Page 27 of Tangled Kisses
If she only knew how much. “Yes.”
Reese grabs her glass of wine, scooting back against the cushion. “I hate it, too. Sex, I mean.”
Did not expect that segue in the conversation. “Why?”
“After Vander cheated so many times, I wondered what was wrong with me. I know it’s his fault, but still that little voice in my head dropped ideas that if I were prettier, or sexier, or more adventurous, then maybe he wouldn’t have strayed.”
I didn’t think I could hate her ex more. But I do.
“Bullshit.” It bursts out before I can leash it. “First, itishis fault. All of it. You’re beautiful, Reese. Smart. Funny. Caring. You’re everything a man could want.”
“But he didn’t, except on his terms.”
“Screw what he wants. What doyouwant? That’s the important question.”
She downs another swallow of wine. “Honestly? I want a man who makes me tingle. Makes me believe in love. A guy who will bash through every wall and claim my heart.”
“Now who’s the romantic?” I keep my tone light, but inside I’m already mapping out my plan, because I want to be that man for her.
Are there obstacles? Absolutely.
Is she worth it? Every single one.
“I’m a wannabe romantic. Unfortunately, I’ve never dated a man like that. Not that I should dateanyman right now, all things considered. Funny, but it’s probably for the best that I’m working at a brothel.”
“Why is that?”
“Because no matter how attractive I might find one of the residents, they’re off-limits.”
The words spear through me. Not surprising, but Christ—it still feels like taking a bullet. I knew Reese wouldn’t consider anything with a man like me, but hearing it aloud makes it real, and real is worse.
Her gaze drifts back to the fire, while I sit here choking on the truth.
She’ll never be mine. So long as I work at the ranch, she’s out of reach.
The air in the cabin feels heavy, weighted with confessions neither of us was ready for. Enough moping for one evening. We deserve a bit of beauty.
I take the wineglass from her hand, set it aside, and stand. “Come on. Let me take you somewhere special.”
I gesture toward the front door—or at least I mean to. My hand slips the wrong way, toward the bedroom.
Reese peeks around me, her brow quirking. “In the bedroom?”
No, but yes, but no, damn it. Now I’m picturing her naked in my bed.
And now other body parts are waking up.
Cooperate, buddy. Take it down a notch.
I shake my head. “I meant the front door.”
She giggles, wiping her hand across her brow. “Whew. That’s good, because honestly? I wouldn’t know what to do with a guy like you. Wouldn’t know where to begin.”
She has no idea—noidea how fucking wrong she is. With her messy waves, her wide eyes, that old-Hollywood grace wrapped in modern vulnerability—she’s everything.
I pause, dragging my gaze over her. “Pretty sure you know exactly what to do with me. And I’m damn sure it’d be incredible.”
Didnotmean to say that aloud. From the shocked expression crossing her gorgeous features, she didn’t expect it either.
