Mia clapped her hands. “Ooh, a romantic weekend away.”
“I’m talking a week,” Nash said, still watching her closely. His eyes sparked with eagerness, as if he too was seeing the advantages of his rash proposal. “I’m surveying more than five thousand acres of land. I can’t promise that it will be the gorgeous getaway that you’ve always wanted.”
But at least they’d be together. Should Emily be alarmed that she was already thinking this way?
Now it was Mia’s turn to make worried noises. “You’d better get Emily back with plenty of time to spare before we head for Harvest Ranch. You at least have to give us three practices on that stage.”
“Done,” Nash said. “She’ll be ready for her big day.” He studied her with anticipation. “What do you say?”
Just the thought of spending time with Nash away from all this unexpected hustle and bustle made her insides sing with relief, but was it wise? A whole week alone with Nash with no one but the birds to fool about how things actually stood between them seemed crazy. She could definitely be herself. So would he. Was she setting herself up for more turmoil before her first big performance?
Did she care?
“Yes,” she said, nodding vigorously. “I want to go.”
His grin matched everything that she felt, and for a moment, she wondered how this would feel if they truly did have something real together?
“Good,” he said. “Good. Let’s get you out of here. I’m coming for you on the Fourth of July. You ready for some fireworks? I’m going to make this year’s celebration unforgettable.”
She stilled, remembering how Nash was last year. He and his twin had given the town fireworks a run for their money at the ranch, and they’d had to put out quite a few fires. “You don’t want a quiet night on the porch?” she asked.
“With you?” His eyes ran over her. “Of course… and maybe some sky splitters to cut up the peace.”
She could see him setting the whole ranch on fire… all before saving her from what he’d done, of course. She cracked a wry smile. “I’d rather listen to crickets.”
“Yeah, me too, trembly,” he teased.
“Hey!” Her whole life might be changing around her like an overactive screensaver, but Nash never seemed to. It was strangely comforting. She laughed. “After what happened to me last time, can you blame me?”
Mia waved her hands to the side of them to catch their attention. “Where are you taking her, Nash?” she trilled.
Nash shook his head. “Uh uh. The last time I told you that, we ended up performing for a crowd at Noteworthy. Sorry, I’m keeping it under wraps this time.”
Mia’s almond shaped cat eyes narrowed on him. “Is that so? Fine, but I want you to take lots of pictures, or Iwillhunt you down.”
Emily had no doubt that she would, and watching Nash’s mischievous smiles, she realized that there might be good reason. She might have her hands full on this impromptu trip.
She couldn’t wait.