Page 19 of Tangled Kisses
Funny how similar we are. “I’ve been known to do the same thing. Come on, let me show you the ranch. There’s a lot of beauty around here.”
After showing her the main house, I duck into the kitchen and grab a picnic basket from Geraldine, ensuring I steal a few extra pieces of her cornbread and a bottle of wine.
Hey, it’s damn fine cooking, and I want Reese to feel welcome here.
I desperately want her to stay.
I hold open the side door, leading her down the dirt path toward the garage. “Ready for the best part of the tour? The house is nice, but the grounds are what make it special.”
“You seem like the outdoor type.”
“Absolutely. I grew up outside. Horses, baseball, hiking. That sort of thing. You enjoy the outdoors?”
Reese wobbles her head. “Sure, although I’m more accustomed to the concrete jungle. Opera, ballet, the theatre.”
“Those are good too.” I’m not lying. I have high-dollar clients, and they love to show up on opening night with me on their arm. I simply trade in my jeans for a tux and play the part.
That’s what I do.
Except for now, in this moment, where I’m being totally myself—and terrified that won’t be nearly enough.
We continue down the path, winding toward the clapboard barn that houses the ATVs.
I walk behind Reese, offering a reassuring smile whenever she glances over her shoulder.
“Down here?”
“Yep, just be careful. It can be a bit slick after the rain?—”
Too late.
Reese’s foot slips on the rock, but this time I’m close enough to catch her before she hits the ground.
My arm wraps around her waist, pulling her flush against me as I steady her. “Easy, belleza.”
She reaches back, fingers brushing my thigh before sliding up to clutch my forearm, holding tight like she doesn’t realize she’s doing it.
I should let her go. I don’t. My hand stays splayed against her stomach, fingers brushing the curve of her ribs.
She feels so damn good.
I duck my head, my lips grazing her ear. “Are you okay?”
“I swear, I don’t make it a habit of falling on my ass. Seems you bring it out in me.”
“You falling at my feet?” My voice drops, huskier than intended. “While I appreciate the gesture, I’d rather keep you safe. Upright.”
We realize at the same time how it sounds.
She wriggles free, tucking her hair behind her ears in a nervous move that damn near kills me. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Neither did I.” Heat creeps up my neck. “I just meant I want you safe and…”
Reese laughs, burying her face in her hands. “I’m exhausted, so that’s my excuse for behaving like a high schooler. What’s yours?”
“You.”
Her head jerks up. “Me?”
