Page 69 of Pure Temptation in Cowboy Boots

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

What a beautiful day. What an absolutely gorgeous day. “I think so.”

“You think so?” He scowled down at her. “What kind of an answer is that?”

She was glad she still wore the veil. It hid her smile. “He’s not being real clear about his intentions, so it’s hard for me to know whether he’s my boyfriend or not. But I’m pretty sure he is.”

Mac’s scowl darkened. “So he’s one of those wishy-washy types?”

“Let’s just say he’s a little confused.”

“And how do you feel about him?”

“I’m crazy about him.”

His eyes blazed and his grip tightened on her arms. “You can’t be.”

“Why not? He’s terrific.”

“Terrific? What do you mean by that?” His eyes narrowed. “Tess, have you and this guy... made love?”

“Not recently.”

“I don’t give a damn if it’s recent or not! Tess, how could you make love to another man? How could you⁠—”

“In fact, I haven’t made love to this guy since August,” she added gently. “I was wearing this outfit at the time.”

Understanding slowly softened the fierce line of his eyebrows and the glitter in his blue eyes. “Oh.” He swallowed. “Did I hear you say you’re crazy about this guy?”

She nodded.

“I can’t imagine why.” His voice was hoarse. “He’s an idiot.”

“No.” She reached up and touched his cheek. “Just confused.” She stroked the curve of his jaw with a trembling hand. She wanted him, no matter how long he could stay or what his terms might be. “Would you like to cancel that hotel reservation? No one in Copperville has to know that you stayed here during your visit, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I’m not visiting.”

“What?”

“I’m job hunting, looking into a couple of commuter airlines. I’ve come here to live.”

She reeled from the news. “Mac! What about the ranch? What about your parents?”

“They’ve hired someone to take over my part of the work. Telling them that I needed to go out on my own wasn’t easy, but it was the right thing to do. I should have told them sooner, but I guess I needed you to blaze a trail for me.”

“I’m stunned.”

His eyes grew shadowed. “Look, this puts you under no obligation. I’m not asking you to change your life just because I decided to come here. I mean, sure, I’d like to see you, and everything, but⁠—”

“And what do you mean exactly by and everything?” She moved her hips boldly against his and felt his instantaneous response. “This?”

He groaned softly. “Tess, I⁠—”

“And this?” She pushed the purple vest aside and brushed her jeweled bra against his bare chest.

His gaze smoldered. “You drive me insane, Tess. I’ve missed you so much I can barely think straight.”

She pressed her body against his. “If you can’t think straight, then maybe you don’t remember what you told me when we made love that last time.”