The Rancher and the Event Planner - By Cheryl Gorman Page 0,23
the idea of remodeling the old house, but this should be a resort, with a well trained staff, not a dude ranch.”
Rafe removed his hat and smoothed a hand over his head. “We want to express the values our community holds dear and a dude ranch will show the world what Salvation is all about.” He waved a hand through the air. “Not some duded up spa with a staff catering to a bunch of rich people.”
She brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. “You don’t think I have Salvation’s best interests in mind? You think I want to ruin things around here?”
He scratched his head. “No, I don’t think you’re trying to ruin things, but you’ve been away for a long time.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “And?”
“Look, I don’t mean to be a jerk. I just love this town, and I want what’s best for it.”
She relaxed her arms at her sides. “Believe it or not, so do I. We just need to find a compromise that’s all.”
Why was she suddenly being so reasonable? This wasn’t the way it was supposed to work. She would disagree with everything he said and he would start proving his point that he wasn’t good at relationships and they were all wrong for each other. “What kind of compromise?”
“You mentioned hay rides and barbecues. I think if we changed things up a little, it would work right along with my idea of dinner under the stars. Instead of hay, what about a ride in a horse-drawn carriage to a pretty little spot where a tent with tables and chairs and candles had been set up earlier? This way the guests would get their ride under the stars but with a bit more comfort. Instead of a hot fire and smoke from a barbecue, they’d be served in a more elegant setting. I really like the idea of cabins in the trees. Nice porches on the front with rocking chairs and lighted pathways will be beautiful.”
Damn, she’d twisted all of his ideas to line up with hers which meant they were beginning to join up as well.
She moved closer, her scent making his head spin and his senses buck like an out of control bull. She tipped her chin and gazed into his eyes with a kiss-me smile on her lips. He felt himself sinking as though he had stepped into quick mud only his attraction to her was ten times worse. Desire for her was alluring and tangled with a man’s reason until he didn’t know which way was up. Placing a palm on his shoulder, she shifted until their body heat mingled and reached for his hand. Her fingers grasped his, she lifted her arm and began a slow, easy dance. “Now imagine dancing under the Texas sky bursting with stars, fresh air, and the sound of a band playing.” Jennifer hummed a popular country tune as they moved as one under the leafy cover of the trees. “Like this. Like us. A taste of Texas, Salvation style.”
Why did she have to use the word taste? All he could think about was her lips, how they felt under his, their strawberry flavor, the way her breasts pressed against his chest when he held her in his arms. He could easily imagine dancing with her on a star-filled night with the beauty of the landscape surrounding them. She was luring him gently like he would lead a fractious filly or stud, showing him how safety and ease awaited.
Her lips parted on a sigh. “What do you think?
I think you look like a cowboy’s dream.
Before he could stop himself, he lowered his head and pressed his mouth to hers. She relaxed into him and his arms pulled her closer even as his brain fogged and drowned out the protest that kissing her put him solidly on the losing side. But, damn it, he was a flesh and blood man and there was only so much he could resist and resisting the temptation before him had proved impossible. He took the kiss deeper, his lips sliding over hers, one kiss blending into another, the need for her blinding him to reason. Her tongue danced with his, almost frantic at first then more leisurely as if they could go on kissing for the rest of their lives.
The rest of their lives?
Where did that come from?
He pulled from her arms, his pulse pummeling through his veins, his breath heaving. He wiped his hands