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Her warm hand was comforting. The way her body swayed to the rhythm made me aware of all things Anna. I drew her closer, feeling the softness of her hair against my cheek.
The scent of her perfume enveloped me. It was intoxicating.
Unable to keep my emotions at bay, I leaned in and planted a kiss on her neck.
Her body tensed before relaxing into my embrace. Happiness surged within me at Anna’s response. It was a sign that she was as aware of me as I was of her.
But the joy was short-lived. The moment I looked up, my eyes met Richard’s glare. He smirked then turned away.
The final notes of the ballad lingered in the air as the song came to an end. The sound of applause from the crowd rose around us.
We paused, still holding each other. To a passerby, we might be just two people lost in dance while surrounded by the lights and sounds of the festival. To me, Anna and I should be together in our own little world without any interference.
But it was obvious that another presence marred it.
My conversation with Richard was far from over. He wouldn’t let go of his ambitions for Harrington Ranch so easily. What if he made me lose Anna? If she discovered my past dealings with Richard from him, I’d have to kiss my hopes of spending a lifetime with her goodbye.
As we stepped apart, I could see the glow in Anna’s eyes. The way she looked at me as if I was the only thing that mattered. Something was brewing in her heart, and I guessed it was love for me.
I didn’t want to lose Anna.
Couldn’t afford to break that love reigniting between us.
There was only one option available to stop the impending disaster called Richard. I had to tell Anna about my past agreement with him. Better she heard it from me than from him.
I wondered how she’d react when she learned I’d conspired with Richard to acquire her ranch. Or that I’d tried to put Grandpa William in debt and buy the ranch from him. I shivered despite the warm night. Would she ever be able to forgive me?
I had to find a way to explain my mistakes before Richard twisted the narrative to his advantage. If I explained it myself, maybe I’d have a chance.
The worst part was that time was running out. The dance had been a brief distraction, but reality was more sinister.
I had to act, and soon, or risk losing Anna forever.
15
Anna
SittingbesideMaxinhis truck, I watched him as he drove down the quiet Marfa road leading to our ranches.
My mind replayed the night’s events, and my heart raced as a result. I could still hear his soft whisper, feel the tender way he’d held me. I wondered what a relationship with him would be like.
But then Beth’s warning echoed in my mind.
Unfortunately, the pieces seemed to fit too well. First, Richard bombarded me with letters. Then, I’d overheard Beth and Luna’s conversation. As if that wasn’t enough, I saw Max in a tense exchange with Richard at the festival.
Could it be a mere coincidence? Or were the rumors true?
I glanced at him as the rumble of the truck’s engine filled the silence between us. He seemed lost in thought, vulnerable. I wanted to believe in the sincerity of Max’s actions and the authenticity of his feelings.
Well, I would give him the benefit of the doubt and wait till tomorrow since he said he’d tell me later. If no explanation came forth, I’d have to ask him again.
When we finally got to the ranch, Max stopped the truck and turned to me.
He lifted my hand and brought it to his lips. His lips brushed the back of my hand, sending a jolt of warmth through me.
“Good night, Anna,” he said softly.
“Good night, Max.”
