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Mr. Santos wasn’t personally handling the sale, but the man had inside contacts who kept him abreast of the property situation. “No nibbles yet. Are you considering going ahead with the purchase?”
She liked the man, but when it came to business she’d learned long ago to trust very few. “It’s still an option.”
She quickly ended the call. With no options left, she dialed Cord’s number and prayed he’d answer. If he had to hear the news, it was best if it came from her. After all, she was the one who’d located his ghost town in the first place. And then she’d been the one to sell the investors on Haggerty’s merits. Guilt gnawed at her empty stomach.
When Cord answered the phone, she dispensed with the pleasantries. “I have something to tell you.”
Her heart pounded in her ears. She was about to destroy any chance she’d have at a happily-ever-after with the cowboy of her dreams. This wasn’t something to do over the phone. She had to face him. He deserved that much.
“I have something to tell you, too.” His voice was warm and friendly.
“What would that be?”
“I’m glad you talked me into going to the town meeting last night. You came up with a really good idea about using the train to bring in more tourists.”
“You heard that? But I didn’t see you after my presentation about the resort. I thought…I thought you were angry about being pulled into the middle of the controversy.”
“I stepped outside so things didn’t get out of hand. But I did stick around long enough to hear your ideas of how to help the town. You really do care about Whistle Stop, don’t you?”
“I do.” And I care about you.
“Then come over. I think we need to talk.” When she didn’t respond, he added, “After we talk, I thought you might want to go for a ride. Maybe I’ll even saddle up Midnight Star.”
She closed her eyes, fighting back the storm of emotions colliding within her. Why did he have to wait until now to let his guard down?
“I’ll be right over,” she said, even though all s
he wanted to do was put off her part of the conversation for one more day…week…it’d never be long enough.
???
If only there was another way…
Alexis searched her mind again for an alternative for what she was about to do. For the umpteenth time, she came up empty. Why did life have to be so unfair?
Her hand hovered inches from Cord’s front door. Dread consumed her, making her empty stomach roll. She had an ultimatum for him—an ultimatum he wouldn’t like, not one little bit. She took a deep breath and rapped her knuckles on the solid wood door.
When Cord opened the door, his hair was damp and unruly. Her fingers itched to reach out and comb through it. Her gaze met his and held longer than was necessary. She swallowed the lump that lodged in her throat. This was going to be so much harder than she’d ever imagined.
“Hi.” He smiled. It was a real smile that lit up his face, not one of those forced smiles he’d used when they’d first met and he’d been suspicious of her. Now he trusted her.
That knowledge shoved the sword of guilt a little deeper into her heart. For a moment, she truly considered turning tail and leaving. How in the world was she supposed to do her job now when she knew it was going to destroy this relationship that she and Cord had worked so hard to build?
“Come on inside.” He stepped back, allowing her entrance.
His pleasant mood was only amplifying her guilt. Once she got everything out in the open, he’d never again flash her one of those dynamite smiles that lit up his eyes. It’d taken them so long to get to this point. And in the next few minutes, it’d all be nothing but a bittersweet memory.
“Ladies should go first, so tell me what you want to see me about. Were you planning to sweet-talk me into another horseback ride?” His eyes warmed to a honey-brown shade.
When she caught herself smiling back, she gave herself a firm mental jerk. Now wasn’t the time to get sidetracked. But maybe it wouldn’t hurt just to see what he had on his mind. After all, once she said her piece, she’d never find out what he wanted. “What I have to say can wait. Tell me what you have on your mind.”
He approached her and placed a hand on either side of her waist. “Well, if you insist. But first, I want to do this.”
He placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her head until her gaze met his. She wanted to fall into his embrace and promise him that they’d find a way to stay together. Yet, knowing it’d all be a lie, she didn’t say a word. She had to do what was best for Cord, and that meant making sure he kept his ranch—at least most of it. After all, what was a sexy cowboy without horses and cattle?
Without waiting for her to speak, he brushed her lips with his. She forced herself to hold back. His kiss was gentle and loving. She should pull away, but she didn’t have the heart to. She didn’t want this moment to end—ever.
As though sensing her inner turmoil, he deepened the kiss. Against her better judgment, she responded. She craved him with every fiber of her being. His tongue traced her lips before plunging inside. She draped her arms around his neck. With a needy moan, he tightened his hold on her until their bodies molded together like two halves of a whole.
