for something they believed in.”

      “Really?”

      “Why are you surprised?”

      She led him past the thicket of aspens, wondering how on earth he’d gotten that impression. Obviously he was seeing something that just wasn’t there. She rarely made waves, whether at school or at church. Occasionally she might tweak the status quo, but no one would accuse her of hoisting the rebel flag.

      Heck, she hated that her neighbor hung wet rugs on the shared picket fence that was now beginning to sag from the weight. But Melanie hadn’t said a word to Mrs. Sutter.

      Anxious to let the subject drop, she dug her phone out of her pocket, then glanced back at him. “I’ll call the Sundance if you’re still interested in staying overnight.”

      “If it’s not a problem.”

      “Calling the Sundance?”

      “Me staying.” Lucas tried to hold her gaze as he rode up alongside her, but she looked away.

      “No, of course not. Why would it be—?” She knew better than to ask a question that could produce an answer she might not like. She hit speed dial and prayed for the call to go through. Up here the reception could be dicey.

      The connection dropped after the third ring. She kept the phone to her ear while she gathered her composure. The weird thing about him having misread her was that Lucas was observant. The kind of quiet, intense observant that made her nervous. Made her feel self-conscious, as if she needed to explain herself.

      She knew he didn’t mean to upset her. After living under a magnifying glass half her life, she could tell the difference. And she also knew he was watching her right now.

      “Oops.” She lowered the cell phone. “Lost the call. I’ll have to try again in a few minutes.”

      He gazed up at the sky. “If they don’t have room, I keep a sleeping bag in my truck. Looks like a nice night to sleep under the stars.”

      “You’d do that?”

      “Sure.” He glanced at her. “I love sleeping outdoors. Only problem is I gotta have my morning shower.”

      A stunningly vivid picture of him wet and naked flashed in her mind. She let out a gasp that startled them both. What was wrong with her?

      “Not a fan of outdoor living, I take it,” he said, amusement lacing his tone.

      “Um, no, I’ve enjoyed camping, but yeah, the, um, shower thing...” She cleared her throat and hit speed dial again. “That’s a deal breaker for me.”

      She’d never been so glad to hear Rachel’s voice. “Hey, it’s Melanie. I know it’s last-minute, but have you got an extra room?”

      “Actually, we do,” Rachel said. “But only for one night. We have a ton of arrivals tomorrow. Who’s it for?”

      Melanie gave Lucas an affirming nod, and then it dawned on her. “Oh, wait, do you accept male guests?”

      He was looking at her, his eyes narrowed and curious.

      Rachel laughed. “Yeah, sure, but you’ll have to warn him. You know how some of these women are.” She lowered her voice. “Subtle as a mare in heat.”

      Letting out a chuckle, Melanie briefly met his eyes. “He looks pretty tough. I think he can handle them.”

      “Hey, you giggled. Who is this guy?”

      Melanie groaned. “Goodbye, Rachel, and thank you.”

      “Wait—”

      Melanie disconnected the call but didn’t bother pocketing the phone. Rachel was probably already texting her little heart out. “There’s room for you at the Sundance but only for one night,” she told Lucas without looking at him, because her pink cheeks would only invite more curiosity. “If you’re still interested in sticking around, we can see if the cabin’s available tomorrow.”

      “I’m interested.” He nudged Sergei to keep up with her and Candy Cane. “I think.”

      “You can decide tomorrow,” Melanie said, pleased at her cool even tone. Despite the dreaded thought he could change his mind and leave first thing in the morning.

      “Is there something you should tell me?”

      She turned to him. “Like what?”

      A small cautious smile curved his mouth. “You asked if your friend takes male guests.”

      “Oh.” Her phone buzzed. No surprise, it was a text from Rachel. “Excuse me—I think this is about your reservation,” she murmured, assuring herself she hadn’t lied.

      WTF? CALL ME THE SEC HE LEAVES.

      Melanie hurriedly stuffed the phone in her pocket. “You’re all set.”

      “Are you purposely trying to make me nervous?”

      “No,