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But something didn’t feel right.
Too fast.
Too new.
She placed her mug on the coffee table. “Actually, I’m gonna go.”
“Right now?” Tristan deposited the pan he was holding on the stove.
Mathew stared at her with confusion.
Dianna nodded. “I’m sure I can get a ride from someone. If I can’t, I’ll borrow a horse.”
“That’s ridiculous. I can take you.” Tristan moved over to where his coat hung on a coat rack and slipped his arms into the sleeves. “Mathew, get your boots.”
“No.” She said it too quickly, but as she did, she closed her eyes and held up her hand. When she opened them, Tristan was in front of her, holding her upper arms.
“Hey. It’s okay. I can take you,” he said.
She shook her head. “It’s not that. I just—I need to clear my head—alone.” Her gaze darted to Mathew and her heart melted. When she brought her focus back to Tristan, she gave him her best reassuring smile. “Everything is fine. I’m fine. Just let me catch my breath for a bit, okay?”
He frowned. “But—”
“Dad.”
They both turned to Mathew.
“Remember when I need a break sometimes?”
Goosebumps erupted on her arms and she rubbed at them furiously. This kid, who wasn’t even eight years old, knew exactly what she was going through. It might only be a temporary understanding, but there it was.
Tristan swung his focus back to Dianna and his hands dropped. “Sure. Okay.” He rubbed the back of his neck, putting some distance between them. “Would you like to come by tonight for dinner? With all of us?”
She swallowed hard, not sure if her anxiety attack would be settled by then. But then one more look at Mathew and it was like that small innocent face could ground her, reminding her she could do hard things. Dianna nodded. “How about we do dinner and decorate some Christmas cookies.”
Mathew’s face brightened and he nodded vigorously. “Can we, Dad?”
“Of course, bud. How about you go brush your teeth while I walk Dianna to the club.”
Without complaint, Mathew darted toward the bathroom.
Tristan didn’t close in on her, something she was grateful for. Instead, he tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “You okay? I didn’t overdo anything, did I?”
“What? No. Of course not. It’s totally all me.” She rubbed her arms again. “Sometimes I put myself in these situations and don’t realize how they’re going to affect me. I’m fine.We’refine. Promise.”
A line formed between his brows.
She moved forward and placed her hand against his cheek, fighting against her instincts to run and find shelter. “Last night was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I’m glad we did it.”
He covered her hand with his own, then turned his face and kissed the inside of her palm. “Good. Me too.”
Chills raced from where he kissed her down her arm and along her spine, causing a flurry of sensations.
“You’re certain you don’t want me to take you home? It’s not that far.”
Dianna nodded. “I’ll call one of my sisters. You cook some breakfast for Mathew, and I’ll see you later tonight.” She shifted to head toward the door, thinking how nice one more kiss would be. But she knew better. She needed to regain control of the situation the best way she knew how and that was by taking some time to herself.
And possibly distracting her racing thoughts by cornering Brielle and finding out how last night went for her.
