Page 74 of Wounded Cowboy
The tingle of warmth in her chest blossomed into full-blown happiness.
Spring continued,“Even if things didn’t work out, think of it this way: you had the courage to try something new, and I admire you for that.” He sighed.“But I can’t tell you how glad I am to have you back in town.”
“So, how is Ms. Harwood working out as the girls’ new nanny?” she asked, genuinely curious about the retired preschool teacher who had taken over her old job.
Spring grimaced, running a hand through his auburn hair.“Claudia turned out to be a mean-spirited old witch.” He sighed, frustration clear in his voice.
“I’m so sorry!” Kelsey exclaimed.
“Not your fault. She looked perfect on paper. I fired her a couple of hours ago. Right now, Grandma Abigail is at the house babysitting the girls.”
Kelsey truly regretted that things hadn’t worked out with Claudia, but she couldn’t help thinking that this might be the perfect opportunity to get her old job back.“Do you want me back as your nanny?” she asked hesitantly.
“Yeah.” Spring looked deep into Kelsey’s eyes with an intensity that made her breath catch.“But I want more than just that,” he said huskily.“I’m in love with you. I missed you so damned much while you were gone.”
He rested his cheek on the top of her head. She snuggled into the curve between his neck and shoulder.“I was an idiot for letting you leave without telling you how I felt, and I should have fought harder for our relationship, but I’m doing it now. I just hope it’s not too late.”
Kelsey’s heart raced. Last month, she’d longed to hear those words from him before she left Snowberry Springs. Now, it seemed he was finally ready to commit to her.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. It had certainly made her heart grow fonder. And to realize what was truly important.
“Spring, it’s not too late,” Kelsey whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.“Every night while I was in L.A., I thought about you. Sleeping in my bed was so lonely without you.” Her voice shook with emotion as she continued,“I missed April and Abby, and all the other people here in Snowberry Springs. But most of all, I missedyou.”
As if pulled together by an invisible force, their lips met in another passionate and tender kiss.
It feels like coming home, thought Kelsey.This is where I need to be. This is where I belong.
The sound of Jenna clearing her throat brought them back to reality. They broke apart.
Kelsey’s face felt hot. Spring’s cheeks were flushed. They were both panting. Jenna stood in the doorway, grinning at them mischievously.
“Well, now I see what’s going on here,” she said, amusement dancing in her eyes.“Kelsey, Trashy TV Night is officially over, and I’m kicking you out. Go home with your man.”
“Jenna!” Kelsey exclaimed, half mortified and half laughing.
Spring chuckled.“Now you don’t have a choice, Kelsey,” he joked.“You’llhaveto come with me and spend the night at my house.”
Kelsey playfully rolled her eyes. But her heart pounded with excitement and anticipation.
∞∞∞
Spring felt happier than he had in weeks. Grinning, he watched as Kelsey put her hands on his hips and asked Jenna,“Did you conspire with Spring on this plan?”
Jenna shook her head,“Nope, all his doing.” She winked at Kelsey and walked away to give them some privacy.
“Truth is,” Spring confessed, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability,“I didn’t actually have a plan when I drove over here just now. All I knew was that I needed to see you.”
“No plan? You?” Kelsey laughed. She looked as giddy as he felt.“Who are you, and what have you done with Spring Snowberry?” she demanded jokingly.
“I’m right here, and I’m winging things for the first time in years. Just going with my gut, and right now, my gut’s telling me I want you to come home with me.”
Kelsey tilted her head and playfully narrowed her eyes, giving Spring a teasing smile.“You know, I’m not sure it’s yourgutthat wants me in your bed tonight, cowboy,” she drawled.
Spring guffawed.“Well, I can’t deny that my heart wants you there too, Kelsey. But if you’re not ready—” he began, only to be cut off by Kelsey’s quick response.
“Hey now, don’t go putting words in my mouth. I’m ready,” she assured him.“I just need to grab my overnight bag and have a quick chat with Jenna.”
“What’s to discuss?” Jenna demanded.“You both know what you need to do.”
