She felt downright giddy. “Guess you’re stuck with me.”
“Good.” His smile warmed her through, confirming what she’d known but been fighting. She had fallen in love with this stubborn, beautiful cowboy.
Chapter Ten
Archer was a private man; his business was his business—no one else’s. But tonight was different. Holding Eden’s hand felt right. If anything, it kept the awkwardness of social situations at bay. People were watching them, but giving them space. When she tugged him onto the dance floor and slipped her arms around his waist, he didn’t resist. How could he? She was in his arms, swaying in time to the music, resting her cheek against his chest. She fit, right there, pressed close. Chances were she heard how out of control his heart was. But that was her fault. He’d held on to her until the music stopped and he had no excuse to keep her against him.
It had been a long time since he’d felt carefree. But showing her every shop on the square, sharing stories about his neighbors and his childhood memories, reminded him there was life outside the refuge. Life he should stop and enjoy when he had the opportunity. Like now.
He bought an iced lemonade and a funnel cake and led her to a wrought iron bench beneath a huge Spanish oak.
“That doesn’t look very appetizing,” she said, eyeing the funnel cake.
“Try it.” He offered her a bite.
She leaned forward, opening her mouth so he could feed her. Powdered sugar rained onto her chin, so he held out a napkin.
“Right there,” he said, pointing out the sugar. “And there.”
She was smiling, laughing—so was he. What more could he want or need?
“This is dangerously yummy,” she said, tearing off another piece and popping it into her mouth. He paused, mid-sip, to watch her lick the powdered sugar from her fingertips. “Mmm, sweet. Maybe a little too sweet.” She wiped her lower lip with her thumb before sucking her finger into her mouth.
And every lick had his body reacting. Archer was in pain. Sudden, hot, aching pain.
“Archer?” she asked. “Want some?” She offered him a bite, holding her hand out.
She had no idea how tempting she was. A temptation he wasn’t going to resist. His fingers encircled her wrist as he stared at the dusting of sugar on her skin. Her skin, coated in sugar. How sweet would she taste? He wanted to find out. He sucked the fried dough she offered into his mouth, letting his tongue slowly trace the dip between her fingers.
Sweet didn’t begin to describe it.
He opened his eyes to find her wide-eyed and dazed. Air hissed from between her lips, and her hand fisted in his hold. She made a sound he’d never heard before, an odd muffled choking sound, before standing abruptly and tugging her hand free.
“Eden?” He stood, turning her to face him.
She stared at his mouth, her breathing uneven.
He grinned. “You liked that?”
She kept staring at his mouth.
He tilted her head back, forcing her to look at him. He hesitated for a moment, then leaned in to press a kiss against her lips. It was featherlight, a whisper of a kiss. But it was enough to send a powerful surge of hunger coursing through him.
She slid her arms around his waist, and he held her, burying his nose in her hair and drawing her scent deep into his lungs.
“What time is it?” she asked.
“Almost nine,” he answered. Vendors were rolling down the tent flaps and packing away their merchandise. It was getting late, and Stonewall Crossing was closing up shop. “There’s dancing at Cutter’s, so most people will head that way.”
“I’m done with crowds for the day, if that’s okay?” she asked.
He nodded. It was more than okay. He’d rather not share her with anyone.
“What are you thinking?” she asked. “Right now.”
He sighed. “I want to be alone with you.”
She smiled. “Where do you want to go?” She paused, a small crease forming between her brows. “Where do you live? I know you don’t sleep at the refuge. There has to be a place you call home.”