Page 9 of Wicked Cowboy
Adrenaline rushed through me near her. I ran my hand through my short hair. “My father needs a nurse and he’s chased off two I hired this month.”
The idea coming out of my mouth might work. We’d fit together. However, she sat back in her chair like this was an everyday conversation for her. “I’m sure there are more nurses in Texas.”
I folded my hands and my skin singed with her nearness. “You’re tough enough to face me head-on, and besides my father is ornery and he needs someone strong willed and not easily offended.”
Her lips curled higher. “But I’ve been defensive without even talking to you first or seeing your life first.”
“I was wrong to assume I could just buy you out fast.” I licked my lips, wishing I could kiss her to know how she tasted. “But back to the point of our conversation. You have the girls’ best interest at heart.” I squared my shoulders. This was a mission I was on and wayward thoughts weren’t helpful. “I’d like to hire you to stay.”
She tapped her arm like she assessed my plan. “You want to hire me as a private nurse?”
My heart thundered, but I continued when I said, “And, nanny for Chelsea.”
Her entire face turned red and she shook a little. “I… ha… where would I live?”
I waved both hands toward either wall. Our house had ten bedrooms. “Here.”
She gripped her seat and then stood. Her face relaxed. “This is silly. I have retirement benefits, family. I’ll do what I can for Chelsea, but I’m not sure I can move here immediately. My license would need to be changed and I don’t know where I’d live. There are a million details I’ve never thought about.”
If she left, somehow, I’d have this gnawing sense I’d let her go. I jumped up to stand in front of her. “Then, how about we get married?”
She stepped back and almost tripped over my desk. “Wait. What?”
I reached out and that small touch sent a searing spark in my soul. “As my wife, I can pay you a six-figure allowance, health care, and retirement benefits.”
She avoided my gaze and stared at my shirt. “What about love and sex?”
I waited until I saw the ember in her eyes. “Sex is part of the discussion.”
Her face had a bright blush and her hands were fists at her side. “You don’t even like me.”
I used my thumb and pushed a stray hair out of her face and realized how delicate her skin was. “That’s untrue.”
She lifted her chin and my lips ached to kiss her. “I don’t want to be a stopover and be a temporary wife that you toss out in a year or so.”
I’d not dated anyone in a long while and it had been years since I was this attracted to anyone. I remembered walking next to Ridley years ago like it was yesterday. I didn’t want to break the connection. It was like I held an angel when I said, “I… can offer fidelity provided your offering the same and the bedroom is open.”
Her face was piqued. Her hands curled around my waist. “Give me one reason why I should take this seriously?”
I came closer to taste her. Our faces were inches apart and a shiver of anticipation rushed through me. “Because we both want the same thing for that little girl and her parents must have had a reason for naming us both. You flew thousands of miles and you were right that I’m not equipped to raise her, though she’s not going anywhere as she’s my responsibility.”
Her eyelashes fluttered closed as she said, “One day, you’ll want love.”
My lips pressed against hers and my entire body trembled. She’d be mine.
The kiss ended, and I said, “You’ll be enough for a lifetime.”
Tears welled in her eyes and she trembled in my arms. “Can I give you an answer tomorrow?”
Right. Reality. This was too much for her. For me, too. I stepped back and needed to take stock of what had happened. I tapped the desk. “I’ll have a room prepared for you. Dinner is at seven.”
She let out a small sigh and I knew she’d stay.
She’d accepted this much. I’d never be forgiven for the sins of my past, but a marriage of convenience ensured the girl had both of us, just as her parents had wanted.
Ridley might be good for me. I had a sense she belonged here. So I walked out to give her space to find her bearings.
Chapter 4
