curved upward in a small, wholly male smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” she told him, tugging gently to free her fingers. “I’m sorry about your father. I’d heard your oldest brother was back at the Triple C, but the local grapevine said he was the only Coulter who’d returned.”
“He was until today.” Zach nodded briefly in confirmation. “I just got in.”
“From where?” Cynthia knew her question was impolite but curiosity overrode good manners.
“Nepal.”
She felt her eyes widen again. “Nepal? What on earth were you doing there?”
His eyes laughed at her as his white teeth flashed in a grin. “I was climbing Mount Everest.”
“Seriously?” Nonplussed, she stared at him, speechless. “I think you’re the first person I’ve ever met who even attempted that. Did you reach the top?”
“Summit,” he corrected her. “And yes, we did.”
“What was it like?” She stared at him, wondering what drove a man to climb mountains covered in snow and ice.
“Cold,” he told her gravely. “Really cold.”
Startled, she laughed out loud. Amusement lit his features and laugh lines crinkled at the corners of his eyes.
“What? You don’t believe me?” he asked mildly.
“Oh, I believe you,” she said hastily. “I just can’t believe that’s the first thing that comes to mind when you’ve climbed a mountain most people only dream of attempting.”
He shrugged, broad shoulders shifting beneath the leather jacket.
“It was … awe inspiring.” The teasing quality was gone from his voice. “Like standing on top of the world.”
If she’d been attracted earlier by his teasing smile and unconcealed male interest, she found herself even more powerfully drawn by the depth and sincerity in his words.
“It must have been amazing,” she said with a sigh. “I’ve never had an experience like that. The highest I’ve ever been—outside an airplane—is standing on top of the Empire State Building’s observation deck and looking down on the streets of New York.”
“I’ve done that, too.” He smiled down at her, easy charm once more in place. “I liked it.”
“So did I,” she said drily. “But it hardly compares with climbing Mount Everest.”
“Maybe, but it’s much warmer. And there aren’t as many obstacles along the way, which is always a plus,” he commented. “As hallmark experiences go, there’s a lot to be said for the Empire State Building’s observation deck.”
She shook her head, smiling. “If we’re comparing dangerous experiences, I’m betting climbing scary-high mountain wins.”
He chuckled, the sound reverberating and sending shivers up her spine.
No wonder he had a reputation as a heartbreaker back in high school, Cynthia thought, blinking against the sudden urge to step closer, lay her hand on his chest to feel his heartbeat and tuck her face against the warm, strong column of his throat to breathe in the subtle scent of his aftershave. I need to get a grip.
Before she could comment, the patter of feet on concrete sounded behind her, accompanied by the shrieks of children.
“Douglas, watch where you’re going!” a feminine voice warned.
The cautionary warning came too late. One of the little boys crashed into Cynthia from behind, knocking her forward.
And straight into Zach.
Her hands rested on his chest and his arms instantly wrapped around her. She was swamped with a flood of emotions—desire, and an odd sense of security. He was much taller than she and the top of her head barely reached his chin. The body she pressed against was solid and strong, the muscles of his chest hard where her palms flattened against him. Up close, the curve of his mouth was unbelievably seductive and his green eyes darkened as she stared.
Belatedly realizing she was lying against him, unmoving, she stirred and his arms instantly loosened. His hands shifted to her shoulders, his firm hold steadying her as she stepped back before he released her fully.
“I’m so sorry. Are you all right?” A worried female voice broke the spell.
Cynthia glanced over her shoulder at the flustered young mother, her gaze dropping to the little boy the woman held firmly by the hand.
“Yes.” She managed a shaky smile as she turned to face them. “Yes, I’m fine. No harm done.”
Relief moved over the young woman’s face. “Thank goodness.” She bent to the little boy. “Douglas, apologize to the lady.”
“Sorry.” The child looked up at Cynthia through thick lashes.
He was adorable. Charmed, she couldn’t be upset with him.
“That’s okay,” she said, smiling at him.
He rewarded her with an ear-to-ear grin that lit his face before he bashfully ducked his head.
With a final apology, the two women and their charges set off down the street.
Drawing a deep, steadying breath, Cynthia turned to face Zach.
His green gaze was intent, focused on her. She was instantly swamped with the memory of his arms around her, the sensation of her body pressed against his.
“Thanks for catching me,” she said. The effort to appear cool and unaffected by those brief moments took all her control.
“Anytime.” His mouth curved in a slow, wholly masculine smile.
Cynthia’s heartbeat stuttered before settling in a faster, harder rhythm.
With great effort, she pulled her gaze from his mouth and glanced at her watch. “Well, it was lovely to meet you, Zach—and welcome back to Indian Springs. I have to run. I have an appointment.” As she spoke, she took several backward steps down the sidewalk. “I’m sure I’ll see you around. It’s such a small town.” She smiled vaguely and turned on her heel. Walking swiftly and purposefully, she headed toward her car that was parked halfway down the block.
And felt his intense gaze with every step she took.
Zach watched her go, surprised at the speed with which she’d gone from friendly conversation to abrupt departure. His gaze tracked her smooth, graceful walk, the slight sway of her hips and the silky blond ponytail that brushed against her shoulders with each step.
Tired though he was after days of travel and little sleep, every cell in his body had snapped to attention the minute he’d seen her. Riveted, his eyes had swept her from head to toe, his body tightening as he did. Her legs were encased in snug jeans, and the red stiletto heels on her small feet made her legs look even longer. Her hair
