Page 25 of A Miracle for the Confident Cowboy

Her face flushed hot, a contrast to the cool air swirling around them, threatening another winter event.

Duke’s eyes softened and he shifted one hand to cup her cheek. “And I know you deserve better than someone like me.”

Reality hit her like a bulldozer and she frowned without realizing it. “Better thanyou?” she scoffed. “Do you even know what you’re saying right now? Better thanyou? There is no onebetterthan you.”

He stilled. It appeared he finally didn’t feel it was more important for him to speak what was on his mind. For the first time she could remember, he was shocked.

Sophie released a quiet laugh. “You’re Mr. Perfect. You volunteer and donate to charities. And from what I can tell, besides criticizing my career choice, you’re one of the most respectful people I’ve met.”

One of his brows lifted almost imperceptibly.

“Better than you,” she muttered under her breath for a third time. “If I hadn’t been so stubborn in the beginning, maybe we wouldn’t be here right now arguing about… I have no idea what we’re arguing about.”

“We’re arguing about why you should give me a second chance,” he murmured, his face inching closer to hers.

Her gaze locked onto him then as if against her will, they fluttered closed and her lips parted. She knew what was going to happen before his mouth crushed over hers, and she welcomed it.

Fingers sliding into his hair, she released all her inhibitions. She couldn’t think of a single reason why this was a bad idea anymore. There were no niggling negative thoughts to stop her from relinquishing everything she had to him. A moan slipped past her lips as their kiss deepened and he pulled her closer.

His kiss was scorching. Flames licked up and down her arms, setting her whole body on fire. She’d never forgive herself for not seeing how good they could be sooner. Why had she let her stubbornness get in the way of this?

Sophie was the first to break off their kiss, turning her head to the side to catch her breath. His kisses nipped at her jawline and trailed up to her earlobe. Sophie bit down on her lower lip as she sucked in a breath. “We can’t tell anyone.”

His kisses stilled and he pulled back to look at her fully, brows creased.

She blushed deeply. “It has nothing to do with you, I swear. But are you really ready to see that smug look on Pippa’s face if she finds out?”

Understanding pushed out the clouds of confusion and he chuckled. “Definitely not.”

“Not to mention how my brother might actually start treating you.”

This time he grimaced. “He’s one of those brothers?”

“He’s one of those brothers,” Sophie confirmed. She glanced up at his hair and wove her fingers through it. “Besides, I want to keep you all to myself.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Duke glancedup when the door to the kennels opened. He grinned at Sophie then turned his gaze away as another volunteer entered the room behind her. He didn’t miss the smile that flitted onto Sophie’s face as she told the new volunteer how they’d go about cleaning the kennels.

Once or twice Sophie would glance in Duke’s direction. Those were the moments he craved—the quiet, meaningful looks they shared.

He ducked his head and let out a quiet chuckle as he restarted the pressure washer on the kennel he was trying to get clean. He was keenly aware she’d walked into the area though he tried to keep his eyes on what he was doing. Finally, he shut the washer off and went to where she was.

Duke leaned his forearm against the fence of the kennel where Sophie was cleaning up. She stood and came to the doorway. “Good afternoon, Duke. Is there something I can do for you?”

He dipped his head and gazed at her, a delicious thrill making its way through his whole body. “I want to take you out. I hear the Christmas festival is going to start tonight. Will you go with me?”

The pleasant surprise in her eyes was quickly replaced by a frown. “But Pippa?—”

“I heard Rob say he’s taking her to the city for last minute shopping. No one will see us.”

She smirked. “At the Christmas festival? I don’t know about festivals where you’re from, but in America they tend to be magnets for everyone who lives even remotely close. Even if Pippa and Rob are going to be gone, we might bump into someone else?—”

He reached out and caressed her arm. Goosebumps rose on her skin and she shivered. “Let me take you out,” he whispered.

Before she had a chance to respond, the door opened. “I found the spare blankets…” The woman backed into the room and when she turned, Duke was back to cleaning the kennel. Time ticked by so slowly during their shift. It took everything in his control to keep his distance when there was someone in the room with them. Being noticed within the close confines of the shelter would generate far more gossip than if they were walking around town together.

The other volunteer didn’t leave the room a second time while they were there, so Duke had to catch Sophie at her car. He waited for her to finish up and when she emerged, he was leaning against her vehicle. She slowed as she approached, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “What are you doing out here?”

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