Tempting Love (Cowboys & Angels 3)

“The Parker family is all together!” Amelia said with a clap.

Waylynn turned to Amelia. “I say we show this little town the proper way to have a good time.”

Amelia laced her arm with Corina’s as they walked. Waylynn fell in step next to me. As we approached my father’s barbecue pit for the annual Pecan Street barbecue contest, Waylynn pulled me to a stop.

Our eyes met, and we didn’t have to exchange words. I knew she had heard Corina.

“Do you know what you’re doing?” Waylynn asked.

I let out a sigh. “No fucking clue, but if she is pregnant, we’ll figure it out.”

She looked over to Corina and then back to me. “Well, I can tell you one thing, Mitchell, y’all better figure it out fast.”

As my sister walked over to our family, I shoved my fingers through my hair.

“Yeah, I sure as fuck better.”

Everyone was enjoying themselves. There was something about a street dance that made me feel good—small town country at its best. Kids ran through the crowds, playing and exploring. High school kids danced in the middle of the street while older folks sat at tables and enjoyed one another’s company.

This was one of the many reasons I loved Texas.

Waylynn let out a yee-haw as Cord spun her around and did some flip move before they took off two-steppin’ again. Amelia and Wade were lost in each other, dancing slowly even though it was a fast song. I couldn’t help but smile at the love between them.

On one side of the street, Steed held a sleeping Chloe while Paxton cradled Gage. My heart melted as I took them in. I wanted desperately to tell Paxton what had happened with Mitchell and the night of the forgotten condom, but I knew the first thing she would do: jump all over me for not being careful. Even though she and Steed ended up with Gage for the very same reason.

A breath slipped from my lips as I tried not to think about it. Mitchell’s laughter pulled my head to the right where I saw him with his father and Trevor, joking about something. I watched Mitchell’s every move, loving everything about him. The dimple that came out when he smiled. The way he whispered sweet and tender things in my ear when we made love. The way he placed his hand on my lower back to guide me through a room. Even the way he pretended to despise Milo, yet secretly loved him.

Another laugh from Mitchell broke my stare. My stomach tightened as a new round of thoughts hit me.

If I was pregnant, how would Mitchell react? He was still getting used to the idea of being in a relationship. There was no way he would be able to handle a kid thrown into the picture. Or would he? Deep in my heart, I knew his words from earlier were his way of telling me he was in this for the long haul.

Tears stung my eyes as I forced them back.

He said he wouldn’t leave, no matter what. Did that mean he wouldn’t leave me? Or the baby?

My gaze dropped to the ground, and I tried to push the thoughts away. I wasn’t even sure I was pregnant. Touching my stomach, I held my breath.

Was I ready for all of this? I had a career. A life I had planned that didn’t include a baby—at least not yet.

Then there was the problem with my brother. He was getting married, and if I announced I was pregnant, he’d say I was trying to steal his thunder.

Crap. Why did I lose control that day? I threw myself at Mitchell, knowing he wouldn’t be able to resist. Did I subconsciously want this?

“Corina?”

My head popped up to see Vi, Mitchell’s aunt.

“Hi, Vi. Having fun?”

She sat down next to me and let out a sigh. “I’m too old for this shit.”

I let out a chuckle. “Why are you here then?”

With a drawn-out sigh, she replied, “On the search for a man.”

Nearly choking on my own breath, I stared at her. “Are you serious?”

Vi turned to look at me. “Of course I’m serious. I’m a woman. I have needs, my dear.”

I didn’t like where this was going. I frantically looked for Mitchell. My heart dropped when I saw him talking to another woman. I couldn’t tell who she was from behind. I willed her to turn around. Was it Cassidy?

“He’s only talking to her. Stow the fears,” Vi whispered.

“I’m not worried,” I said, my voice sounding weak. Truth was, a small part of my brain wondered if Mitchell could settle down and be with one woman for the long run. He hadn’t been with anyone in months, so I wasn’t sure why I was worried…but I was.

“You don’t sound convincing to me, so I know you aren’t convincing yourself. The one thing you’re going to have to get used to, Corina, is that you are with a man who is terribly good looking. Women are going to stare, flirt, and yes, attempt to slip into his bed. Do you trust him?”