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of the cabin. One look at his tall, dark image was enough to push her heartbeat to a fast, erratic thump.
    Unconsciously, her hand rested against the uncomfortable flutter in her chest. “Oh, hello, Noah! I didn’t see you when I knocked,” she said.
    â€œI was at the back of the house,” he explained. “I heard you ride up.”
    Heard her? Casper hadn’t neighed or even kicked over a small stone. He must have superhuman hearing, she decided.
    â€œI was out riding and thought I’d stop by to say hello.” The explanation for showing up on his doorstep sounded lame, but it was the best she could do. She could hardly tell him she’d purposely invited herself.
    His sober expression said he didn’t believe a word she’d just said. Yet she found herself smiling at him anyway. Mostly because something about him made her feel good inside.
    He said, “At least you’re not riding down in the canyon.”
    She smiled again. “No. But that doesn’t mean I’ve marked that riding trail off my list. It’s too beautiful to resist.”
    He looked different today, Bella realized, as her gaze took in his faded jeans and gray T-shirt. The few times she’d been in Noah’s presence, he’d always been dressed for work with long-sleeved shirts, spurs strapped to his high-heeled boots, and a gray felt on his head. She’d never seen his bare arms before and the sight had her practically gawking. She’d not expected them to be so thick and muscled, or his skin to be nut-brown.
    â€œSo you’re riding the gelding today,” he remarked. “Is the mare okay? Any problem with her foot?”
    â€œNo problem. I just thought it was Casper’s turn to get out for a while.”
    He didn’t say anything to that and Bella figured he was waiting for her to say she needed to mount up and finish her ride. Well, that was too bad. She wasn’t going to let him off that easily.
    â€œUh, am I interrupting anything?” she asked politely.
    He hesitated, then said, “I was just putting some meat on the grill. On Sunday I usually make myself an early supper.”
    â€œMmm. I don’t suppose you’d have enough for two, would you?”
    His brows shot up, but Bella was determined not to feel embarrassed by her forward behavior. It wasn’t as if she was asking him to kiss her.
    â€œIt’s only hamburgers,” he said.
    â€œI love burgers. Especially when they’re grilled. Are you a good cook?”
    â€œI can’t answer that. I’m the only one who ever eats my cooking.”
    She chuckled. “Then you really need for me to give it a try. I’ll give you an honest review.”
    His attention lifted away from her to settle on Casper. Bella was glad to see the horse already understood he’d reached his destination. His head was bowed in a sleepy doze, his hind foot cocked in a relaxed stance.
    Noah said, “Bella, I think—”
    Bella quickly interrupted, “If you don’t have enough food to share, that’s fine. A cup of coffee will do me.”
    He grimaced. “It’s not the food. I—”
    â€œDon’t like my company?” she asked pointedly.
    Dark color swept up his neck while the frown on his face deepened. And watching his reaction, Bella could only wonder if she’d gone crazy. The man clearly didn’t want her around. Any sensible woman would proudly lift her chin and walk away. But there was something in his eyes that made her stand her ground. A bleak, desperate look that called to her heart.
    He blew out a long breath. “I wasn’t expecting you, that’s all.”
    She stepped off the porch and walked over to him. “I apologize for showing up unannounced. But it’s a lovely afternoon and I was getting very tired of my own company.”
    * * *
    Then why didn’t she drive down to her brother’s house, where she could find