Pinky Promise (Riverbend Romance 2) by Valerie Comer Page B

must’ve felt her gaze on him, because he turned to her. This time he seemed to truly look at her with more dispassion. Not as Elena’s mom, not as Sophie’s caregiver, not as a woman to flirt with, but as though he’d seen her for the first time.
    It nearly chilled her. What was he thinking? That he’d been crazy to spend so much time with her this week? That he couldn’t wait for spring break to be over and normal life to resume?
    “Ian?” She didn’t realize his name had escaped her lips until the question hung between them, all but visible.
    The lines around his eyes crinkled as a slow smile curved his lips. He shifted position, bracing himself on an arm that angled behind her. Not quite touching, but she could feel the warmth from his body. This was what she wanted, right? To be closer to him?
    “Hey, beautiful.”
    Her heart warmed along with the side of her that was nearest him. She quirked him a grin. “Hey.” She couldn’t bring herself to give him a nickname. Not yet. And even though she didn’t feel beautiful when she looked in the mirror, she didn’t doubt he said what he saw.
    Now that she had his attention, she couldn’t think of a thing to say.
    The girls ran back to the swings. Several other children from their class trooped alongside them.
    “I’ve been thinking about their birthdays,” Ian said in a low voice. “What kind of party do you usually do for Elena?”
    Was he expecting a joint celebration? Well, it only made sense as they shared the day, and Sophie was new to Riverbend. Kelly’s heart squeezed. In just over a month, her baby girl would be seven. How had so much time gone by already?
    “I don’t usually do anything big,” she replied at last. “We invite a few little friends over. Last year they played dress-up while I made pizza and cake in front of a Disney movie.” She studied his face. “What do you usually do?”
    Ian shrugged. “Last year I took Sophie’s friends to the zoo for a Canadian Wilds party. Sophie wants to do that again, but Calgary is too far for a day trip.”
    Kelly kept forgetting that Ian’s job paid probably double hers. She could only imagine what an event like that might run.
    “You and Elena ever been there?’
    She shook her head. “No, but I’m sure she’d love to go sometime.” As would Kelly. When was the last time she’d been to any zoo? She’d been just a little kid, probably not much older than her daughter. “The closest thing we’ve got around here is a farm where they offer parties. If you can pretend farm animals are zoo animals, it’s all good.”
    “Oh, that sounds fun. Do they offer horseback riding?”
    Kelly frowned. “I think so. I’m not sure. You’d have to look them up online. It’s Holiday Hobby Farm.”
    Ian poked his chin toward the girls. “If there are horses, those two will be thrilled, don’t you think?”
    She shouldn’t have mentioned it. Even a party at Holiday’s was out of her price league, and she couldn’t assume Ian would happily pay double. Besides, that wasn’t fair. He could do what he wanted for Sophie, and she’d do the usual for Elena. It wasn’t like they were a family.
    Maybe someday? But she couldn’t hope too much, no matter what his eyes said. He didn’t really know her. Something was bound to scare him off sooner or later. With most men she’d met, that was Elena. She stifled a grin. Well, that certainly wasn’t the case this time around.
    “What are you thinking?” He nudged her shoulder with his arm. “I saw that smile.”
    He’d said something before that. Her brain scrambled to catch up. Right, horses. “Yes, Elena is into horses. Most little girls their age seem to be. She talks about le...”
    “Lessons?” prompted Ian. “Great idea.”
    She’d done it again. She took a deep breath. “Ian, I can’t afford riding lessons for her, nor can I drive her out there every week. In all honesty, I probably can’t afford a party at the hobby farm,