He shook his head. “I have to head home later. I’m off tomorrow and Wednesday.”
“Oh, right. Ellie’s delivery arrives then.”
“Yeah. Where is she?”
“Taking a nap. She should wake soon.”
“Mind if I wait for her?”
“Of course not. Please, have a seat.” She turned to lead him toward the couch, but he reached out, gently grasped her arm, and pivoted her to face him. His eyes held hers, warm and steady. Without warning, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Ava’s breath caught as she melted into the kiss, her arms winding around his waist. His hands settled on her back, pulling her close, and for a moment the world narrowed to the press of lips and the beat of her heart. Then he pulled back, brushing his lips against hers one last time.
“Now, I’ll sit,” he said with a grin.
Ava laughed softly. “Would you like something to drink?”
“A glass of ice water would be perfect.”
“Be right back.”
She hurried to the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned with a sweating glass, beads of condensation sliding down the side. Deacon stood by the couch, watching her.
“I thought you were going to sit?”
“I will, after you,” he teased.
“You cowboys and your manners.” She sank into the cushion, smoothing her shirt, and he settled beside her. He lifted the glass, took a long drink, and sighed.
“That hits the spot. It’s scorching today.”
“It is.” Ava sighed. “I think it’s August’s last big hoorah.” She sighed. “I told Tyler.”
“How’d he take it?”
“He was upset at first. I lied to him… to everyone, about you. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. We’ve moved past that. He’s not going to deck me, is he?” Deacon’s grin was easy.
“No. He thought about it, then I came clean.” She paused, fingertips tracing the pattern of the sofa. “Did you tell your family?”
“Yes. They were surprised, but they want to meet you and Ellie. Hud teased me. I told them you’d be in Clifton in a couple of weeks. My dad’s looking forward to meeting you both, especially Ellie.”
Ava smiled. “Do you all live nearby?”
“We each have twenty-five acres on a hundred-acre spread. Plenty of room.”
“Does your dad still work?”
“He retired a few years ago after he spent decades with FWP, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Hud worked there too, but switched to MDOL after being involved in a big case. Case and I followed his lead.”
“Do you work closely with FWP?”
“Sometimes. MDOL handles livestock theft and predatory-animal issues, rustling, mostly. FWP only steps in if wildlife’s involved.”
“I see. So, your dad is eager to meet Ellie… and me.”
Deacon’s smile warmed her. “Yes.”
“Did you talk to my dad yet?”
