Page 17 of Forbidden Flame

“I don’t think many people can say they went to a hot tub in the middle of a Christmas tree farm for their first date.”

“It was unique,” I said even as my chest tightened.

“And special.” He ran his nose over the sensitive skin of my neck. “I’m going to miss you. I know it’s crazy and ridiculous.”

I sensed he was going to ask to see me again. I pushed away from him. “I need to get back. My brothers might get worried and come looking for me.”

Cole sighed, but he moved aside and opened the passenger door. I climbed inside, my heart hurting. I always put my daughter first, but sometimes I wished I could have a little slice of heaven for myself. And that’s what this night was to me. A break from reality, a dream that wasn’t my life.

We both needed to remember the obstacles standing in our path, our family’s animosity toward one another. We didn’t stand a chance.

“Did you drive?”

“I’m parked at the main house.” I almost wished we had more time together, that he could drive me home. But there was always the possibility that Jameson or my dad would see me with him.

I wasn’t willing to take that risk. It would be better if my brothers thought I was helping friends tonight rather than hooking up with a Monroe.

The ride was silent and short. He parked next to my vehicle. “You drive a van?”

“My brothers wanted to give me a truck, but the van is better for transporting pies.”

“You probably need a refrigerated one.”

“That’s the dream,” I said lightly. For now, I had what I could afford, and I was grateful for it. I didn’t need to pay rent on the business or our home. I was lucky in a lot of respects.

I got out of the truck, and Cole followed me to the driver’s side.

He brushed a hair out of my face. “Thanks again for tonight.”

I smiled softly. “You’re the one who bid on me.”

He dropped his head slightly, his expression full of awe. “I never stood a chance. There’s just something about you—”

“We can’t pursue this. One night has to be enough,” I said firmly, unsure who I was trying to convince.

His face twisted with regret.

“You promised.”

Cole’s face sobered. “I always keep my promises.”

My stomach twisted. I hated to remind him of what we’d said at the beginning of the night because so much had changed. I thought Cole could be a fun hookup for me, but it turned into so much more.

Both of us could feel the potential, but we couldn’t give into the temptation. “I have Izzy, and you want a piece of the Monroe farm. We don’t have the luxury of giving into our wants and desires.”

“I don’t like it.” His words were short.

“Neither do I.” I went up on tiptoes and kissed him softly. “Night, Cole.”

I got into the car and waved before I backed out. Every part of my body ached from the effort of resisting turning around. Nothing good could come from extending our time together. I’d just want him more. It wasn’t fair to either of us.

Izzy would be up bright and early, and I needed to get some rest. I needed to forget about the boy I met when I was a teen and the man in the hot tub. Neither was for me.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I didn’t see any of my brothers’ trucks in front of my cottage. I’d moved from the farm house to this house when Izzy was four so that I could have some privacy, and we could be our own little family.

I’d leaned on my father and brothers when she was little, but I felt like it was time for me to stand on my own two feet. Tonight, Izzy was staying at the farmhouse with Dad. Jameson was supposed to be helping. She’d be okay there overnight.

Just in case, I set my phone on the nightstand right before I fell into bed. I dreamed of warm water, twinkling lights, and Cole’s touch.

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