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Then Evangeline’s leaping up and my fear eases. “Uncle Cole!”

Face hidden in the shadow of his hat, he wrenches open the screen door and steps inside. As soon as I look up, my mouth waters.

My god…this man…

Cole wears boots, a big belt buckle with a bull on it, and a pearl-snap shirt with the cuffs rolled up on his tan forearms. His blue jeans strain tight over his thick thighs.

“Hey, princess.” My stomach takes a nosedive as he catches his niece in his arms and tosses her onto his back. The man has a way with women. Just not me.

“You’re always here.” I stand.

“Could say the same about you.” His eyes scan the length of me. I wear clear stilettos, gray shorts rolled at the waist and a sports bra.

Fuck.

Don’t ask, please don’t ask.

He doesn’t.

But Evangeline does. “What are you doing, Delilah?” Cole’s mouth is pursed in a frown, but his lifted eyebrows betray his interest.

“Dancing. Well, trying to. The space is small, so I moved some things around.”

“In those?” Jaw dropped, Evangeline points at my stilettos.

“My favorite is ballet.” Reaching into my duffel bag, I pull out my tattered pink ballet shoes. “These are my pointe shoes. I practice in these sometimes too.”

Evangeline’s arms thread around Cole’s neck. She squeezes and he fights a cough. “Can I do dance, Uncle Cole?”

He lifts his eyes to her. “You’ll have to ask your father. Who is looking for you.” I smother a smile as he gives her a frown. It looks like it takes effort, even for him. “You know better than to run off like that.”

At her pout, Cole sets her on her feet. “It’s time for your medicine, Bugs.”

“I hate it.”

“I know.” He dips his chin. “But get on back to the homestead or else you’re gonna get a bear hug.”

Evangeline squeals. “No, Uncle Cole, no! Your whiskers hurt.” She spins and waves. “Bye, Delilah.” Then she’s out the door, rushing across the green grass to her home.

“Sorry.” I step closer to him. He smells like leather and sunlight. “I didn’t know she wasn’t supposed to be here.”

“Not your fault.” A muscle flexes in his jaw as he stares after his niece. “She has epilepsy. Got diagnosed a couple of years ago. Everyone’s a little on edge, especially Ez.”

“You’re good with her.”

“I try to be. I haven’t been around much. She’s one of the reasons I came home.”

“How long have you been back?” I tilt my head.

“Six months.”

I wonder where he’s been. Wonder at the sadness, the guilt that’s etched on that handsome face. This massive, stoic cowboy looks like he’s carrying a heavy weight on those broad shoulders.

Up close, I take him in. The salt and pepper at his dark temples is barely there, but I see it. And I like it. Feeling brave, wanting more, I rest a hand on the brim of his black Stetson. He stiffens but doesn’t pull away as I tilt it up. “You have nice eyes, Cole.”

“Shouldn’t be talkin’ about my eyes,” he gruffs, and I smile at the unease that strains his voice.

“You’re too serious for your own good, you know.” I bite my lip. “You should have some fun. Smile more.” I bet his eyes crinkle at the corners when he does. I’d love to see it.