Page 76 of Texas Splendor
His brother couldn’t have spoken truer words. Austin wrapped his hand around Loree’s and guided her from the room. The women’s laughter spilled out of the dining room. He cast a hesitant glance at Loree. “Did you want to join them?”
“Maybe later. I thought you needed something.”
“I do,” he admitted as he opened the door to Dallas’s study.
A low fire burning within the hearth served as the only light in the room. The drapes were drawn back to reveal the cloudless night sky, a thousand stars, and a bright golden moon. “I just needed a little solitude. I’d take you outside if it weren’t so cold,” he said as he led her to the window that covered most of the wall.
“I like being in here where it’s warm, knowing that it’s cold out there,” she said quietly.
He trailed his fingers along her cheek and cupped her chin. “I wanted to apologize for earlier, kissing Becky in the doorway … I didn’t know what to do … if I hurt you—”
“You didn’t. She and Cameron were friends, now they’re family. Our paths are going to cross constantly, and not always in ways we’d prefer, but I can accept that.” She lowered her lashes. “Besides, she looked as uncomfortable as you did.”
“Guess you could kiss Cameron to get even with me.”
“Now, why would I want to kiss Cameron when I love you?”
She ducked her head as though embarrassed while his heart pounded like an untamed stallion thundering over the plains. He’d heard those three little words before, in his youth, but they hadn’t managed then to bring him to his knees. Right now, he wasn’t certain how long he could remain standing. She loved him. This sweet little woman loved him.
“Loree?”
Loree glanced up and watched Austin dangle the mistletoe in front of her nose. She smiled warmly. “You don’t need that.”
She raised up on her toes, entwined her arms around his neck, and pressed her lips against his. He welcomed her as he had that first night when they had each needed comfort. His mouth was hot and devouring as though he couldn’t get enough of tasting her.
She hadn’t planned to tell him that she’d come to love him, but she had thought he needed to hear the words as badly as she did. She knew she couldn’t compete with his memories, but she’d grown weary of worrying how the past—his and hers—might affect their future.
She had this moment, when he held her as though he would never release her, this moment, when the world contained all that mattered: warmth, security, and the possibility of love. She had no doubts that he cared for her and treasured her. Maybe not in the same manner that he had Becky, but he had been younger then. Now and then, she would catch glimpses of the young man he might have been. She could not return to him his youth, but she could give him her love—unconditionally.
And if he continued to love another, she would not allow her love for him to diminish.
He trailed his mouth along the sensitive area below her ear. She felt as though the fire had jumped from the hearth and was surrounding her, flames licking at her flesh. He nimbly unbuttoned the top buttons on her bodice and dipped his tongue into the hollow at the base of her throat. She dug her fingers into his shoulders, needing his strength to prevent her from melting into the floor.
“Ah, Sugar,” he rasped, his breath skimming along the curve of her bosom, “why don’t we ever do this at home?”
She dropped her head back, giving him easier access. “Your promise, I guess.”
“My promise?” His lips moved lower. “My promise? Dammit to hell!” He pressed his mouth to the valley between her breasts. “I was only thinking of you, Loree. I swear to God, I was only thinking of you.”
He pulled away from her, braced his forearm on the window, and pressed his forehead against the glass, his breathing harsh and labored. Studying his tortured profile, she watched his Adam’s apple rise and fall as he swallowed. Tears stung her eyes. Without thought she had answered his question with the excuse that she gave herself each night when he simply held her and didn’t ask for more.
“Austin—”
Reaching out, he took her hand, brought it to his lips, and pressed a kiss to her fingertips. “We probably ought to get back to the others. I’ll need to pass out the presents soon.”
Turning he gave her a wayward smile and began to button her bodice. “You make me forget all about propriety, Loree … and promises.” He slipped the last button through its loop and straightened her collar. “One of these days, Sugar, I’m gonna kiss you untilyouforget about promises.”
“Promise?” she asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.
His eyes grew warm. “Promise.”
He slipped his fingers between hers, pressing his rough palm against hers. “Come on. My favorite part of Christmas is nearly here.”
His excitement was infectious as he led her from Dallas’s office. They’d create new memories to replace the old, and she imagined each Christmas would simply be more wonderful than the one that had come before.
They walked into the parlor. Someone had lit the candles on the branches of the evergreen tree. The flames flickered, making the shadows dance around the room.
The drapes were drawn open. The night eased inside. The fire in the hearth burned brightly. Everyone had gathered inside the room, some sitting, some standing, many of the children sprawled over the floor.
