Page 49 of The Cowboy's Surprise Return

And if she let down her guard, she might fall in love with this man.

“So? Did you get Jackie some flowers?” Daisy-Mae asked, resting a hand under her chin. “It’s Valentine’s Day.”

“I did, actually.”

Jackie felt herself blush, and looked down. He’d not just bought her flowers, but had inadvertently chosen her favorites. When she glanced up again her friends were watching her.

“You two are so sweet,” Daisy-Mae said.

“Us?” Jackie asked in surprise.

“You’re so… different tonight, Jackie.” Daisy-Mae was studying her. She focused on Cole with a look of wonder.

“I’m not. Just worn-out, that’s all.”

“She’s had quite a day.” Cole slipped his hand around hers and gave it a supportive squeeze while meeting her gaze. The kindness in his expression brought tears to her eyes.

No. No, she wasn’t going to cry. She wasn’t going to mistake his caring for something deeper.

She laughed, getting out of her seat. “I’m tired. We’d better head out.”

“Already?” Jenny complained.

Cole shifted in his chair, seeming reluctant to leave.

“I need a good-night kiss from my boyfriend, and since I’m tired and it’s going to be a very long kiss, we need to start now.” She winked at him.

He stood, jaw flexing, and with a sweep of his hand indicated she should go first. She patted his cheek on the way by and added an exaggerated sway to her hips.

At a narrow spot between two tables, his hand landed on her lower back to guide her, and she felt as though she almost lost the ability to walk. When they reached the doors, Cole collected their coats, then held Jackie’s out for her to slide her arms into. He turned her to face him, straightening her collar, then pulled it gently but firmly toward him, drawing her in for a long, deep kiss that did nothing to help the strength of her legs.

“What was that for?” she breathed when the kiss ended.

“Just reminding you of something.”

“What? That you’re my…” she paused, then lowered her voice “…fake boyfriend for the time being? I think everyone already noticed.”

His jaw flexed. “No, that when you’re with me you don’t have to act like you’re alone and scared.”

She felt her eyes dampen unexpectedly, and she whirled and headed outside before anyone noticed.

She wasnotscared.

“Good night,” Cole called to Laura and Karen, who were bent over a list near the doors. He joined her outside. The rain Maria had predicted was going to start soon, judging by the feel of the cold, damp air.

“I’m not scared,” Jackie said, her voice hard.

“Then what is it?” Cole had put his hands in his pockets, watching her from under the brim of his Stetson.

“I don’t want to end up looking like a fool.”

“I don’t want that, either.”

So he thought it was possible? Somehow that made it worse. She pulled in a deep breath for courage. “I like you, Cole. Everyone in town knows that.”

She waited for his reaction. He shifted his weight, but continued to listen.

“They’re waiting for me to get my heart broken. And that kiss…” Her voice got shaky.

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