“Unlike you, Mr. Let’s-wait-until-we-get-married.”
Michael’s smile evaporated. He took her hand and said, “I’m really sorry about that. You deserved better from me.”
She kissed his cheek. “Honey, you did the best you could. The closet is a terrible place. Besides, I guess it was worth waiting for. Who knows? I might’ve hit the jackpot here in Wilde.”
“That’s my girl.” He nodded. “Seriously, are these guys being good to you?”
“Yes, they are. Very good to me.”
* * * *
Dallas waited in the lobby for Jessica to come down from her room. He looked at the clock above the reception desk and realized they would have to leave pretty quickly if they were going to make it to the Old Mine and back before dark.
He looked up and saw Jessie standing at the top of the stairs. She looked amazing. He couldn’t get enough of her. Her hips swayed from side to side ever so slightly, tempting him. God, he was happy that she’d forgiven him.
“Hi, Dallas. Sorry I kept you waiting.” Jessie smiled, making him instantly hard.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re worth the wait, period.”
She blushed, and that pleased him. Jessie was the most delicate and sweet woman he’d ever known.
“So, are we ready to go?” she asked.
Dallas walked over to her. He pulled her in tight and kissed her, enjoying the taste of her full lips.
Dallas was through playing the gentleman. If she didn’t want to marry his other brothers, as much as that would hurt his family, then so be it. But he was never letting her go ever.
“I’ve got the horses out back, sweetheart. Shall we?”
She giggled. “I guess you go play boss in the morning, too?”
“It’s my nature.” He put his arm around her and guided her out the door.
When they got to the horses, she surprised him. With clear know-how, she hoisted herself up in the saddle. “Jessie, you ride?”
“My dad had me enrolled in some jumping classes. Sure, the saddles differ, but the horses are about the same area, so let’s hit the gas.”
* * * *
They were halfway to the mine when the clouds began to darken. The storm was gathering. Dallas knew they must find shelter, and quick.
“Follow me, love. We have a chance to keep from getting soaked if we hurry.”
“We’re not gonna make it to the old mine today, are we?” She looked up at the sky.
“Depends. This could be a quick storm. Typical for around here. If it blows over, we might make it. But it will be tough riding in the mud.”
“Where are you taking us?”
“To my granddad’s cabin. But we better hurry.”
“Lead the way, cowboy.”
They arrived at his grandfather’s cabin totally drenched. Pappy Jack told them to go inside and dry off and he would take care of the horses. Dallas guided Jessie inside. She looked gorgeous in the light coming from the fireplace. He prayed the rains wouldn’t stop but would continue all night
. Spending the night with her here, or anywhere, is exactly what he wanted.
He put his arms around Jessie, hoping to warm her enough to stop her trembles. “I think we’re here for the night, love.”