She snuggled closer. “I can’t even imagine what this situation must be like for you. I want you to know that I really care for you, too. I mean that. If it helps, when I’m with you like this, I just know you’re the man I’ll spend the rest of my life with.”
He frowned. “Then you see your lawyer and get all confused again.”
She sighed, lines appearing in her forehead. “It’s awful. I can’t tell you how confusing it is. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I promise, I’ll figure it out.”
He patted her, keeping his expression neutral. They snuggled, near sleep, until Piper woke from her nap.
They spent the afternoon on horseback. Piper got to ride by herself in the corral, declaring that she was a cowgirl by the time she was finished. Cash had Dallas ride in the corral for a little while until she got comfortable giving the horse commands, then they rode all over the home pasture.
Cash had a big back yard where he barbequed the steaks, roasted corn, and even baked potatoes on the pit. By the time the oranges and reds of sunset streaked the horizon, they all had full stomachs. Piper played chase with Blue Boy. The dog seemed tickled to know someone who actually liked being chased.
Cash pulled Dallas into his lap. Their lawn chairs faced the colorful evening sky. “I’ve had the best day. I wish you were mine. You’d never have to leave. Just think of all the bedrooms Piper has to choose from.”
Dallas cracked up. “Well, that is a selling point I hadn’t thought of.” She cupped his face and brushed a soft kiss across his lips. “I had a wonderful day, too. You have a beautiful home here. I love it.”
“Well, the house has character, and the ranch is beautiful.” He caught her gaze and held it. “Dallas, I want my children raised here where they know their neighbors and the kids they go to school with. My kids will grow up loving animals and the land. They’ll go to church with me and love God like I do. They’ll learn to respect their elders and be proud of their country.” He held her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “Our children will have that life, Dallas.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “You’re offering me the world, and I know it. Thank you, Cash.” As she nestled her head on his shoulder, the last colors of the sunset faded.
Darkness settled over them, and Cash squeezed her. “Before you go, I want to tell you something. You never let me explain about the girl that kissed me at the club.”
She stiffened in his arms but held still.
“She had no right to do that. She’s one of Jesse’s ex-girlfriends. That girl was always coming on to me, even while she was dating him. She was drunk. I sure didn’t want her kiss or her piling into my lap. I’m so sorry you had to see it.”
Dallas didn’t say anything, but she gave him a quick kiss. He was forgiven.
Patting her leg, he said, “You’d better get on the road. Deer are a menace this time of night.”
He helped her gather Piper’s bag and toys and load her into the car. Not caring that Piper’s eager eyes were watching, he pulled Dallas in for a lingering kiss. When he drew back, he looked her in the eyes. “You think on today, long and hard, Dallas. You’ll know in your heart who to choose.”
She bit her lip, looking torn. “Oh, Cash...”
Kissing her cheek, he said, “Go on, now. Get home safe.”
THAT NIGHT, DALLAS turned over for the umpteenth time, her mind racing. Piper had fallen asleep in the car and didn’t wake when Dallas put her to bed. It being a work night, Dallas had gone to bed shortly after. But her thoughts tormented her, keeping her awake.
Everything about her day with Cash had affected her deeply. He’d acted like a different man, leaving her in no doubt as to what he wanted. She’d been overwhelmed. She was the luckiest woman alive to have Cash Powers care about her. And yet, here she was, unable to accept what he offered. At least, not now. Every aching breath she took told her she had to choose soon.
She remembered the passion Ethan aroused in her on the couch in their suite in California. And, after he rescued her from his mom, she had felt so protected and cherished. How could she forget the way she couldn’t keep her hands off him in the town car as they drove back to her house? He had the financial resources to provide everything for her daughter that Dallas had ever dreamed of as a child.
Flipping herself over again, she jammed the pillow under her neck. What the hell was wrong with her? How could she feel so strongly about two men at the same damn time? She couldn’t bear to hurt either man. Yet she could see that coming and she couldn’t stand it.
But in the end, she would have to choose. She’d tear the heart out of a good man.
Chapter Twelve
Two weeks later, Dallas leaned back into the deep leather cushion of the limo seat and wiped her hands on a napkin. Ethan had packed a wonderful lunch for the drive to Dallas. The symphony started at seven-thirty, but they planned on arriving early. They’d have plenty of time to check-in at the hotel and dress.
He passed her a glass of wine. “I can’t tell you how much I look forward to having you to myself this weekend.” He clinked his glass with
