his cabin, or out to the stable, or off to the waterfall, but as much as he’d wanted to do that, he was more surprised to find that he loved being with her in front of three hundred guests.
He’d loved feeling like half of a couple, loved that every time she came near him, he just wanted to touch her. Loved that when he did touch her, he didn’t see fear in her eyes anymore.
And now? Now that the dancing was done and the guests had gone home and the moon had risen? Now he just wanted to take her face in his hands, explore every curve with his fingertips, kiss her gently until she trusted him, opened to him, wanted him back.
His fingers practically hurt from holding back, but he knew at this point, if there was any chance for him, it had to be her move. He didn’t know what had happened to leave her so skittish, but skittish was one emotion he did have experience with—and he knew all he could do was wait.
“Come here, Jess. Just be with me. No pressure.” He saw her eyes skitter, first left, then right, as she battled herself. God, to be in her head, to know how to make everything all right for her again. But he could only do what he knew how to do. Could only do what came naturally.
He reached out his hand, kept his voice low and even.
“Trust me, cowgirl.”
Chapter 25
Jess gulped, hoping he didn’t notice. She was so damn tempted. They’d just spent the day celebrating their best friends’ wedding. They were both single, and here they were, late at night, all alone and yes, crazy-hungry for each other. She knew that. Knew she wanted to get closer to him, wanted to give in to the feelings flying through her body, wanted to kiss him again.
So why wasn’t she moving toward him? Why couldn’t she just let down her guard and go to him? It was Cole, for God’s sake. She was perfectly safe with him, wasn’t she? So why couldn’t she let him kiss her? Touch her? See where things might go?
Because.
Because Cole deserved better. He might sail through life on his charm and looks and sense of humor, but underneath all that bluster was a man who loved his family, loved his land, loved his job. He was going to live out his years right at Whisper Creek, and be happy doing it. And when it was time, he’d want to pass the legacy on to his children.
Children.
Right?
“Cole?” She hated that her voice was shaky. “Where do you see yourself in—I don’t know—ten years? Six months ago you were ready to pack up and go. Are you really sure you want to stay here now? Forever?”
He paused for a moment, then sat back up, looking a little defeated. Guilt stabbed at her for making him feel rejected. If he only knew how much she wanted him right now, in so many ways.
Just maybe not the ways she could deliver on.
He picked up his hat, spun it slowly on one wrist. “Forever’s a long time. But in ten years?” He sighed. “Well, given my track record right now, I’ll probably be sitting here alone in this hayloft wondering what happened to my life.”
“Be serious.”
“God, Jess. I don’t know. Ideally? I guess I picture myself living here on the ranch, happily married with a bunch of kids and ponies.”
She nodded painfully. Exactly.
“But here’s the thing. I’ve never once felt close enough to a woman to imagine her in that picture.” He paused, lifting her chin so she had to meet his eyes. “Until you, Jess.”
She swallowed, couldn’t speak for a moment. Then, “Why me, Cole? Why do you think I could be part of that picture?”
He shrugged slowly. “Because you fit here—which sounds terribly romantic, right?” He smiled. “Jess, I feel like I’ve known you forever, and at the same time, I feel like you’re a mystery inside an enigma. And I’m just dying to figure you out. Damn, woman. I can’t get anything done around here this week because I can’t stop thinking about you.”
He stopped. “But I have to admit, I’m having a real tough time figuring out how you feel.” He put up his hands. “And I know this is all new, and maybe it feels strange, and maybe you’re wondering if I’m just panicking because everybody else has their futures all mapped out except for me, and I’m just grabbing for