The Cowgirl's Chosen Love - Vivian Arend Page 0,69

kisses were to die for. Shiver-inducing, tempting, and addictive.

There was so much to enjoy in that moment, as she twisted toward him and tangled her fingers in his hair. Mindful of the previous night, she didn’t try to speed up, just enjoyed where they were right here and now.

He was the one who took it up a notch, hunger rising. One hand stroking the side of her neck until he cupped her breast intimately. Simply holding her while his lips moved, as if he were attempting to memorize every inch of her mouth.

When he separated them, she gasped for air, head spinning slightly.

Zach opened his door, reaching back to extend a hand to her. “Come on. Let’s go for a walk.”

He led her down a wide path, the sound of birds rising over their heads along with a low rush of wind in the treetops. Neither of them spoke, just enjoyed the views and the rising sound of rushing water.

Only five minutes later, they popped out of the trees. Over by the river, a small bench sat along the ridge, strategically placed behind a safety railing.

Julia leaned forward until the waterfall below them came into view. “I didn’t know this was here.”

Zach rested his elbows on the railing, gaze fixed ahead. “Most people in town head to Heart Falls instead of this one. This is just a little drop and tumble compared to how spectacular the falls are right by Silver Stone ranch.”

“They are pretty amazing,” Julia agreed. She took a deep breath, the faint mist of the water washing her senses with the rich scent of moss and moisture. “But I like this type of waterfall as well. It’s wild and alive, dancing over the rocks.”

Zach pointed upstream. “Definitely wild.”

She followed the aim of his finger and watched with joy as a deer poked her head out of the trees. Sliding forward slowly, a pair of fawns followed cautiously.

Julia glanced back at Zach. “You think they were born this year?”

He dipped his chin, his gaze fixed on the trio as they made their way to the water to steal a drink. The happiness on his face was so clear, Julia was mesmerized.

She’d rarely seen guys so open with their emotions. Well, okay, they tended to show anger readily, or frustration. But with Zach, he seemed to have no problem letting others see that things were okay. That he was having a good day, and wouldn’t you like to have a good day along with him?

Kind of Mister Rogers in a western setting. She snickered in amusement, unable to stop herself.

Zach bumped his shoulder into hers. “What?”

He probably wouldn’t be pleased to know she was comparing him to the children’s performer, but then again—

Maybe he would.

All she knew for certain was spending time with Zach was a whole lot easier than she’d ever expected.

They walked, and they drove, enjoying easy conversation, and the afternoon passed too quickly. He took her back to grab her car, and they headed over to Tamara and Caleb’s for dinner.

The evening passed smoothly with all of her sisters working in unison, tag teaming on George Coleman when needed, but even that seemed natural. And it wasn’t necessary very often, because Grandpa George, or Geegee, was in a great mood. He had stories to share about his day with Josiah, and the little girls ate it up.

With Zach at her side, and her sisters guiding the evening, the only thing really on Julia’s mind now was what would happen later when they got home.

As much as she wanted to fool around again, being far too aware that her dad was on the other side of the wall was a great deterrent to rushing forward.

When it was finally her and Zach in the bedroom, Julia found herself blushing madly. Folding her clothes as if putting them away as neatly as possible was vital before she joined him.

He was tucked in on his side of the bed already, book in hand, glasses in place. Julia snuck glance after glance his way before he snorted, gaze still fixed on his book.

“No matter how hard you look at me, I’m not going to disappear,” he warned.

“Not sure if I want you to disappear, or my dad,” she confessed.

Zach met her gaze, reaching over to pat the bed beside him. “Sweetheart, relax. Tonight is a cuddle night, nothing else.”

She paused in the middle of pulling back the quilt. Frowned. “Oh, really?”

“Uh-huh.” He flicked a finger at her journal resting on the