Suited to be a Cowboy
Page 24
“Hi, Sheila. What’s up?”
“You’re back earlier than expected.”
“Yep, couldn’t find what I wanted so there was no sense sticking around. Is Melissa all right? She didn’t fall again, did she?” He’d barely taken his eyes off her door.
“No, she didn’t fall, but she does have a touch of the flu…or something.”
“Does she need help? I can go sit with her.”
“She’s sleeping. Best let her rest. I’m going in to get lunch started.”
She smiled and left him standing there, undecided whether to follow her or go to his room. In the end, he went to check on Melissa.
He pulled a chair up to the bed and sat holding her hand. Watching her sleep, he felt like a voyeur. Melissa was so beautiful that he found it hard to look away. In sleep, none of the worry creased her porcelain doll beauty. She didn’t look sick. Her cheek was cool to the touch, so no fever. He removed the now warm cloth from her forehead, rinsed it out in the bathroom sink, and replaced it. Her eyelids flew open, her startled gaze colliding with his concerned one.
“What are you doing in here?”
“Sheila told me you were sick, so I came in to check on you. How are you feeling?”
“Fine, you can go now.” She jerked her hand out of his grasp.
Was she dismissing him? What was going on here? “What if I don’t want to leave?”
“Did you buy it?” Anger flashed in her eyes.
“Buy what?”
“One of those properties?”
“How did you know?”
“She called here and left a message for you. I, ah, forgot to tell you.”
Hope rose so fast Jimmy thought it might choke him. “Uh-huh.”
“Stop grinning. It isn’t funny. Did you buy one, put an offer in?”
“Nope.”
She looked at him, her face a mask of confusion. “Why not?”
“Before I answer that, can I ask you a question?”
“Yeah, I guess.” she said.
“Why are you so angry?” He picked up her hand, needing to touch her, and rubbed his thumb back and forth across her palm. She could have snatched it away from him, but she didn’t.
“Because I thought you were happy here.”
“I am happy here.”
“Then what? Why do I sense there’s more to this than just wanting your own spread?”
“We became involved. I stepped over the line and figured it would be easier to keep a good working relationship if I lived elsewhere.”
“Hey, you weren’t the only one involved. Have you heard me complaining?”
“Well, no, not exactly.”
“Not at all. I wanted you…still want you. Can you handle that?”
“But I’m just a nobody, wannabe cowboy. I don’t deserve you.”
She sat up in bed. “You are somebody. You’re a damn fine cowboy who thrives on paperwork and horses. You’re also a decent, loving, and caring person who enjoys carrying me everywhere. Who could compete with that?” Melissa smiled at him and his world rocked.
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying I love you, you big oaf. Now answer the question.”
Confusion hit as he thought back over their conversation. “What question?”
“Why didn’t you make an offer on one of those properties?”
He could list the excuses or tell her the truth. In light of her confession, he decided to tell her the truth. “None of them felt like home. I love you, Melissa. I don’t want to leave you.”
“Phew! I’m glad that’s settled. Will you marry me, cowboy?”
“What?” He chuckled. “Are you serious? You could have any man you want.”
“Good, because I want you. I’ll take that as a yes.”
“But what about having another child or children? I’m not sure we should take the chance.”
“If it’ll put your mind at ease, we’ll do the DNA test, but it may already be too late.”
He must have looked as dumbfounded as he felt, for she continued. “We forgot to use protection one night.”
“Oh my God! I’m so sorry, Melissa.”
“I’m not, but we better hurry up and get married. Can’t have the neighbors talking.”
He gazed into her eyes—eyes filled with love—for him, and he knew he’d found home at last. “No, we can’t have the neighbors talking. And yes, Melissa, my love, my heart, I’d be delighted to make you my bride.” He gathered her close and kissed her, passion rising swifter than a flash flood. He gently pulled away. “I’m sorry. I forgot you were sick.”
“Was sick. I’m not now.” She wore a come-hither expression that drove him wild with need.
“In that case…” He got up and locked both doors, pulling the blinds closed before returning to lie beside her. “Now, where were we?”
THE END
About the Author
Lorraine Nelson is a multi-published author who lives in rural New Brunswick, on the east coast of Canada. Always a bookworm, she’s read many novels of romance and mystery over the years, finally deciding to put her pen to work at writing one.
“To write romance and romantic suspense is my dream come true, although my mom says I was born with an avid imagination and pencil in hand, crafting stories from an early age. Now my children have grown and have lives of their own, I have time to indulge my passion for writing.”
Lorraine lives alone with an independent yet affectionate tomcat, enjoys spending time with her three sons and six grandchildren. When not at the computer, you can find her spending time with family, gardening, baking and, of course, reading.
Lorraine’s books are listed on her website. You’ll find blurbs, excerpts, reviews, and purchase links there. http://lorrainenelson.weebly.com
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