A Moment To Love

by Jennifer Faye

  It wasn’t the throw she wanted wrapped around her. Realizing her fantasy wasn’t going to become reality, she doused the heated thoughts.

  She still owed him an apology. Best to get it over with so that they could move on. “I’m sorry about how dinner ended. I didn’t mean to ruin it, especially after you’ve gone out of your way for me.”

  “You didn’t ruin anything. I shouldn’t have let it get to me—you know, your plans for the land. I know you have good intentions. Maybe we can just agree to disagree about that issue.”

  “I think that might be doable…at least for tonight.” He impressed her with his ability to be a gentleman about the incident. “By the way, the meal, it was a really good. You’re excellent in the kitchen.”

  His brows rose. “You’re just saying that—”

  “No, I’m not. You can cook for me any time you want.” There was a part of her that hoped he would invite her to dinner again. Not that it was realistic, but a girl was allowed to indulge in a fantasy every now and then.

  “I’ll just let you rest.” He started to walk away.

  “Don’t go.” She couldn’t decide which was more distracting—drinking in his sexy image with her eyes or fantasizing about him when he was out of sight. “Why don’t you sit down?” She drew up her knees, making room for him next to her on the couch.

  She didn’t know why she’d made the move, considering there were two overstuffed chairs and another couch in the spacious living room, but he accepted her gesture. In the background, the fire hissed and popped. With the setting sun casting long shadows over the room, she realized just how cozy a setting they’d created. If she were to straighten her legs, they’d end up in Cord’s lap. She closed her eyes, imagining his long, skillful fingers working their magic over her toes, her feet, and up her legs. Mmm…

  “Are you all right?”

  The sound of Cord’s voice had her eyes snapping open and heat stinging her cheeks. “I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? It isn’t quite time for more acetaminophen, but I can check with Doc Willard to see if you can have it a little early, or maybe he can give you something stronger if you need it—”

  “No. Don’t.” She reached out, squeezing his arm in an attempt to reassure him. But the contact sent shivers of awareness cascading up her arm and down her spine. “I don’t need anything. My hand is getting better.”

  “Are you sure?” He sent her a disbelieving look.

  “Positive.” She held up her injured limb and flexed her fingers as proof. Her joints were still a bit stiff, but she was certain it was just a matter of time until she was completely better. “In fact, I’m so good you could take me back to the motel—”

  “Don’t start again. You’re staying. Got it?”

  “My, you’re bossy.” She smiled, letting him know that she was teasing him. Her good hand was still on his arm, and she had absolutely no desire to move it. “You’re a great guy…even if you are a bit stubborn at times. I’m surprised someone hasn’t snatched you up.”

  He pulled away. “I was married. She decided that I wasn’t such a great catch and threw me back.”

  Alexis knew it was none of her business, but she couldn’t help herself. “Were you married long?”

  “Almost five years. Now she’s off pursuing her dreams.” His tone held a note of discord.

  “I couldn’t imagine giving up a home like this and such a great guy.”

  He got to his feet, strode over to the large picture window, and stared into the night. “You don’t know what you’re saying. This place couldn’t compare to the excitement of New York City. You wouldn’t like it here. You’d grow bored and restless.”

  Alexis got to her feet. Her bare feet moved soundlessly over the wood floor. She joined him by the window, noticing the last shades of the fading sun on the distant horizon. Her gaze moved to him, and her voice came out soft and sultry. “I’m sure I could find something to keep my attention.”

  “You shouldn’t do that.”

  “Do what?”

  “Flirt with me.”

  Was it still considered flirting if she meant every word? “Why not? What if I’m serious?”

  Was that a groan she heard? A smile tugged at her lips. Common sense warned her to leave well enough alone, but she couldn’t recall the last time she’d enjoyed herself this much.

  His dark eyes met hers. “Lexi, you don’t know what you’re asking.”

  “I take it you don’t date much?”

  He shook his head. His gaze dipped to her lips. Her stomach somersaulted. He was going to kiss her again. Her heart fluttered, and the little voice in her head that talked reason drifted away.

  “It must get pretty lonely being out here all by yourself.” Her voice was soft. “Maybe you should consider getting yourself a dog. I hear they’re good for companionship.”

  His gaze lifted, meeting hers. Unmistakable desire flashed in them. “I have a better idea.”

  She knew what he had in mind, because she had the same thought. “What might that be?”

  “It might be better if I show you.” He stepped closer, pulling her into his arms. There was a moment of hesitation, as though he were waiting for her to pull away.

  She wasn’t going anywhere. There was something special about this cowboy—something that drew her in. The place where his fingers rested against her hips grew warm, as though his fingerprints were now tattooed upon her skin.

  He was going to kiss her, and mentally she willed him on. That kiss in the desert and the brief one in the kitchen had been a prelude to this moment—the main event. Her hands slid up over his muscled chest, appreciating the firm contours. Her hands wrapped around his neck. His gaze held hers. She wasn’t about to turn away now. She was a woman who knew what she wanted—she wanted him with every fiber of her being.

  Yet she could feel the stiffness of his muscles. There was a war raging within him. Longing to tip the odds in her favor, she leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. He didn’t move at first. Nor did she pull away. He wanted her, that much she was certain.

  She moved her lips slowly and tantalizingly over his. And then she heard something. The sound grew louder until she realized it was a moan, and it was coming from Cord. She’d have smiled in triumph, but she had other, more important things to do with her lips—much more important things.

  He deepened the kiss, and she eagerly met him move for move. She reveled in her ability to seduce this solitary cowboy. But it was more than that. There was a vulnerability to him—scars that ran deep. She didn’t know exactly what they were, but she wanted to assure him that he was worthy of being loved.

  His hands slid up her back. Her heart pounded, and their kiss took on a passion all its own. He wasn’t the only one who was lonely—who needed to feel a deep connection. It wasn’t until that moment that she realized she’d been burying all of her pain of rejection behind a mountain of work. She’d closed herself off from the world in hopes of heeling. And now, in Cord’s arms, she felt alive again.

  Maybe together, they could help each other.

  As though reading her thoughts, Cord pulled her snug against him. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation. His lips moved hungrily over hers as his fingers slid up her neck and combed through her hair. For one night, their troubles would disappear. Here on the Brazen H, they’d find happiness and release in each other’s arms.

  Cord stopped kissing her. His breathing was deep and uneven as he rested his forehead against hers. “Are you sure about this? About us?”

  For a moment, she hesitated. She was here to work—to save her father’s company and quite possibly his life—not to indulge in a moment of passion. But who would know? She certainly didn’t plan to tell anyone. And she had no doubt that Cord would keep this night under wraps.

  “I’m sure.”

  That’s all it took for Cord to scoop her up into his arms and start down the hallway. Her arms naturally wound around his neck. She trailed kiss
es up his neck, enjoying the salty tang of his smooth skin and the way she could make his breathing unsteady.

  He moaned and tightened his grip on her. “You’re driving me crazy.”

  “And I’ve only just begun.”

  “I’ll remember you said that.” His voice was deep and gravelly.

  She smiled. “I’m sure you will.”

  He paused outside the door to the master bedroom. “Last chance to change your—”

  She smothered his words with a kiss that would leave no doubt in his mind of her intentions. He kicked the door open as the chime of the telephone shattered the silence. In the doorway, Cord hesitated.

  “It’s okay.” She purred in his ear. “I’ll wait.”

  He cursed under his breath and lowered her feet to the ground. “I’ll be right back.”

  Cord surprised her when he strode back to the living room instead of taking the call in his bedroom. Maybe he didn’t want to talk in front of her. Maybe he thought it might be something about the sale of the land. The thought of a potential buyer had Alexis eager to follow him just to assure herself that she didn’t have any competition—for the land, that is. But she wasn’t about to lower herself to eavesdropping.

  “Lexi, phone’s for you,” Cord called out.

  Was it her imagination or did he sound unhappy? Was it the timing of the call? Or the caller themselves? The questions circled round and round in her mind as she returned to the living room and took the phone from Cord, who didn’t even bother to meet her questioning gaze.

  Disappointment washed over her as Cord strode down the hall. As sure as she was standing alone in his living room, the promise of an amazing evening had been dashed. And though she should be relieved that she’d be saved from making another mistake and getting in too deep, all she could think was, Why? What changed Cord’s mood so drastically?

  She lifted the phone to her ear. “Hello.”

  “Ms. Greer, this is Mayor Ortiz. How are you? I heard about your unfortunate incident.”

  There was a distinguishable thud of Cord’s bedroom door closing—further confirmation that their romantic evening was over before it’d even begun. Reality had shattered their happy illusion. A frown pulled at her lips.

  “Ms. Greer, are you still there?”

  “Uh, yes. Sorry. I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? If you’d rather come stay with my family, my wife would love to have you. Or if you’d be more comfortable, I’m sure Mrs. Sanchez would love the company.”

  “Why would I do that? Cord has been the perfect host.”

  “He has?” There was a note of surprise and utter disbelief in the mayor’s voice. “I mean, I’m sure he has. Is there anything else you need?”

  You mean other than the ability to go back in time and take the phone off the hook?

  “No. Nothing that I can think of. Cord has taken care of everything.” Almost… “I just feel bad for imposing on him.”

  “I…I’m sure he’s enjoying your company.”

  At this particular moment, she wouldn’t want to wager any money on that one.

  Before she could think of something to say, the mayor continued, “The other reason I called is to let you know that I’ve spoken with the other council members. They are receptive to your idea and would like to hear more. Could you present your ideas at the next town meeting?”

  “Certainly.” At least something was going right for her. “When is it?”

  “Next Tuesday evening. I’m looking forward to it.”

  The mayor rushed off the phone while Alexis reconciled herself to the fact that she needed to modify her presentation to include ways the resort would be beneficial to Whistle Stop.

  Her mind was buzzing with ideas. It was just as well, because Cord’s closed bedroom door spoke volumes. He no longer wanted her. They were adversaries, and he was not going to be happy when the entire town was involved in their negotiations. Guilt gnawed at her. Public pressure was not a new concept for pushing through a struggling sale, so why was she letting it bother her now?

  She didn’t want to examine her evolving feelings for Cord. She was afraid of what she might find if she did. Because she’d promised herself she wouldn’t risk her heart—it wasn’t worth the pain of rejection. Because in the end, those she loved abandoned her. For one reason or another, she wasn’t worth their effort.

  And Cord obviously wasn’t going to be any different.

  ♥♥♥

  Late the next morning, as promised, Cord drove Lexi into Whistle Stop. He’d been avoiding her ever since the phone call. He didn’t need to ask why the mayor had called. He knew the call was about more than Lexi’s health—it was about the proposed resort. It was a project that could potentially help the town’s sagging bottom line.

  What had gotten into him to forget all of this and get swept up in the moment? He usually kept his wits about him, but there was something special about Lexi and her very tempting kisses that had him willing to take a risk. He couldn’t let that happen again. That’s why he’d been up and out the door before sunup. He’d avoided her until it was time to drive her into town for her doctor’s appointment.

  And now silence hung heavily in the truck. He didn’t know if she was quiet because she regretted their intimate moment or if it had something to do with her plans for his land. Whatever it was, Cord was certain of two things: One, he wasn’t going to like it. And two, it wasn’t going to change his mind.

  When they walked into the doctor’s office, the waiting room was empty. They’d barely sat down when Mrs. Willard smiled and waved Lexi back to an exam room.

  Lexi paused in the doorway and glanced back at him. “Aren’t you coming?”

  “Me?” He couldn’t believe she’d want him around.

  She nodded and sent him a hesitant smile. The fact she wanted him by her side meant a lot to him. He followed her down the hallway. Maybe he’d been all wrong about everything. Maybe she was quiet because she was worried about her hand. And maybe the mayor had called only out of concern for her health—as he should have.

  As she sat on the papered exam table, Cord couldn’t help but notice how she appeared vulnerable. “I don’t like doctors’ offices,” she whispered. “They make me nervous.”

  “You don’t have to worry. I’m sure everything will be just fine.”

  She held out her hand and examined it. “I hope you’re right. If I’d listened to you in the first place, I wouldn’t be here.”

  “But you’d have missed seeing an authentic ghost town.”

  “True.”

  “Not to mention hearing the ghost story.”

  “I really liked the story.” Her eyes lit up. “I could just imagine that distraught young woman pacing back and forth in front of the mine entrance, waiting for her true love. But it’s such a sad story. Can you imagine being so close to having a life with your soul mate and then having it snatched away?”

  What in the world was he supposed to say to that? He wasn’t even sure there was such a thing as soul mates. The happily-ever-after thing certainly hadn’t worked out for him.

  Doc Willard strode into the room, wearing his white coat and his reading glasses propped high on his balding head. “Good morning. How are you feeling?”

  “Much better.” Lexi’s face reverted back to a worried frown.

  After an exam and some questions, Doc smiled. “You can relax. You’re on the mend.” He turned to Cord. “And I hereby release you from nursing duty.”

  With a couple of warnings, Doc sent them on their way. Cord knew it was ridiculous, but he was going to miss having Lexi around the house. He’d forgotten how nice it was to share a meal with someone and to make small talk.

  Acting on impulse, Cord held the front door for Lexi. “How about an early lunch?”

  “I’d like that.” She stepped out onto the sidewalk.

  Before he could say more, he heard his name being called. “Cord! Cord!”

  It was a familiar female voice. H
e wanted to keep going—in the opposite direction—but Lexi stopped and glanced around. He stifled a frustrated groan and turned.

  Mimi Ortiz smiled broadly and waved as she tried to walk quickly in pink heels that matched the purse dangling from her arm and the tiny flowers on her snug sundress. “Oh, I was worried you hadn’t heard me.”

  “Hello, Mimi. You look nice today.” She had an insatiable ego, and he knew it was easier to feed it than to have her work for the compliment.

  “Oh, thank you. This old thing is nothing special.” She smiled broadly, failing miserably at being modest. “I can’t believe I ran into you. You don’t come into town nearly enough.”

  “Only when I have business to tend to.”

  That’s when Mimi’s gaze strayed to Lexi. “I see.” Mimi’s smile dimmed considerably. “Hi.” She held out her hand to Lexi, who hesitantly shook it. “I’m Mimi Ortiz. The mayor of Whistle Stop is my father.”

  A light of recognition shone in Lexi’s eyes. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “And you’re that lady who wants to buy Cord’s land.”

  “Um…yes. I’m Alexis Greer.”

  “I know.” Mimi’s tone was short and clipped. “Daddy mentioned you—”

  “We’ve got to go.” Cord wrapped his fingers around Lexi’s arm and guided her away from Mimi toward the truck. He sensed that this conversation was about to take a bad turn, and he wasn’t about to play referee.

  “What’d you do that for?” Lexi asked once they were seated in the truck.

  “Let’s just say I was doing you a favor. Mimi isn’t all sweet and innocent—”

  “And you were afraid that I couldn’t handle her.”

  “No.” He was quite certain Lexi could handle herself. He admired that about her. “The truth is, I do have someplace to be.”

  “Oh. So I guess lunch is off.”

  “Not at all. As long as you don’t mind waiting for me.”

  “Will it take long?”

  “Nope.”

  “Then you have yourself a date.”

  An awkward silence ensued as he guided the truck across town to the Green Chile Cantina. He assured himself this offer for lunch didn’t constitute a true date. His invitation had been an impulse—nothing more. After all, they both had to eat, so why not do it together? And he did have something to ask her—something important.