“About the kiss yesterday,” she says, taking my hand in hers, “I don’t regret it, Colt.”
The way she bites her lip, her eyes pained, unsettles me. “I don’t regret it either.”
Her hand squeezes mine. “I don’t have any expectations of you, Colt. I know you just got back. You have a lot on your mind. You have a lot on your plate. And this whole auction thing has made everyone a little crazy.”
I smirk. “You think?” Maybe it’s a dick move, but I don’t address the kiss ‘cause what can I say? I’m not ready to make promises I can’t keep.
We talk about Brooke and how Gentry is playing it cool despite his feelings for her. Seems a little to familiar.
“I don’t get it. He’s been into her forever. He knows she only bid on Nate because Liz and I were caught up in our weird battle for control. It had nothing to do with she feels about him.”
“Gentry’s not stupid. Somewhere in that knucklehead of his, he knows. But he’s tired. I think seeing my sister bid on someone that wasn’t him made him question if she’ll ever be into him.”
“She most definitely is.”
I laugh. “Yeah. She needs to figure her shit out, that’s for damn sure. But I’m not getting involved. I love them both.”
“You’re a good guy, Colt.”
My eyes heat as I take in the way her ample chest heaves as she strokes Maisie’s mane absently. Whatever’s going on with my horse passes because she finally stands, heading out of the pen and into the pasture.
I send a quick text to the vet and look at the most beautiful woman in Stone Ridge. “Thank you for coming. Maisie’s all right. Vet’s going to check her out tomorrow when he’s here for his regular visit.”
“You’re welcome.”
Her response is soft as her eyes dart between my mouth and my eyes.
“I want to kiss you so bad it fucking hurts.”
“Okay. Then what are you waiting for, cowboy?”
My hand slides behind her neck, and I pull her toward me. The world disappears as our mouths collide, hungry and desperate, my heart hammering against my ribs like it’s trying to escape. The gentle pressure of her lips transforms into something wild and untamed, my hands trembling slightly as they find her waist, anchoring us both. Each second stretches into eternity as our tongues dance, her soft moans sending pulsing heat down my spine.
Finally, I pull back, not wanting things to get out of control. Running my hand through my hair, I decide a distraction is best.
“You ever play mahjong?”
“Like, on my phone?”
“Nah, with tiles on a board.”
“I can’t say that I have.”
“Interested?”
“You are surprising, Colt Sawyer.”
“Back at you, Hallie Emory.”
Two games in the barn and one glass of wine later, we’re now on the back patio that overlooks one of my pastures. Tiki torches are lit. The outdoor heater is on. Maisie’s in the pasture where I can keep an eye on her.
“So what’s the deal with you and Liz?”
I put the lid back on the box. Hallie’s face is a mix of confusion and irritation.
“I don’t know. When I opened The Kindly Crumb, it’s like she thought I was competing with her. She started bad-mouthing the bakery and refused to do business with me.” The cool night air catches a wisp of hair as she pulls her jacket close. “Liz andI have learned to coexist as business partners, but this whole bachelor auction has brought out the mean-streak she’s kept hidden these last few years.”
I lean back in my chair, dragging a hand down my jaw. “Don’t let Liz fool you. Underneath that tough exterior is a soft heart.”
