Free Creighton's Hideaway by LoRee Peery

the side.
    When she saw him, her heart leapt in welcome, beating faster as he approached. He looked so good. Strong and capable and yummy.
    But he shied away from getting close to her.
    “Morning,” he said as he cleared the steps to the deck. “Rita called. Said she needs to let you know about some concerns at work.” He looked over Shana’s shoulder instead of into her eyes.
    Had Valerie noticed his distance?
    “Hey, Valerie. How’s it going?”
    “It’s a fine morning, Creighton. You’re handsome as ever.”
    “Thanks. It’s my lumberjack look instead of rancher.” He swiped a hand over the flannel that covered his chest. “Wanted a bit of color so I wouldn’t scare any critters in this fog.” He wore the bright red plaid well. His dark denim jeans looked new, and he appeared bulkier somehow, more breathtaking.
    She blinked her eyes to clear her thoughts. Remember, he’s not interested.
    Yet his gaze now linked with hers.
    Did Creighton recall the elusive near-kiss and wonder as much about it as she did?
    “I’ll let you two go about your day and I’ll be on my way,” Valerie’s voice broke into Shana’s contemplation. “I’m a little bogged down in the middle of my story today, but if you want to stop by later, please come see me.”
    “Thanks, I’ll probably do that,” Shana automatically responded. She lifted her gaze back to Creighton. “I just need to call to see what Rita needs.” She turned to get her phone from inside the cabin.
    Creighton hadn’t moved. He stood with his thumbs tucked in his back jeans pockets, gaze roaming over the land.
    A moment later she huffed a shaky laugh. “I keep forgetting cells don’t work along the creek. Is it all right to call Rita from the house now?”
    Looking off into the distance, Creighton answered, “No problem. Let’s do it.”
    “Is she feeling all right, did she say?”
    “Yep. Just a little tired.”
    They didn’t speak for the first fifty yards. The edge of the windbreak came into view, and Creighton halted her steps by touching her elbow. She sent him a questioning glance while he slid his hand down her arm, all the while intent on a point ahead and to the left. He reached for her hand and without raising her arm, pointed her index finger at a doe and fawn.
    Shana caught her breath.
    The graceful duo was picture perfect.
    Her shoulders relaxed over the peaceful sight. Creighton’s hand brushed back up her arm. She had never imagined a movement so slow. His touch awakened sensitive nerves. Shana felt the light weight of both his hands on her shoulders. The fire of his touch thrummed through the layers of her T-shirt, denim shirt, and his own sweatshirt under his hands.
    She recognized the surreal moment as one painting its imprint on her mind. The very land and air pulsed with life through the enveloping mist. Her heightened senses whenever she was around Creighton fluttered through her veins.
    A pesky mosquito and Shana’s resulting slap on her wrist intruded on the moment.
    The doe lifted her nose and bounded away, the fawn leaping after.
    Shana watched the white tails flash out of sight.
    He removed his hands, and she experienced loss.
    “Here.” Creighton lifted the hood up over her head and gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder. “We’d best get going or we’ll be eaten alive.”
    They matched fast steps for the rest of the walk and were both a bit out of breath when they reached his house.
    “You go ahead. I haven’t fed the cats down at the barn yet.”
    Shana halted. “You have cats?”
    “Only a couple. I keep them around to help with rodents.” Creighton nodded towards the barn. “They’re more on the wild side for that purpose so I only feed them a couple times a week when the weather is nice.”
    “Guess I’ll see you later, then. Thanks for the message. And the use of your phone.” Shana kept Creighton in view until the fog swallowed him up, eerily alone after their interlude in the trees.
    Phone in