Runaway Bride

Arriving at the ranch with the Sheriff on her arm gave her ammunition for her next tale. Ben gave the impression they were more than friends, which furthered the plotting. From his amorous kisses she knew he liked her a little, but she wasn't foolish enough to believe she could get anywhere with a man who swore against marriage. She was grateful... and yet the lie still niggled. After all, Janet was her best friend.

  "I've been worried sick. The desk clerk said you hadn't come home, and I didn't know what to think." Janet was saying as she hugged Savannah, and gave Ben a complete once over.

  Ben smiled, "Sorry, Janet...is it? She's been in good hands. I assure you, I wouldn't let anything happen to Savannah."

  The way he called her name made her shiver. But she couldn't forget this was all just a act, either. Ben had been honest with her, and she knew what she was getting into. This time!

  Men kissed women every day, and there was no use making a big deal out of it. Still, she knew deep down that they had shared much more than a few kisses and truths. Odd as it seemed she felt closer to Ben now.

  "Yes, well, I'm really bushed. I think I need a bath and some rest. Thank you for...handling everything for me."

  He winked, bent and kissed her cheek, tipped his hat to Janet and left.

  "Now he's a living doll." Janet said when the door finally closed and left them in privacy.

  "Yes, isn't he?" she managed.

  It wasn't a lie. She thought Ben was very good looking. All she had to do was reprogram her heart not to think so.

  It was a tall order, because while her brain told her that there could never be anything between them, her heart told her differently.

  As long as she didn't lose her head, she could pull this off. Of course keeping her heart safe from Ben Hogg was one heck of a job, especially after those kisses!

  "Did he do anything?" Janet asked.

  Savannah chuckled and turned beet red. Did he do anything? How could she begin to answer her questions?

  "Oh yeah, something happened, I can tell. You are blushing down to your toes."

  "Nothing happened really...I mean...he did kiss me...but." she admitted.

  "Is he getting serious?"

  "Oh, I don't know. It's a little early to tell. I'm not rushing things, Janet." Savannah said not wanting to play it up too much.

  "Well don't let him think you're nuts about him."

  "No?" She queried as they mounted the stairs together.

  "No. It's the worst thing you can do. Play a little hard to get. But give in...eventually."

  Savannah giggled all the way up, and headed for the tub where she could relax and warm up or cool down...