Colton Cowboy Jeopardy (Coltons of Mustang Valley)

“I want you,” she whispered. The invitation fluttered against his throat. Butterfly wings carrying world-altering cargo. “I don’t want to wait anymore.”

The idea of spending the night with her body tangled with his hit him like a kick in the chest. With another woman, child or not, he might jump at the chance. He’d been the rebound guy before and been fine with it.

An easy, compatible one-night stand wouldn’t be enough. Instinctively, he knew Mia wouldn’t be out of his system with just one night. That was why he’d been avoiding anything more than hot kisses and sizzling caresses. He feared she was an addiction as detrimental to him as alcohol and bitterness had been to his grandfathers.

“We shouldn’t,” he said. “I want to,” he insisted as her disappointment sagged against him.

“Because of the baby?” Her fingertips dragged down his chest and lower until he trapped her hand under his.

“Because of everything.” An owl called and Jarvis listened. There was no reason to think Mia was in danger, and yet he remained alert.

“I understand.” Her words brushed against his throat.

He was glad one of them did. “Get some rest.” He brushed a kiss to her lips and heard himself make her a promise. “When this is over, if you still want me, I’m all yours.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

He was already hers. And he was increasingly convinced that nothing would alter that fact.

Chapter 11

Mia wondered how Jarvis was doing. She’d hoped to say good morning, share that magical first cup of coffee with him this morning, but he’d been gone before Silas had woken her.

As the day wore on with no contact from him, she started doubting herself for being direct last night. But she did want him, had wanted him from that very first kiss. One way or another, her time here would end. It was selfish and possibly arrogant to think making love with Jarvis would somehow bind him to her when she and Silas came out of hiding.

Needs and temptation aside, it wasn’t fair to push him when she didn’t know where she would end up. But it would’ve been amazing. Would be amazing, she reminded herself. She just had to be patient because Jarvis would keep his word about being all hers when this was over.

Mia looked at the calendar displayed on her computer screen and wondered exactly when “over” would get here.

Regina was still out there, still pushing and working the rumor mill to undermine Mia’s credibility and her relationship with her dad. Nearly a month had passed and nothing outside of this bunkhouse felt safe.

It was an illusion. Temporary. Just because she didn’t know what would crop up next, didn’t mean she could keep leaning on Jarvis’s kindness and kisses. When she’d divorced, she expected it would take years to find a man worthy of her affection and her son’s trust. Finding them, Jarvis had changed everything from her relationship time line to uncovering a well of desire she’d never known before.

She shook off the wayward thoughts. There were far more important things to think about than the day she would finally get intimate with Jarvis.

Aggravated and restless, Mia opened the front door of the bunkhouse, making sure the sunlight wouldn’t disrupt Silas’s nap. The fresh air and open country should feel full of promise. This rugged land was beautiful, but it was time to make a move. She had a son to raise, a career to launch. It was impractical to think she could move out of town and stay safe. At some point, someone would recognize her and Regina would start her threats all over again.

Jarvis had asked her to give Spencer time. And why not? It wasn’t like she had anywhere to be. Maybe once he verified the information in the file, he’d have a suggestion about how she should proceed.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she checked the alert on her screen. It was a text from her father. At least from his number, she thought grimly.

Mia, I need to see you.

What’s wrong, Dad?

I’m afraid Regina has done something unforgivable.

Mia’s heart soared with hope, even as logic insisted it was most likely another one of Regina’s traps.

Are you in town?

She hesitated, wishing she could be sure it was really her father sending these messages.

Yes. Call me.

I can’t. I’m so sick my throat’s raw. I think Regina put something in my breakfast.

What? Her heart slammed against her rib cage. Another text came through before she could ask any questions or suggest he call an ambulance.