Page 12 of Pure Temptation in Cowboy Boots

“Not crazy.” He laid down his fork and gave up all pretense of eating. God, she was beautiful. Not cute, not attractive, not passable. Beautiful. He’d never admitted that to himself before, but he’d probably always known it on some unconscious level. He’d been entranced watching her talk about their future adventures in New York.

“Then you understand?”

“Yes.”

She sagged against the table, and her sigh was heavy with relief. “Thank goodness. I wondered if I’d ever convince you.”

“I’m convinced.”

“Then you’ll help me? You’ll find someone and introduce us?”

Maybe he’d known all along what he had to do. Maybe he’d just needed time for the inescapable truth to settle upon him. But now he could see no other way. It was dangerous, extremely dangerous. A great deal was at stake. Still, it was the only answer, and he was man enough to accept that, along with the consequences.

He took a deep breath. “I don’t have to look for someone. I already know who will do it.”

“You do?” Her eyes grew bright, her cheeks pink. “Who?”

“Me.”

Chapter Ten

Tess gasped and put her hand over her mouth. She felt as if someone had dumped a bucket of warm water over her. Oh, God. Mac. Could she do it? Her imagination quivered and danced around the idea, unable to focus on the possibility. Her heart beat so loudly she thought he might be able to hear it. Mac. Oh, dear. How delicious. How impossible. How frightening. How lovely.

“Unless you don’t want me to.”

She was having trouble breathing, let alone talking.

“It’s okay if you don’t. I might not be... what you want.”

“I...have to think.”

“Sure.”

Although she was caught up in her own turmoil, she sensed his vulnerability. “I’m honored,” she choked out.

“Honored?”

“That you’d even consider... that you’d even be willing...”

“Better me than anybody else I can think of.”

“Is it...” She paused and squeezed her eyes shut. “Such a sacrifice, then?” At his astonished laughter, she opened her eyes.

“Are you kidding?” He stared at her in wonder. “If word got out that you were in the market, the line outside your door would stretch all the way to the Nugget.”

“You think?” He’d never, ever given her such an extravagant compliment about her sex appeal. His compliments on that score had been nonexistent, come to think of it.

“You could have your pick,” he said. “You don’t have to settle for me. I just thought⁠—”

“That I’d feel more comfortable with you. Thank you, Mac. And I probably would. Once I get over the shock.”

“Take your time.”

“You won’t change your mind?”

He shook his head.

“But what about my brothers?”