Page 53 of Seaside Cowboy's Fairy Tale

Tex moved the brush along the mare’s mane, his mind whirling. “But it’s not like you can compare the DNA to someone from centuries ago.”

“No. Hmm. They both have cleft chins. It’s a dominant trait. But then, lots of people have cleft chins. I have a tiny one, too.” She touched the adorable tiny cleft in her chin, then resumed brushing the foal. “I also asked Kennedy, and she mentioned she talked to Irene about providing security to a hotel event. Kennedy told her she’d be out of town for the coming weekend. And one more detail. One of the people who danced with Anne Tandy the night the first ring was stolen is an acquaintance of Irene’s and a former client.”

“I imagine lots of affluent people are her former clients. But I’ll look into it and hope to give you peace of mind that she wasn’t behind the thefts.” He needed to save Rachel from disappointment.

Done with grooming, he put the supplies away. “Even if she’s involved in the thefts, I don’t understand why she would shoot at me.”

“She might think you know something you shouldn’t. Or there might be faked evidence to throw blame on you once you’re out of the picture and can’t defend yourself.”

He shuddered, even more grateful to have Rachel on his side. But she might get hurt because of him, and that terrified him. “I’d offer to take you riding, but I shouldn’t chance being a target out in the open fields and putting you at risk beside me. And I’m afraid for your arm.” He stepped toward her, his pulse spiking. “And I care about you.”

“I do, too. I mean, I care about you.” Her lips parted.

His blood surged faster. He placed his hands on her forearms, gently so as not to hurt her injured arm, and moved her out of the horses’ kicking distance. Her breathing went shallow, and so did his. The desire to kiss her was irresistible.

“I want to say... It’s... it’s the same for me. I’m not good with words. But I hope you know how much you mean to me,” she whispered, so much emotion in her hazel eyes sent his heartbeat skyrocketing.

“You mean everything to me.” He searched her eyes, knowing there was a silent question in his.

When she didn’t shift away, he dipped his head.

“I shouldn’t get distracted.” Contrary to her words, she angled her face to him as if to give him easier access to her lips and wrapped her arms around his neck.

A man could have only so much willpower. “We’re safe here. And the horses will warn us if a stranger gets near.”

When his lips brushed against hers, she responded without hesitation, and every cell in his body sang with delight. He closed his eyes and deepened his kiss. His heartbeat went into triple digits, and he was swept up into a new world he didn’t want to leave.

Neverwanted to leave. Because he found happiness in her arms. Euphoria filled his body and soul.

At that moment, he realized it—he loved this woman. Pure and simple. Now and forever, she was the one for him. It was as if God had meant her for him.

She was the first to pull away, and he’d have held onto her longer. Then she jumped back, her hand in her purse again. The horses neighed.

He was still in a mental daze. “What... what happened?”

Did she regret their kiss? The thought stabbed him.

Darius cleared his throat. “I, um, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Rachel’s posture relaxed a bit but not completely. “Not a problem. But I should’ve heard you enter.”

“Well, I move quietly.” Darius shifted from foot to foot. “And, erm, I was just about to leave.” He turned around and hurried outside.

Tex looked into her eyes, eager to kiss her again. But her eyebrows drew together, and she looked aside. “I should’ve heard him enter. What if it was someone else? What if that person shot at you? I—It was wrong of me to get distracted.”

His stomach slipped to the floor. To him, their kiss was magical, the best ever, and led to probably the most important revelation of his life. To her, it seemed to be a nuisance.

Was he wrong, and she didn’t respond to his feelings? “Don’t blame yourself. I was the one who kissed you.”

The horses neighed again, and a few raised their heads, nostrils flaring as if sensing the tension. He didn’t want to add to their worry. He took her hand. “Would you like to go back to the house?”

“We’d better.” She removed her hand from his, sending another stab of disappointment. “Sorry, but while my right arm heals, I might have to shoot with my left hand, if needed. I can’t hold hands right now.”

“Of course.” His mind understood her reasons, but the rest of him not so much.

At the exit, she lifted her hand. “Hold on. Let me check outside first to make sure it’s safe.” So she did, then waved for him to follow her. Since he was used to being in charge, a part of him balked at being a follower, but he reined it in.

They stepped out, the bright sun and the scent of grass greeting them, and with a clarity akin to that sunlight, it dawned on him that she was right. He was a pragmatic man, but he was so taken by her that he’d ignored the obvious.

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