Sprinkled with Love

His heart thump-thumped, harder and faster. Jillian was so beautiful, both inside and out. And her kisses were as sweet as berry pie.

He never wanted this moment to end. It was as though he’d been waiting for it all of his life—as though he’d been waiting for Jillian. And she’d been right there in front of him all of this time, but it had never been right until now.

What would she say if he proposed they explore this new facet of their relationship? He couldn’t offer her any more than this magical moment, but maybe it would be enough. As she kissed him back with growing desire, his hope swelled.

Just as he was about to ask if she wanted to go back to his place, the door behind them opened. The sounds of voices made their way to them. Jillian jumped back like she’d been shocked back to reality.

Her eyes opened wide with surprise. “What did you do that for?”

“What?” He was so confused. “You mean the kiss?”

“Yes, I mean the kiss,” she said with certainty. “We agreed. You were my plus one. Nothing more.”

“It felt like a lot more to me.”

Her gaze narrowed. “Are you feeling all right?”

“I feel fine.”

She continued to give him a puzzled look.

He couldn’t help but laugh. This was the most unique reaction he’d ever received after kissing someone. Leave it to Jillian to question everything.

“How about we go home?” he suggested.

“I think that sounds like your best idea yet.”

“Better than the kiss?”

“Avery, stop. This isn’t funny.” She frowned at him. “That kiss…it can never happen again.”

Why was she fighting the obvious chemistry between them? Was she concerned because he was a sworn bachelor? Or was she still hung up on that guy he’d spotted her with outside Tangled Charms?

It didn’t really matter at this point. The moment had passed them by. Perhaps it was for the best. At least for now.

As they made their way to his pickup, he searched for a neutral subject to break the tension. “So you really think I should give up the rodeo and buy the Crooked S?”

Jillian hesitated as though searching for the appropriate answer. “I think you need to do what makes you happy.”

“I wish it was that easy.”

She paused beside the passenger-side door. “If it was easy, you wouldn’t appreciate it nearly as much.”

It was in that moment he realized the truth of her words. When his parents died, he had responsibilities and bills to pay. He couldn’t afford to chase his dreams—literally or figuratively. His parents’ life insurance was significantly less than he’d imagined. But somehow he’d managed to keep it all together.

It hadn’t been easy, but he was proud of the job he’d done caring for his brother and sister. Even with the trauma of their parents’ deaths, Jordan and Beth were two amazing young people. The fact he’d played a part in that made him proud.

Now, if he could summon all of that ingenuity and determination, he’d have a real shot at making his dreams come true. And he was beginning to think there was more to his dreams than he’d originally thought.

His gaze settled on Jillian. But was the thought of starting anything with her a mistake when they ultimately wanted different things in life?

Chapter Thirteen

Lesson number two was about to commence.

Monday had slipped by in the blink of an eye. Avery had been busy all day. This time it didn’t involve finishing the kitchen remodel. It was something far more important. With renewed vigor, he’d been on the phone with sponsors who’d shown an interest in him in the past. There had to be a way to raise the money to purchase the ranch.

Some of his contacts let his call pass to their voicemail. Some took his call and gave him a very blunt response—unless he could make a miraculous comeback on the rodeo circuit, they couldn’t help him. But there were a couple who promised to look into things and get back to him. Nothing concrete, but there was at least a glimmer of hope.