Read Online Daddy by Surprise by Debra Salonen - Free Book Online

you ready for this?” She patted her purse, which had enough straps to qualify as a backpack, too. “I picked up a bunch of promotional fliers in case you change your mind about doing the tourist thing. And I have a really detailed forest-service map, too.”
    Something he’d been thinking about buying. Jack liked that she seemed to be taking her role as his guide seriously. That made the arrangement seem less like a date. Which it definitely wasn’t. He couldn’t afford to date her, not after last night’s dream. Another sizzler.
    He bent to retrieve the spare helmet he carried. “Sure am. Everything square with your sons?”
    She nodded but didn’t elaborate. Maybe she sensed that he wasn’t really into kids.
    “I listened to the weather report and it looks like you caught a break. Hot and sunny all day.”
    The storm he’d ridden home in the day before had produced a mere sputter of precipitation, but the strong headwind had left him chilled to the bone, despite his leather jacket.
    He’d spent the rest of the evening under the covers, his nose in a book he’d picked up at the convenience store. The more he read about Seth Bullock, local lawman-turned-entrepreneur, the more intrigued he became about the man behind the myth. According to the book, he’d founded a town in 1890. Maybe they’d have time to visit Belle Fourche, too.
    “I’m ready for a little heat so I can show off my cool tattoos,” he said, running a finger along the neckline of his T-shirt. He was careful not to touch the actual tattoo, even though he felt the urge to scratch it. Kat had been adamant about keeping his hands off it. “Shower with warm water, no soap. And pat dry,” she’d said.
    “I thought you might be thinking that, so I brought along some sunscreen,” she said, holding up her bag.
    He opened one of the side compartments. “Great. Drop it in. I’ll put some on later. I’ve been cooped up indoors way too long and need a little color.”
    She hesitated—the mother in her probably wanted to slather him down, anyway—but after a moment tucked her bag into the space. She shook her head lightly before donning the helmet. The sun made her hair sparkle with white-gold highlights he had a feeling were completely natural.
    As she tightened the chin strap, he studied her. For a small woman, she was nicely proportioned with a little extra padding where it counted. Her bright yellow tank top appeared to have a built-in bra because he couldn’t see another set of straps. Her faded denim jeans fit her like a second skin. On her feet were well-worn hiking boots, and tied around her waist was a long-sleeved white shirt.
    A man’s shirt, he could see by the label when she turned to walk to the bike. Probably belonged to one of her husbands, he thought, frowning at the unsettling sensation in his belly. Why should he care if she still wore a former husband’s shirt?
    “So where are we going first?” he asked, throwing his right leg over the seat and scooting forward to give her room to get settled.
    “You have two choices—north or south. I suggest south. Sylvan Lake. The Needles Highway. Harney Peak. If you’re up for a hike, you’ll get a fabulous view of the entire Hills.”
    “How long does it take to get to the top?”
    Even though she wasn’t snuggled against his back, he felt her shrug. The sensation made him all too aware of her. This could be a long day, he thought.
    “I can’t remember. I haven’t done it in a while,” she said.
    Me, neither.
    As if realizing her comment could be misconstrued, she added too quickly, “Four hours, I think. Up and back. Depending on how fast you are. I mean, how fast you walk.” Her groan made him smile. “Can we go now?”
    “Good idea. I think I’d rather ride than walk, but I’ll let you know when we get there, okay?”
    She nodded so vigorously their helmets clicked.
    He looked down to make sure her feet were on the pegs, then he started the bike. When her hands