Chapter 2: The Unexpected Greeting
June stood before Montana, her heart pounding with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. There was a momentary pause, a charged silence that hung in the air, as if the universe itself held its breath. And then, with a surge of courage, June leaned forward and planted a kiss on Montana's cheek.
Montana's eyes widened in surprise, his hat slipping from his grasp and landing with a soft thud on the ground. His cheeks flushed, and he blinked a few times, trying to make sense of the unexpected gesture.
"Well, now," Montana stammered, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "That's quite a hello you've given me, Miss."
June's face turned a shade of crimson, realizing the unintended consequences of her impulsive act. She cleared her throat, attempting to regain her composure.
"I... I'm sorry, Montana," June muttered, her voice laced with embarrassment. "I-I didn't mean for it to be... uh, so forward."
Montana chuckled, a warm and genuine sound that eased the tension between them.
"No need to apologize," Montana said, his tone filled with amusement. "I reckon it's just a case of a friendly greeting gone slightly askew."
June's embarrassment transformed into a nervous giggle, her hand instinctively reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I suppose I got caught up in the moment," June admitted, her cheeks still flushed with a rosy hue. "You have a way of... disarming me, Montana."
Montana's smile widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he regarded June with affection.
"Well, ma'am, I must say, I never expected a greeting like that from you," Montana remarked, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "But I reckon it's fair to say that it certainly left an impression."
June's embarrassment began to dissipate, replaced by a shared sense of laughter and camaraderie. The tension melted away, replaced by a lightheartedness that enveloped them.
As Montana bent down to retrieve his fallen hat, he straightened up and extended his arm towards June.
"Perhaps, Miss, we could start over with a proper greeting this time," Montana suggested, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "No surprises, just a good ol' fashioned handshake?"
June's lips curved into a smile, her embarrassment fading into a newfound confidence. She reached out and took Montana's hand, the warmth of his touch sending a jolt through her.
"I believe that sounds like a splendid idea, Montana," June replied, her voice filled with newfound playfulness. "Let's try this again, shall we?"