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“That’s a great idea,” Bella agreed. “I’m thinking it will only be about fifty people. It’s short notice as well.”
“Are you going to tell Jay or is it supposed to be a surprise?” Billy asked.
“I was thinking of surprising him. He certainly deserves it.”
“Then I’ll remind everyone at the ranch to keep quiet about the details.” Billy finished his coffee and slid off his stool. “I’d better be getting home. They’ll be wondering where I’ve gotten to.”
Bella put down her mug and came around to his side of the counter. “I’m disrupting your life again, aren’t I?”
“Trust me, this is much more fun than inoculating cows.” He looked down at her, mischief dancing in his blue eyes, and she couldn’t look away.
“I’m glad to hear that.” She licked her lips and he stared at her mouth. “May I kiss you good-bye?” she asked.
He leaned in offering her his bearded cheek. She put her hand under his chin until their mouths lined up and kissed him full on the lips. It felt so good that she did it again, and with a groan, his lips parted, and she dove inside. He tasted like coffee, leather, and the great outdoors.
His arm came around her hips, locking her against him, and he took control of the kiss, pressing her against the countertop as she settled her hand on the back of his neck. He kissed with the same tender care he showed her in other ways, which made her feel so cherished.
Eventually he drew back and looked down at her for so long, she had to say something.
“Was I that bad? I am out of practice.”
“Not at all, I just . . .” He continued to study her. “I just don’t know what to do with this.”
“With me kissing you?” Bella asked.
“No, with me kissing you back.”
Bella smiled at him. “Well, if we both liked it, then maybe we should try it again sometime?” She held her breath.
He nodded. “I need to think about it. Is that okay?”
She shrugged, even though she was feeling pretty stupid now. So much for following her instincts like Maureen had suggested. She wasn’t a kid anymore, and actions had consequences.
“Nothing to think about.” She dismissed him with an airy wave of her hand. “Thanks so much for helping out today, Billy. I don’t know how I would’ve coped if you hadn’t turned up.” She walked toward the hallway to the front door and opened it wide.
He came after her and was still putting his Stetson on when she literally shoved him out the door, saying, “Bye! I’ll be in touch about the party.”
She shut the door and leaned against it. He’d definitely kissed her back, and if she hadn’t been mistaken, other areas of his anatomy had definitely been interested, too. What had she wanted him to do anyway? Toss her over his shoulder and head for the bedroom? A delicious shiver went through her as she contemplated that little fantasy.
Okay, so she wanted more, but she wasn’t going to pursue him. Maureen wasn’t always right. One thing being an adult had taught her was that patience and perseverance mattered far more than impulse. If Billy Morgan wanted more, then he’d have to work out how to ask for it without any further encouragement from her.
* * *
Billy almost fell down the stairs as he exited the top floor of the bar. Not that he wanted to get away from Bella. It was more a case of self-preservation—if he didn’t get away he might do something really stupid like bang on her door and demand more. He let out a frustrated breath as he continued out into the parking lot. She’d tasted so good.... He missed that kind of physical intimacy so much. He’d tried to be honest though. He really didn’t know what he wanted. The thought that Bella Williams liked him that way was still hard for him to get his head around.
Thinking about hard . . . Billy glanced down at his worn jeans. He was way too old to be worrying about embarrassing himself in public. He hadn’t expected to react to Bella’s kiss so fast, or so physically. With a groan, he checked his cell, and noticed he’d missed several messages from various family members. He’d been away half the day helping Bella, so he wasn’t surprised they were all worried.
