Page 27 of Home to the Cowboy

He finally got his voice back—the one he’d lost when she’d opened her front door. Dressed in a light blue long, soft skirt and a white, figure-hugging top that left her shoulders bare and a pair of high heels, every single line he’d ever used telling a woman she was beautiful just vanished. He hadn’t been able to talk since.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Her voice wobbled. “You haven’t said a word since I’ve opened the front …”

Bending forward, he claimed her lips in a long, searing kiss. Out of breath, his pants way too small to accommodate her influence on him, he cupped her face. “That’s why. Do you have any idea how difficult it was not to drag you to the floor and make love to you right there on the carpet?”

Her eyes darkened.

“I’m not good with feelings, with talking about them or experiencing them for that matter,” he said. “When I’m overwhelmed—and you, June, you overwhelm me every time I see you—I don’t have words.”

Leaning forward, she kissed him. “That”—her eyes were bright with tears—“was the corniest and nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I have just one more question.”

“What’s that?”

“Where’s Daisy?”

Laughing, he kissed her again. “She’s with Cooper’s and Ellie’s pets.”

“Okay, great. Let’s go dance, cowboy.”

“Just a minute, I have something for you.” He took out a small square box. “When I saw this trinket earlier today, the color of the stone reminded me of your eyes and well …” He put the box in her hand. “I hope you like it.”

As she opened the box, her eyes widened. “This isn’t just a trinket, is it?”

“Do you like it?”

“Of course I do, it’s beautiful, but it’s way too expensive …”

While she was talking, he took out the necklace. “Turn around?”

“Dylan, I …”

“I like you June, and I want to give this to you. It’s no big deal. Come on, turn around.”

Slowly she turned. Inhaling deeply, his eyes roamed over her shoulders, taking in her soft skin, the slope …”

“Can I help you?” she interrupted his thoughts.

“I’ve never done this before, just a moment.” Concentrating, he unclasped the chain before he put it around her neck. As she lifted her hair, he fastened the clasp, using the moment to trail his fingers over her skin.

“Dylan …”

Dropping a soft kiss on her neck, he opened his door. “Wait for me, I’ll help you.” Jumping out of his truck, he rushed around to her side.

She actually waited for him. “You listened,” he teased. Lifting his arms, he helped her down. For a moment, he hugged her close. “You are so beautiful, I hope you know that.”

Touching the stone around her neck, she smiled. “Thank you. I love it, but …”

Grabbing her hand, he pulled her close to him. “Stop right there. Come on, gorgeous, let’s go dance!”

*

“Oh, how pretty,” June sighed as they entered the hotel. “Look at the paneled wood and, ooh, those light fixtures are something else.”

“We’re very proud of our Graff,” Dylan said, lacing their fingers. “It took two years to restore, but it’s a lovely place.”

“You’re here!” Willow called out behind them.