Page 45 of Wounded Cowboy
He didn’t want to stop. He was achingly hard, his cock straining against the walls of its denim prison. He was ready to tear off his clothes and make love to her right on this sofa.
And he didn’t think she’d say no, not the way she already had his shirt half unbuttoned and was stroking his chest.
Then guilt washed over him in a sudden tsunami. He broke the kiss and straightened, gently taking her by the wrist and pulling her hand out of his shirt.
“Kelsey, we have to stop. I didn’t mean for this to happen—I got carried away.”
“I’m not sorry it happened.” Kelsey looked up at Spring with wide eyes. Then she smiled, and her whole face glowed.“Wow. It’s been a long time since I’ve been kissed like that. You’re something else, Spring.”
He couldn’t help smiling back at her. She was so damned gorgeous with her lips swollen from his kisses.“How are you still single, Kelsey? Someone as beautiful and sweet as you should have suitors lining up around the block.”
Her cheeks flushed an ever-deeper shade of pink, and Spring found the sight utterly entrancing. God, what he wouldn’t give to have her naked in his bed right now, blushing like that all over.
“Just haven’t met the right one yet, I guess. And I took myself off the dating market a few months ago,” she said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She hesitated before continuing.“Because I’m planning to move to L.A. in September.”
“Wait, what?” Spring couldn’t believe what he was hearing.She’s leaving?
“Didn’t Abigail tell you?” Kelsey looked flustered.“That’s why my contract ends on August 31st. This is only a summer gig until the girls go back to school.”
“But I thought you liked it here in Snowberry Springs.” He heard the accusatory note in his voice.Crap.He needed to tone it down.
Kelsey sighed.“I do, Spring. It’s a really nice town and the people here are great. But I’ve always dreamed of living in a big city. L.A. always looks so glamorous on TV—the miles of beaches, the beautiful weather all year round… and no snow. The people in Southern California have never even heard of a block heater.”
“I get it,” Spring said, recalling his tour of duty in San Diego.“I liked Southern California too, but I could never leave Snowberry Springs for good. My family’s here, and then there’s the ranch, now that my dad has retired.”
A moment of silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts and emotions. Kelsey bit her lip, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
“Spring,” she began hesitantly, her gaze returning to meet his.“I just want you to know that whatever happens between us… I care about you and your girls. But this is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.”
“I get it, Kelsey,” he said, though he hated the thought of her leaving.“When I was still on active duty, Laura and I lived in Japan for a six-month tour of duty at MCAS Iwakuni. One of the things I learned while I was on deployment was that there’s no place like home.” He added,“Not to mention the importance of always having a good plan.”
She smiled at that.“I’m glad you understand, Spring.”
“Look, I know I’ve been a pain about the daily schedule this week. I want you to know that I trust you with my girls. You’ve kept them happy and safe. Which is more than I can say for myself. I still haven’t had time to fix that damned treehouse.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” She reached for his hand and squeezed it.“Being a single parent with a demanding job isn’t easy. I think you’re doing a great job.”
His cheeks grew hot as embarrassment washed over him.“Thanks,” he mumbled before clearing his throat.“Anyway, I’m going to finish my chores early tomorrow so I can start the repairs on that treehouse in my parents’ back yard.”
Kelsey glanced at the clock hanging on the wall and sighed.“It’s getting late,” she said, sounding apologetic as she rose from the couch.“And I know you have an early start again tomorrow. I should go. I’ll see you bright and early on Monday morning.”
Spring regretted that he wouldn’t see her for the next two days, but he couldn’t expect Kelsey to work seven days a week.
Only ranch managers do that, he thought wryly.
“Let me walk you home,” Spring offered.
The girls were safely asleep in their beds, and Kelsey lived a five-minute walk away. He felt confident that nothing would happen if he left the house for ten minutes.
“I’d like that,” Kelsey said.
Outside, the night air was filled with the rasping of crickets and the chorus of frogs from the stock pond. Overhead, the sky was crowded with stars, glittering like the rhinestones on the girls’ princess gowns.
He and Kelsey walked side by side in comfortable silence until they reached her cottage in the guest area.
When they reached her front door, she turned to him.“Well, um, good night.”
But instead of going inside, she just stood there, looking up at him.
