Free Creighton's Hideaway by LoRee Peery Page B

who loved the land refer to it as “God’s country.” Was this God’s country?
    Creighton and Valerie would say so.
    Shana walked for an hour, her thoughts circling often to Creighton. Did he long for a female companion? Were his books and poems enough to warm him during bitter Nebraska winters? His touch had been that of a friend when they stood and watched the deer. Her heart whispered, He’s more than a friend. How had he thought of her in those moments?
    Near her cabin, she capped the bottle and searched for a narrow spot to cross the creek.
    Creighton hailed her, “Did you enjoy your walk?”
    Why hadn’t she jumped when she heard his voice? Because he belonged to this land? Or because he belonged in her thoughts?
    “You ran down that hill so fast I thought you might go into a somersault.” He looked wonderful.
    She had the urge to jump into his arms, but giggled instead. “It felt really good. I think this place is growing on me.”
    “I headed your way because I wanted to make sure everything was OK after you talked to Rita.” He sobered, and looked deep into her eyes. “Do you need a ride back to Lincoln?”
    Those skittering feelings raced through Shana again, until she had to look away from his penetrating hazel eyes. “Thanks for the offer, Creighton. Rita’s concerned about some things that are happening at work, but she said they can handle it without me for now.”
    Shana brought her gaze back to his. “She sends her love.”
    The word hovered in the air before he responded with a simple, “Thanks.”
    “I’m starving. Have you had lunch?”
    He burst out laughing. “You’re healing, woman. If you’re hungry, not all is wrong with your world.”
    He reached out and his fingers encircled the back of her neck in a gentle, playful manner. Their eyes locked. She remembered the night before and again thought of his kiss. Correction. The kiss that almost was.
    She zeroed in on his mouth. The expanse around her ceased to exist. Her world was filled with Creighton.
     
    ****
     
    Who am I kidding? Here I thought I could treat her like a kid sister, or my kid sister’s friend. Not going to happen.
    Creighton’s contemplation of Shana continued while he fought to make his hands behave. When she was near, his hands had a mind of their own. At the touch of his fingers to her softness, it took all of his self-control not to pull her close.
    “We’re going to have to talk about this, Creighton.” Her voice came from a long way off.
    “Huh?”
    She reached out and wrapped her fingers around his wrist. Shana was warm from her sprint down the hill. Could she feel his rapid pulse?
    “This.” Her breath came out as a whisper. “Creighton. Is it possible to be only friends?”
    Had she read his mind? He drew back his hand, and his fingers brushed hers as they passed. A movement near the buildings caught his attention.
    His friend’s pickup.
    Relief flashed through him at the reprieve. “I just remembered something I need to talk to Rog about.” He shot her a brief glance. “We probably should talk. Later.”
    He all but ran in his haste to get away from her.
    “Hey, bud, what’s your hurry?” Roger Wells asked as Creighton approached.
    “Figured you might need some help. Haven’t talked to you for a few days.”
    Roger nodded at Shana rooted in the same spot Creighton had left her. He slid Creighton a lopsided grin. “I imagine you’ve been a little preoccupied. She’s quite a looker, in a lost-little-girl sort of way.”
    A zing of irritation zipped through Creighton at the prospect that a younger Roger could make him jealous. Whoa.
    “Bet she’s a lot more woman than she looks—”
    Creighton cut off his friend. “She’s got a truck load of business—getting a degree and keeping her job.” He looked back. Shana was now out of sight. “She doesn’t need a man butting into her life on top of it.”
    “I’m just a recycled teenager myself, you know.” Roger let loose with his