Lone Star Courtship by Mae Nunn

right.
    But how could that be? Why was he having these intense thoughts after such a brief time when he’d never had them in months of a previous relationship?
    He put the vehicle into gear and reminded himself of the purpose for this visit to Galveston.
    Visit?
    That sounded so cheery. When had he started thinking of it as anything other than an imposition? He shook his head at the absurd change in his attitude. He needed to redouble efforts in line with his goals and stop this romantic nonsense regarding the woman beside him. There was work to do for the firm, credibility to build with the family, a unique niche to carve out where he would be valued and respected. This was no time for personal foolishness.
    â€œIf you’ve changed your mind, it’s okay.”
    His head snapped to the right. “Beg pardon?”
    â€œYou have a scowl on your face and you haven’t said a word since we left my place. If you’d rather not spend the evening with me, I won’t be offended.”
    The worry in her soft voice said otherwise. The heart he’d just determined to harden softened even more. By her own admission she’d had a sleepless night. In the predawn hours he’d witnessed a nervous episode of some sort. Then he’d seen firsthand the shutdown of construction and the unwanted attention of the media. He’d taken her back to the marina for a breather and suggested dinner to distract her from her worries, and here he was making her feel badly.
    His mum would be very disappointed in her eldest son. Caroline would say it was typical.
    He had to make it up to Casey. Atone for his rudeness.
    â€œSorry. Just concentrating on keeping to the right of the motorway.” He reached across the leather seat to touch her arm, to physically reassure her. And himself. Tomorrow would be soon enough for business.
    â€œIt really is all right. I know you’re bound to be feeling the effects of jet lag by now.”
    â€œNonsense. The second wind has filled my sails and I fancy sunset on the water with a charming dinner companion.”
    The corners of her mouth lifted in a small smile.
    â€œThank you for such kind words, Barrett. I’ll try to live up to your expectations.”
    â€œCasey, I have no expectations,” he insisted. “Let’s just have a nice evening, shall we?”
    â€œI’d like that.”
    She turned her face away, presumably to enjoy the array of pleasure crafts in the bayou as they crossed the 61st Street bridge.
    The self-confidence she possessed in spades at some moments was elusive in others. He made a mental note to add this instability to his list of items for consideration.
    â€œOh, check out the riverboat!” Casey pointed toward the triple-deck paddle wheeler. Her enthusiasm was back, and her skin absolutely radiated as if lit from within. When the woman was feeling good it was impossible not to be swept along in her wake. “I haven’t been on one of those tourist traps since I was a kid and our family used to take us sightseeing on the Mississippi.”
    Barrett reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and withdrew the brochure he’d obtained from the hotel concierge. What had seemed like a good idea hours earlier was suddenly childish.
    â€œThe paddleboat tour of Offatts Bayou seemed a nice alternative since it’s still a trifle windy for an open-water dinner cruise. I should have thought to ask you first. Would you prefer to dine elsewhere?”
    â€œGoodness, no!” Large round eyes and a big smile told him she was sincere. “I haven’t had a chance to experience any of the local attractions since moving to Galveston. My only downtime has been spent flying home to present progress reports to the board. I could see Moody Gardens from the bridge but it was always just a tease because I never had time to get any closer.”
    â€œSo you don’t mind spending the evening as a