Montana Cowboy Daddy (Wyatt Brothers of Montana #3) - Jane Porter Page 0,52
local girls to keep you company?”
“This is a bachelor pad. No women invited.”
“Seriously?”
“You’re the first woman that’s been here.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
He gave her a long, unsmiling look. “I’m not a man whore, despite what you think of me—”
“I’ve never said that.”
“You didn’t have to. It’s implied in everything you say or do.”
“I don’t—”
“No, you do,” he interrupted firmly, but not unkindly. “Just because I haven’t fallen in love and settled down yet, doesn’t mean I view women as tissue—something to be used and discarded. I like women. I respect women. I’m not an asshole. I’m sorry I hurt April. I’m sorry she didn’t feel comfortable coming to me and telling me she was pregnant, because I wouldn’t have turned her away. I wouldn’t have told her it was her problem. I would have been a man and done the right thing.”
That was a long speech coming from Billy. Erika wasn’t sure she’d ever heard him put so many sentences together at one time. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
“I’ve always taken my responsibilities seriously.”
She rubbed her thumb along the rim of the warm mug. “Would you have married her?”
His features hardened, expression grim. “If that’s what she’d wanted.”
“Even though you didn’t love her?”
“Love might have grown over time.” He shrugged, his right shoulder twisting. “And if not, hopefully friendship would have been there.”
Erika hated the idea of April and Billy married. It was wrong of her, but it made her jealous, and vaguely sick. “I didn’t expect that from you.”
He didn’t reply and she dropped her gaze back to her mug. “And I imagine, April didn’t, either,” Erika added unsteadily.
“She should have come to me. I had a right to know that I’d created a child. I understand she was carrying it, but that it took two to make Beck, and I should have been involved from the beginning.”
“I don’t know what she was thinking. I didn’t even know Beck existed. She’d kept his birth from me.”
“Who knew then?”
“Her mom, my aunt. I don’t think my aunt even told anyone else. She was ashamed that April was a single mom. It wasn’t okay, not in our family.”
“I thought her mom was hooking up with different guys.”
“She went back to the church a couple years ago. She’s more devout than even her parents were.”
“Nothing like a reformed sinner.”
Erika knew it. Her mom had begun to spend more time with her aunt Sara. She was even dating someone in the Fundamentalist church. “Sometimes very religious families are the least loving of all,” she said, rising from the couch and pacing to the set of French doors with the view of the valley and the distant rugged red rocks. “You’d think my mom and aunt would have compassion for April, but no, she’d chosen a heathen lifestyle.”
“I’m not a fan of formal religion for that very reason. I think there should be a lot more compassion and forgiveness. People need love. I didn’t attend a lot of church when I was a boy, but Granddad read the bible to us every night and we always said grace and prayers. Granddad said the most important thing we could do was treat people well and to love. Love God, love your family, love your neighbor.”
She turned and looked at him. “And your enemy?”
“Probably love your enemy most of all, but that’s not as easy.”
“Which is why it probably needs to be done.”
“Agreed.” He looked at her a long moment, expression serious. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Why?”
“You seem… sad. Upset.”
“Now who is the therapist?” she flashed, forcing a light smile. “Would you like breakfast? I’m ready to try fried eggs, if you want them.”
“I’d love a shower first.”
“I’ll take Beck, you shower, and then I’ll make breakfast.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
She crossed to him and reached down for Beck who’d just drifted off. As she leaned over to pick him up her gaze met Billy’s and held. They were just inches apart, so close she could feel his breath on her lips and see tiny silver bits in his blue irises. He was gorgeous from afar and heart stopping close. She wanted a kiss. Wanted his warmth. She saw the moment he registered her desire. His gaze darkened and smoldered. Her mouth dried and a shiver coursed through her. Why couldn’t she kiss him?
Why couldn’t she do what she’d been thinking about?
Her gaze dropped to his mouth. He had a perfect mouth, perfect lips.
“A kiss won’t be enough,” he said, his deep voice raspy, scratching