He ran his gaze over her face, as if trying to gauge her reaction.
Squeezing his hand, she said, “I understand, Cash.”
“If we fall in love, Dallas, I have a lot to offer you. Once I give my heart, it’s yours forever. And, I’m faithful. I don’t fool around. I work hard and manage my finances well. I love kids, and I want a family. Piper would be just like my own, if you’ll allow it. I’ll support you going to school any way you need. Of course, I’ll support your career. Just, I know being a lawyer means you’ll be crazy busy. All I ask is that you carve out regular time for your family, too.”
Her heart felt twice its size, filled with joy that this strong, caring man had laid himself bare to her. He was right. He had so much to offer her. Caressing his cheek, she said, “Cash—”
He covered her hand with his. “No,” he interrupted her, “don’t say anything—not right now. I wanted you here tonight because someday soon you’ll make a decision, and I want you to make it knowing what you’re choosing—or giving up.”
“Can I say one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
She smiled. “Will you kiss me?”
He stood and pulled her to her feet without taking his eyes from hers. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he grazed her mouth with the softest breeze of a kiss.
She moved to respond, but his mouth was gone. As she opened her eyes, he drifted another delicate kiss across her lips, creating a hot ache in her core. She stood on her tiptoes and moaned softly.
This time, he taunted her with the tip of his tongue, setting her on fire.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him down to her, taking his mouth, her lips moving hungrily over his. She wanted him. She would have him.
Cash slid his hand through her hair, slanting kisses on her mouth, caressing her tongue with his. Cradling her face, he branded her with his sensuous mouth. She twined her leg around his, pulling him closer still. Pulse pounding in her ears, she realized she had to stop. Her rampant body was taking her much further than her heart and mind were ready to go. Pulling back, she opened her eyes. Cash looked as wild as she felt. She bit her lower lip. “I’m sorry. I ... uh, I guess you can tell it’s been a while since I ... since Piper’s father, actually.”
He took a breath and smiled down at her. “You don’t need to explain anything. You were great. Really.”
“No, I’m not like this. At least, I didn’t used to be. I don’t know what I’m like now. I haven’t been with anyone in almost four years. But my body has a mind of its own. If I don’t watch out, it takes off and pulls me along for the ride.”
Cash grinned. “I’m aware of that one. I think men have that problem a lot.”
“Well, I can’t have problems like that. Not anymore. I have Piper to think of since everything I do affects her. I can’t forget that.” Shaken by her lack of self-control, she stepped back a step.
He frowned. “It takes two to go there. If you want to take it slow, we’ll take it slow. You just need to talk to me, okay?”
She sighed and looked down. “You must think I’ve lost my mind. I probably have. And, yes, let’s take it slow for now, okay?”
He was smiling. God, he was a wonderful guy. She smiled back and reached for his hand. “I had fun this afternoon. I love your ranch. Now I’ll be able to picture you here, sitting in this room, when we’re on the phone at night.”
Lifting her fingers to his lips, he gave them a gentle kiss.
That was a habit she was getting kind of fond of.
He led her toward the door. “Yep, this is where the action is all right. You ready to head home?”
On the drive back, Cash held her hand in easy silence. She turned to her window and smiled. Surely this would be the man she’d fall in love with.
THURSDAY EVENING, WHILE Dallas was shampooing Piper’s hair in the bath, her phone rang. She let it roll to voicemail, wondering who would call her at that time. All her friends knew she’d be busy with her daughter.
Once she had Piper bathed and in her pajamas, Dallas looked at her missed calls and was surprised to see Ethan’s name. They spoke at the office several times a day and the only other time he’d called her at home had been about the California trip. Settling in with Piper on the couch, they read two bedtime stories—their usual routine.
Later, while sipping wine in the quiet living room, she phoned Ethan.
He answered on the first ring. “Hi, Dallas. Glad you called back.”
“I apologize for the delay. I was busy bathing Piper when my phone rang.”
He hesitated. “Sorry, I didn’t think of that. I’ll call later next time.”
“I’m usually free by eight-thirty or so. What’s up?”
“My mother called this evening and said she’s coming for a visit next week. I want to introduce you. In fact, Mother asked to meet you. She said she’d make dinner—she’s a fabulous cook. I’m taking the afternoon off to help her. Mother loves having me in the kitchen as her
