One Southern Cowboy - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,19

warmth stirring through her stomach. She traced the outline of his broad shoulders and chiseled torso. Sheesh. He was as cut as a bodybuilder. A lean, rugged bodybuilder. Jaxson was one hundred percent male—a cowboy to the core.

A grin tugged at his lips, making him look boyishly adorable. “I promise, I don’t bite.”

She giggled. “It’s not the biting that I’m worried about.”

His dark eyes smoldered with promise as they flickered over her. She wondered if he liked what he saw. She hoped so. She was in desperate need of clothes that fit, makeup, and hair products.

“Come ‘ere,” he murmured.

Heat wafted through her—a slow, delicious heat that titillated her senses. It was intoxicating, making her forget for a moment that she was a total basket case. Her breath ran faster as she went to his side and sat down. He shifted to face her. She caught the flash of pain in his eyes.

“Your ribs?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“I wish there was something I could do to help.” Her head turned back and forth. “I’m so sorry. If it hadn’t been for me—” She stopped mid-sentence when he placed a finger over her lips.

“Stop apologizing,” he murmured.

The gentle pressure of his finger drove her to distraction. She could hardly form a clear thought with him so close. This attraction was so unexpected, given her current situation. His eyes were warm and deep—the kind of eyes she’d never grow tired of looking into. Her breath caught when he touched her cheek. His thumb stroked her skin. His touch was light, exhilarating. He moved closer, his eyes going to her lips. She parted them expectantly, wondering for one wild second if he might kiss her.

Several emotions she couldn’t read flicked through his eyes, and then the moment passed. She swallowed, realizing it was for the best. She wasn’t in any shape to have a relationship. Her mouth started moving at warp speed. “I’m sorry about earlier. You know, for freaking out.” She laughed nervously. “You probably think I’m a complete moron.”

“Not a complete moron,” he joked. Laughter danced in his deep brown eyes, turning them to warm caramel.

“Hey,” she protested, nudging him. His hand moved to her hair. He stroked the length of her tresses. It felt so good and right to be here with Jaxson. As it happened the night before, she had the distinct impression of a key fitting into a lock. Did she have the courage to turn the key? No, not yet. Soon, maybe. As long as Jaxson was by her side.

“You don’t have to go through this alone. I’ll be here for as long as you need me.”

“Really?” she squeaked, tears rising to her eyes.

“Really,” he echoed firmly.

She loved the deep, confident timbre of his voice, how compassionate he was. He searched her face. The tenderness of his expression fit like a warm glove around her heart. She was having feelings for Jaxson … feelings that couldn’t have sprouted from nothing. She studied the sharp angle of his jaw, his even features. Jaxson had meant something to her at one time. She was sure of it. On the other hand, if they had been an item, then why weren’t they together now? Earlier, at the kitchen table, he said they’d been apart for years. Was that because he was married? A sudden fear stirred her breast as she glanced at his left hand. No ring, thankfully. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t involved with someone. A hot dart of jealousy ran through her as she chuckled inwardly, chiding herself. This was the worst time ever to get involved with anyone. She searched his handsome face. “Why’re you being so good to me?” People weren’t this good. No one did anything without a hidden agenda. She went cold all over as a face flashed before her eyes. A handsome face with black, cutting eyes. She shuddered.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he prompted.

“Nothing,” she said quickly, forcing a smile. “Tell me something good.”

He looked puzzled. “Huh?”

“Something good about my past.” She took in a quick breath, hoping it would help steady her erratic heartbeat. Somehow, in a way she couldn’t explain, she knew that the memories from her childhood were safe. It was the recent memories that lurked like ravenous wolves in the shadows, waiting until the flame of her resolve snuffed out long enough for them to pounce. I shouldn’t remember! Have to keep the lid on the box. She balled her hands to stay the trembling. She hoped Jaxson wouldn’t realize what little