Page 61 of Bear's Heart

“And offend Rye?”

She shrugged.“He knows it’s business.Rye is the first one who would understand, especially now that you’re friends.He’d never want you to feel awkward.”

“Perhaps, but I’d rather have you work with him than some other random dude.Not all men are reliable and honest.”

She laughed.“I’m tougher than I look, and if things ever got dicey, I have you and Rye on speed dial.Never mind Ansley’s brother Lachlan on the Campbell ranch.”Josie paused.“Speaking of Lachlan and the Campbell ranch, have you heard from Savannah at all?”

Bear shook his head.“No, but I gather she’s been doing well.Rye did mention that Lachlan returns sometime next week so that might mean Savannah is on the move again.”

“I hope not.”Josie gave Bear a quick glance.“I like her tucked away in Paradise Valley.I find her far less threatening there.”

“Why would you find her threatening?She can’t hold a candle to you, Josie.”

Josie couldn’t answer without giving herself away.

“You’re beautiful, Josie.The most beautiful woman I’ve ever met,” he added, his voice deep.

Lifting her head she looked up into his eyes, seeing an intensity in his expression that stole her breath.She’d never seen that look in his eyes, but it was hot and fierce and also surprisingly possessive.“Men don’t look at me.”

“I’m looking at you.”

“But it’s different.You don’t want me—”

“You can’t say that.”

Josie swallowed hard.“But I can.You’re not interested in me romantically—”

“Again, not true.If I was the old Bear, I would have pursued you hard.”A small muscle pulled in his square jaw.“You’re the whole package.Perfect.”

“But this new Bear isn’t attracted to me?”she whispered, torn between mortification and curiosity.She needed to know what he was saying, needed to know if there was a chance for them.

Dusky color touched his cheekbones.“I’m very attracted to you.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, but I won’t pursue you.I can’t.I made that decision a long time ago.”

“Why?”

He leaned back in his chair, brows lowering, light gray gaze narrowed.“It wouldn’t be right.”

He’d detached.Just like that.She could feel distance between them, the energy gone.“Why not?”

“You’re very young.”

“You’re only ten years older.”

“Eleven.Which is significantly older.And then I’m this—” He tapped the rim of his chair.“I’m not who I was, and I can’t give you the life you deserve.”

Her heart ached at that.“But you’re wiser now than you were before.”

“Wiser, and far more realistic.My life is full of challenges, and it’s not a life for you.It’s not a life I’d wish on anyone.”His jaw eased and he gave his head a shake.“And that’s not me feeling sorry for myself, I promise.There was a time I did feel sorry for myself, but I don’t anymore.I’ve come to terms with what happened, and the fallout, and the past is the past.I’m trying my best to live in the now, and that means living with integrity and keeping it real.”

She knew what he was saying, but she wasn’t buying into his view.It certainly wasn’t hers.That wasn’t to say he was wrong—he was allowed to have his own opinions—but her opinion was that he was limiting himself, narrowing his options—and eliminating her as an option.It would be one thing if he wasn’t attracted to her, but since he was, and as she was most definitely drawn to him, it didn’t seem right that he could decide what was best for her.

“I like you,” she said, voice husky.“A lot.I have from the first day we met.”

“That’s good, since we’re roommates and friends.”

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