Free The Soldier's Holiday Vow by Jillian Hart Page A

other people she discussed with the redhead, her gentle voice that had the nearby horses turning their heads to listen to her. Could he blame them? Not one bit.
    Face it, you like her, man. And not just a little, either. If only he knew how to bury his affection for her or to somehow erase his feelings. He had no right to them. None at all.
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    Peace. It seeped into her in an innocent warm rush that went straight to her heart. September took one last look at the stables—a comforting place where she truly belonged—before Hawk turned the truck around and headed down the drive. “At least the rain has stopped.”
    â€œI hadn’t noticed.”
    â€œI was afraid of that.” She rolled her eyes at the amusement in his voice. Of course she hadn’t meant to stay so long. “You have gone numb with boredom, haven’t you? Chessie is always quick to tell me how monotonous it is to wait when I’m in my horse zone.”
    â€œTrust me, I wasn’t bored.” A sheepish curve of his mouth did intriguing things to his dimples.
    Not that she was noticing. “How could you not be? I shouldn’t have yakked on like that. Once I get going, I can’t seem to stop. It’s like time isn’t passing. I’m sorry. How can I make it up to you?”
    â€œI’ll think of something. After all, I did suffer.”
    â€œSo now you change your story? When there’s something to be gained?”
    â€œCall it curiosity.” He hit the turn signal and checked for traffic. “You can’t fault me for being inquisitive.”
    â€œHow does a homemade dinner sound?”
    â€œI wouldn’t turn that down. I’m not the typical bachelor. I can cook for myself. The trouble is that Idon’t like to cook for one. Something tells me you are a good cook.”
    â€œI’m fair to middling.” She leaned back against the seat, already looking forward to it. “I should be up to it tomorrow. I suppose a handsome bachelor like you has plans for a Saturday night.”
    â€œAre you kidding? I’m as free as a bird.”
    â€œYou say that with a grin. You don’t have any solid plans at all?”
    â€œI’m usually pretty scheduled. Since I’m on leave, I want to hang loose. Take it as it comes. See where the road takes me.” He accelerated across the lanes of traffic and merged into the flow of the other cars. “I’m a free spirit.”
    â€œI’ve noticed.” She tried to recall what she knew about Hawk. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind, she remembered Tim saying he always went for action sports. “You like skiing, right? Plan on doing any while you’re a free spirit?”
    â€œI’ve got a few trips planned. A buddy of mine and I are heading to Canada to do a climb.”
    â€œYou mean as in scaling a mountain?”
    â€œNo, the glacier. Ice climbing.”
    â€œIf I were you, I would head south. Find sunshine and a warm beach.”
    â€œTempting, but I’ve decided to stick around here. Who says life isn’t adventurous around you? I’m curious to see what happens next.”
    â€œMe, too.” She laughed, deep and true, and it felt good. “I’m not sure I can compete with extreme skiingor inching up a glacier with an ice pick, but I make a great pot of spaghetti and meatballs.”
    â€œAre you kidding? I got a good view of you back at the stables.”
    â€œA good view of me?” She hardly noticed the yards and trees flashing by, or the fact that she was almost home. He intrigued her. His presence filled the truck’s cab, overwhelming her. A smart girl would keep him at a distance.
    â€œIt’s who you are, with your horse and your friends. It’s a dream you had as a little girl, spending your time with your horse, learning all you could about riding. Your friends are there. Your life is there. You want your future there, exactly the same way