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“You waited to ask until there was no chance of anything happening between us. As much as we both may want this, something is still holding you back.”
She stared at the collar of his T-shirt, stunned by his perception of something she hadn’t even realized herself.
“And that’s okay. I can respect that and wait until you’re ready.” He moved in close and dipped his head down while framing her face with his hands to tilt hers up. “It’ll be worth the wait.”
She wanted to tell him she was ready, but he covered her mouth in a gentle, bone-melting kiss that weakened her knees and saved her from a possible lie. She reached up to grasp his forearms and hung on until he lowered his hands back to her shoulders and ended the kiss.
“Drive safely,” he murmured.
He started to pull away, but she gathered her growing courage and tightened her grip. “What about dinner?”
“I’ll grab something from the vending machine at the ranger station.”
“I meant, you and me, getting something to eat together.”
His words from the other day made him smile, then he gave her hers back. “As friends?”
“No.” With her heart pounding, she lowered her lashes and admitted, “I like your kisses too much to be friends.”
That got her a laugh. The low, husky sound swirled the desire simmering deep inside her.
“Dinner sounds good,” he said. “Tomorrow night?”
She grimaced. “I have to work the ranch cookout and hay rides. Sunday?”
“It’s a date.”
He leaned in to kiss her once more, then backed away and ran in a crouched position back to his ride. She raised one hand to shield her face from the whirling dust and watched until the chopper lifted off.
Chapter 25
Joel picked up his cell and programmed Brittany’s number in his contacts list before placing the call. He looked out at the gathering dusk and glanced at the clock. Eight-thirty. If she wasn’t done with work, he’d just leave a message.
By the fifth ring, he expected her voicemail message. “How’d you get this number?” was definitely not a recording.
Yet, there was a playful note in her voice that made him grin as he leaned back in his chair. “I’ve got my ways.” He liked the new level of familiarity they seemed to have attained.
“It’s on my background check, isn’t it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Mm-hm. I figured.”
“Done with work yet?”
“Almost. Then I’ve got to stop at the grocery store.”
“Imagine that. I was going to go to the grocery store.”
“Well, maybe I’ll see you there.”
“Maybe you will.”
“Bye, Joel.”
He hadn’t planned on such a short call, but couldn’t keep the grin from his face as he replied, “Bye, Brittany.” After hanging up, he noticed Randy at the door. “Heading out?”
“As long as you don’t need anything else?” the ranger asked.
