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“I’ll just let you rest.” He started to walk away.
“Don’t go.” She couldn’t decide which was more distracting—drinking in his sexy image with her eyes or fantasizing about him when he was out of sight. “Why don’t you sit down?” She drew up her knees, making room for him next to her on the couch.
She didn’t know why she’d made the move, considering there were two overstuffed chairs and another couch in the spacious living room, but he accepted her gesture. In the background, the fire hissed and popped. With the setting sun casting long shadows over the room, she realized just how cozy a setting they’d created. If she were to straighten her legs, they’d end up in Cord’s lap. She closed her eyes, imagining his long, skillful fingers working their magic over her toes, her feet, and up her legs. Mmm…
“Are you all right?”
The sound of Cord’s voice had her eyes snapping open and heat stinging her cheeks. “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? It isn’t quite time for more acetaminophen, but I can check with Doc Willard to see if you can have it a little early, or maybe he can give you something stronger if you need it—”
“No. Don’t.” She reached out, squeezing his arm in an attempt to reassure him. But the contact sent shivers of awareness cascading up her arm and down her spine. “I don’t need anything. My hand is getting better.”
“Are you sure?” He sent her a disbelieving look.
“Positive.” She held up her injured limb and flexed her fingers as proof. Her joints were still a bit stiff, but she was certain it was just a matter of time until she was completely better. “In fact, I’m so good you could take me back to the motel—”
“Don’t start again. You’re staying. Got it?”
“My, you’re bossy.” She smiled, letting him know that she was teasing him. Her good hand was still on his arm, and she had absolutely no desire to move it. “You’re a great guy…even if you are a bit stubborn at times. I’m surprised someone hasn’t snatched you up.”
He pulled away. “I was married. She decided that I wasn’t such a great catch and threw me back.”
Alexis knew it was none of her business, but she couldn’t help herself. “Were you married long?”
“Almost five years. Now she’s off pursuing her dreams.” His tone held a note of discord.
“I couldn’t imagine giving up a home like this and such a great guy.”
He got to his feet, strode over to the large picture window, and stared into the night. “You don’t know what you’re saying. This place couldn’t compare to the excitement of New York City. You wouldn’t like it here. You’d grow bored and restless.”
Alexis got to her feet. Her bare feet moved soundlessly over the wood floor. She joined him by the window, noticing the last shades of the fading sun on the distant horizon. Her gaze moved to him, and her voice came out soft and sultry. “I’m sure I could find something to keep my attention.”
“You shouldn’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Flirt with me.”
Was it still considered flirting if she meant every word? “Why not? What if I’m serious?”
Was that a groan she heard? A smile tugged at her lips. Common sense warned her to leave well enough alone, but she couldn’t recall the last time she’d enjoyed herself this much.
His dark eyes met hers. “Lexi, you don’t know what you’re asking.”
“I take it you don’t date much?”
He shook his head. His gaze dipped to her lips. Her stomach somersaulted. He was going to kiss her again. Her heart fluttered, and the little voice in her head that talked reason drifted away.
“It must get pretty lonely being out here all by yourself.” Her voice was soft. “Maybe you should consider getting yourself a dog. I hear they’re good for companionship.”
His gaze lifted, meeting hers. Unmistakable desire flashed in them. “I have a better idea.”
She knew what he had in mind, because she had the same thought. “What might that be?”
“It might be better if I show you.” He stepped closer, pulling her into his arms. There was a moment of hesitation, as though he were waiting for her to pull away.
She wasn’t going anywhere. There was something special about this cowboy—something that drew her in. The place where his fingers rested against her hips grew warm, as though his fingerprints were now tattooed upon her skin.
