This is an excerpt from the fourth book in the Ashbrook, Montana series. The book is free for this weekend only. If you like what you’ve read so far, click the link at the bottom of the story and get yourself a copy. It goes back to regular price on July 24th.

Kate overheard someone whisper, “I think it’s Sam and Kate from the airplane. Maybe they’re making up.”

“You and I have a history. We have a common bond. You just met pretty boy this morning, and here you are almost kissing him.”

This was not Sam talking. Kate knew it. The Sam she knew talked about engines, fishing, and stunts he pulled with his friends. The Sam she knew pined for his wife that left him twelve years ago. The painful truth slapped her. The Sam she knew ignored her until another man showed interest. She was just a toy he was at risk of losing. To keep her resolve, Kate reminded herself of these things.

“And stop thinking,” he yelled. “You do that when you’re in a situation and you want to say the right thing. You’re not a mother right now. You don’t have to be logical. I’ll tell you the right thing to say. Say something like Sam you’re right, or what the hell let’s give it a go.”

She tried to think of something that would hurt him to make him go away. “Sam, you go outside to pee sometimes.”

“That’s your best argument? I hunt Kate. Pretty boy may know the right thing to say, but I know what to do.”

The intensity of his demeanor declined and brightened with revelation. “You’re playing hard to get. Why didn’t I think of that sooner?”

“Where do you get these things from?” she asked. “I’m not playing anything.”

Satisfied with his conclusion, Sam said, “Well, kissy, kissy, huggy, huggy time with Luke is over. I will block every attempt he makes at taking you from me.”

“Sam!” Kate scolded, “That’s what dolphins do.”

The eagerness in his voice changed to that of a driven man. He pointed at her. “And, that is the Kate I want. The one who knows how to keep up with me.”

Link to Marry Me Kate on Amazon