Her announcement came as no surprise, but it didn’t lessen the blow of knowing that she would be leaving Whistle Stop. He didn’t know why it should hit him so hard. After all, her life was in New York which might as well be the moon as far as he was concerned.
“We both knew you’d have to go back.” Try as he might, he couldn’t find a way to put a positive spin on it. He already missed her, and she had yet to pack her cute cowgirl hat and boots.
“I promised my father I’d quit stalling—”
“Stalling? Is that what you call what we’ve been doing?” Cord couldn’t help but feel as though she’d diminished their relationship. “And why have you been dragging your feet?”
“Because I…I care about you.” Her watery gaze peered at him. He steeled himself, resisting the growing urge to kiss her. She glanced away. “Because being here at the Brazen H is comfortable and relaxing. And…and most of all, because I’ve been waiting for you to change your mind about selling. You can’t give up all of this.” She waved her hands around. “It’s too much of a sacrifice even if it’s to save Haggerty. You have a little piece of heaven on earth. Why would you even consider letting the bank take it?”
“You care, huh?” He didn’t even bother fighting the grin that pulled at his lips.
She elbowed him. “Is that all you heard?”
“Oh, you said more? I must have missed it.” He’d heard her, but none of it mattered as much as knowing that she felt the same way about him. He reached out to her. They’d done enough talking—it was time for something more.
She sidestepped him and crossed her arms. When she tilted up her chin and her gaze narrowed, she reminded him of that businesswoman he’d met on her first day in town. “I promised my father I’d hammer out this agreement with you. Tonight.”
He sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. “Do you honestly think there’s anything left to say that would convince me to go along with your plan to develop my ancestors’ land into some amusement?”
“Everyone has a price. I just haven’t found yours yet.”
He leveled a hard gaze at her. “And you won’t either. I’m not selling.”
“If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for me. Help me save my father’s company and keep him from ever knowing how close we are to declaring bankruptcy.”
The pleading look in her eyes tore at him. For a moment, he almost caved in. He wanted so much to help her. In the next heartbeat, he realized he’d been in this situation before. Well, not exactly the same situation, but one quite similar. It had been a beautiful woman in a bad situation—his ex-wife. And look how that had turned out.
“Lexi—”
She held up her hand to stop him. He wrapped his fingers around hers. Her hand was small and soft. It easily fit inside his, and he never wanted to let her go.
“Don’t say a word now,” she said, as though with more time, he’d change his mind. “I want you to come to the town meeting tomorrow night and hear my proposal.”
He shook his head. The last thing he wanted to do was be stuck in a room with a bunch of townsfolk who were going to turn on him and try to strong-arm him into selling Haggerty. “Lexi, you’re asking too much—”
She pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. She was right. They’d done more than enough talking. His immediate reaction was to stick out his tongue and suckle her fingertip, to give her a sample of what she was missing out on. His gaze caught and held hers. There was definite interest there. The temptation grew within him. What could it hurt? Maybe he was moving too slow, being too cautious.
Throwing caution to the wind, he parted his lips and swiped the tip of his tongue over the pad of her finger. There was a distinct inhale of breath, and her eyes dilated. Before he could wrap his lips around her digit, she pulled her hand away.
Color rushed to her cheeks. “I…we…um…think about it.”
“I am.” His voice was low and deep, filled with desire.
She clenched her hands together. “I meant think about attending the meeting.”
She didn’t fool him. She was turned on, too.
“I’ll think about your proposition if you promise to think about mine.” Her eyes widened, and he couldn’t resist chuckling. “I meant about you buying the acreage I have for sale and settling down here. I might even be persuaded to share Midnight Star with you.”
There was a glint of temptation in her eyes. “I’ll think about it if you’ll seriously consider my request.”
“I said that I would.” He walked over to the fridge and pulled the door wide open. “Now what should we do about dinner?”
“I don’t know.”
“There’s leftover chile rellenos. I guess I should ask if you like them.”
“I’ve never tried them, but I like to try different things at least once.” Her cheeks lit up and she glanced away, but not before he noticed.
“Promises, promises.”
The color in her face intensified, providing final proof of her wayward thoughts.
The fact she was also remembering their steamy clench made him want her all the more. He was ravenous, and his desire had nothing to do with food. He knew where this evening would lead, at least he hoped so, but he had to move slowly. He didn’t want to scare her off. They might never have another evening like this one.
He pulled out a foil-covered dish. With her elbows resting on the center island, Lexi perched her chin on her palm, watching him as he shredded some Monterey Jack over the red sauce. He chopped a little fresh cilantro and sprinkled it over the top.
“You’re the first man to cook for me. You know, I could get used to this special treatment.”
He liked the idea of being the first to do something for her. “You could, huh?”
“Mmm…hmm. I find a man who pays such close attention to details extremely sexy.”
She found him sexy? His shoulders pulled back, and his chest puffed up. Slow and steady, he reminded himself. He slid the covered dish into the oven, set the timer, and turned. “While that warms up, how about a drink? Would you like some wine?”
She nodded. “I’ll get it.”
He put a hand on her shoulder. “Tonight, I’m going to wait on you. Do you have a preference?”
She shook her head. “You choose.”
“I have a perfectly good bottle of Chardonnay. It comes from a local winery.”
“I didn’t know New Mexico had wineries.”
He located the bottle and handed it over to her to examine. “There are a number of them around the state. You should visit one or two before you leave.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Are you offering to be my tour guide again?”
The idea certainly appealed to him. There was a lot he wanted to show her—a whole lot. “You have a knack for suckering me into showing you just about everything.”
“Everything?” Her voice held a sensual tone to it.
They made idle chatter about his day as they worked together to set the table. The food didn’t take long to warm in the oven. In no time, he carried the steaming dish into the dining room. He never bothered to eat in here when it was just him, but somehow, with Lexi here, he wanted to do things differently. Everything seemed fresh and new with her around.
Lexi’s eyelids drifted shut as she inhaled deeply. “You made this all by yourself?”
“You sound surprised.” Her eyes opened and met his. There was no denying it, he’d fallen under her spell. “I’m a man of many talents.”
“So I’m learning.”
He served up the food for both of them, all the while hoping she’d enjoy the taste as much as the aroma. There was a chance the chiles would be too hot for her. His fork hovered over his plate as she took a mouthful, chewed, and swallowed.
“This is delicious.”
He expelled a long-held breath. “I’m glad you like it.”
The easy banter continued throughout the meal. Leisurely evenings with Lexi could definitely become a habit for
him—a habit he’d never want to break. Every muscle in his body tightened when he realized the feelings he had for her went so much deeper than he’d ever imagined.
The breath hitched in his throat. Could it be?
Was he falling in love with Lexi?
His mind raced. He’d sworn he’d never fall in love again. The price was too high. And yet every time he looked at Lexi or thought of her, his pulse raced. He couldn’t get enough of her.
Why had he gone and fallen for a woman who would inevitably leave him? Or maybe that was the reason he’d let down his defenses with her.
She was a temporary fixture in his life. With Lexi, there was no future to contemplate. No big life questions to answer. There was only the here and the now. And he didn’t intend to squander either.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Wine? Check.
Dinner? Check.
Conversation? Check.
Surprisingly, after Alexis had charcoaled the taco casserole, the evening had still been an amazing success. Thanks to Cord. With the dishes cleared and the kitchen returned to order, Alexis had zero interest in returning to her motel room. There was nothing waiting for her there but more work. Besides, work and no play was making her very frustrated. Her throw-caution-to-the-wind attitude took over. There was no pressing reason not to enjoy a little more of this cowboy’s company—especially since she’d be leaving in just a few days.
Cord led her toward the porch. He pushed the wooden screen door open and held it until she passed. His spicy cologne teased her senses. She knew if she were to stop in her tracks and turn that their bodies would collide. She savored the thought, but she kept moving.
“Hmm…there’s something missing,” Cord said. “Ah, I know. Wait here.” He stepped inside the living room and turned on the stereo. He returned to the porch and sat next to her. “I guess I should have asked if country music is to your liking.”
“It’s my favorite.”
A romantic ballad started to play and floated through the open windows. The intimate lyrics filled her mind with enticing thoughts. Her gaze shifted to his lips, and she longed to press her mouth to his. But she was hesitant, not exactly sure where they stood.
“It was a really nice evening.” Her gaze met and held his. “Thanks for rescuing dinner.”
“The company was my favorite part.”
“It was? I…I mean it was for me, too.” So then what had happened to all of the flirting he’d been doing in the house? Why was he suddenly acting like the perfect gentleman?
If only he’d make the first move.
Frustration and desire churned within her.
Fine. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Her heart pounded and her hand trembled ever so slightly as she reached out to him. Her fingertips ran along his jawline. “You are so handsome.”
With the pad of her thumb, she gently rubbed over his bottom lip. Their gazes locked. Desire flamed in his dark eyes.
He captured her hand in his and moved it to his chest. “You realize that you’re playing with fire, don’t you?”
So he did still want her. Good. Detecting the pounding of his heart as he continued to clutch her hand to his chest excited her all the more. “If you’re trying to scare me off, it won’t work.”
“Promise?”
She nodded.
“Should I be worried?”
His steady gaze continued to hold hers. If a person could ravish another with merely a look, this could be that moment. For so long now they’d been doing this dance of getting close and then pulling away. Tonight there’d be no pulling back on either of their parts. It was the only thing she was certain of at this point. And in this moment, it was all that mattered.
At last, she found her voice. It came out low and seductive—a new side of her. “You should worry. I have very definite plans for you.”
His brows drew together as though he’d had an unsettling thought. “Not that I’m not flattered, because I am. But Lexi, this is already complicated. Are you sure you’re prepared to complicate things even further?”
The echo of her father’s cautioning voice combined with the memory of Cord’s hesitant question balled her stomach up into a knot. She pulled her hand from his. Why did he have to pick now of all times to be sensible? Why couldn’t he just go with the moment?
Part of her said life wasn’t worth living without a few risks. Another part said she was being reckless and irresponsible. She was getting in far too deep with this sexy cowboy. She inwardly groaned. Why did she have to have an attack of conscience now?
She jumped to her feet and moved to the porch rail. The stars twinkled overhead as a gentle breeze rushed past her. In the distance, the moonlight lit up the paddock, giving it a peaceful glow—the opposite of the upheaval of emotions churning inside her. Why did everything have to be so difficult?
From the way she saw it, this was their last chance to be together, to see what might be between them. If she walked away now, they’d avoid further complications. But she’d be plagued by what if’s and should have’s. Could she run off into the night? The thought didn’t appeal to her. Instead, she decided to let the night unfold one kiss at a time.
As though sensing her resolution, Cord moved to stand behind her. He leaned toward her, until his chest rested flush again her back. His breath tickled over her ear. Her every nerve ending tingled. He ran his warm hands down her chilled arms, and she began to relax. Even if common sense dictated otherwise, she didn’t want anything but to be wrapped in his warm embrace.
The full length of his hard body pressed against her, making her insides quiver with excitement. A moan swelled in his throat, the deep tones reverberating in his chest. She’d never met a man who intrigued her both mentally and physically.
“I can’t remember an evening I’ve enjoyed this much.” He lowered his mouth to her ear and murmured, “I’m glad you decided to come over and share the evening with me.”
“Me, too. Whistle Stop is growing on me.” She hoped her voice sounded steady, but she couldn’t hear it for the pounding of her heart. “I understand why you love it here so much. With the continuous string of sunny days and the colorful citizens, what’s not to love?”
He didn’t answer. His fingers continued stroking her arms. Her head rested just below his chin, and their arms entwined. They fit together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. She didn’t ever want to walk away. She wanted him to continue to hold her like this—forever.
The thought of forever shook her to the core. Her stomach tightened. She was supposed to be here conducting business, not losing her heart to a man who made her want to forget her responsibilities and follow her desires.
She glanced up at the sky. A star caught her attention with its brilliance, twinkling like a diamond chip.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star. First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight…to capture the heart of this cowboy who’s holding me close.
“Do you think our fates are written in the stars?” She hoped the childhood lyric would bring her luck.
“I think we’re the masters of our own fate by the choices we make in life. Right now, I choose you.”
She turned in his arms. “I choose you, too.”
Chest to chest, their lips were merely a breath apart. She didn’t want to talk anymore. She lifted up on her tiptoes. Her lips tingled with anticipation. She pressed her mouth to his. His hands slid up her back as he deepened the kiss. A moan grew deep in her throat. No one had ever evoked such a powerful longing in her with a mere kiss—Cord’s touch was most definitely magical.
Her arms slid up over his broad shoulders and slipped around the back of his neck. Her fingers stroked his neck and combed through his hair.
His eyes widened. “Your hands are cold.”
She honestly hadn’t noticed. Her mind had been on more important matters. “You know what they say: Cold hands, warm heart.”
He smiled. “That’s the
thing about the desert. Once the sun sets, the temperature dives. You should get out of the cool air.”
She swallowed hard. “Do you want me to go?”
“No…well, not unless you want to go.”
Again, the warning voice in the back of her mind chimed in, willing her to go, to keep her heart safe from being broken again. But was that truly what she wanted? Would the memories be enough for her? Maybe if he didn’t have his arms around her, she’d be able to think clearly. She pulled free from his hold and walked over to the porch swing.
“Would you like to go inside? I could light a fire.”
“Not yet. This evening is so beautiful and peaceful. I don’t get a chance to sit outside in the evenings very often. Can we talk?”
“Talk? Isn’t that what we’ve been doing all evening?”
“Yes, but I meant about something a little more personal.” She knew exactly what topic she wanted to broach, but she was still working up her courage. “You know…so we know each other better.”
When he joined her, the swing seemed to shrink considerably. His thigh brushed hers, sending her pulse soaring, but it wasn’t like having the entire length of his rock-solid body pressed up against her, driving her heart into overdrive. Just the memory of it warmed her chest. She had to think of something—anything—but how good he’d felt.
Cord stretched his arm out along the back of the swing. His fingers lightly brushed her hair, sending goose bumps down her spine. She’d never be able to carry on a conversation with him touching her. She attempted to wiggle over on the seat to give them each space, but there was nowhere to go. She turned to him. If she was going to get intimately involved with him tonight, she needed to know what she was getting herself into.
“Tell me about her.”
Cord sat up a little straighter. “Tell you about who?”
“The woman whose clothes are in the barn, the one who made you afraid to become involved with other women.”
Why anyone would want to hurt someone as thoughtful and caring as Cord was a mystery to Alexis. Then she realized that if she wasn’t careful, she’d end up hurting him, too, whether she intended to or not.
A Moment To Love Page 19