Fall for Me (Cowboys of Crested Butte 1)

“I don’t know. I should check with Paige.”

Paige waved her hands, shaking her head. “Go with him. I have a meeting.”

“Never mind, Paige has a meeting. I can be ready in a half hour.”

“Okay, I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

“Wait. What? I said it would take me a half hour to get ready.”

“Yeah, but I’m gonna help.”

Silence. He hung up.

“What? What’s happening? You’re supposed to tell your best friend what’s happening. I shouldn’t have to force it out of you.”

“He’ll be here in ten minutes. He said he’d help me get ready.”

Somehow Paige managed to finish getting dressed while Liv talked to Ben. She’d even put on makeup, and pulled her hair back in a sleek ponytail.

“How did you do that? Five minutes ago you got out of the shower, and now you’re ready to go. And you look great. How?”

Paige picked up her bag and briefcase and moved in the direction of the door. “See you later,” she said as the door closed behind her.

“Wait! When? When will I see you later?” Too late. Liv would have to text her.

Oh, no! Ben was on his way. She hadn’t even brushed her teeth. Did she have time to jump in the shower? She had to try.

When she climbed out of the shower, Ben was pounding on the door. He barged in as she opened it, and put his arms around her. When his hands moved to the sash on her robe, she stopped him.

“Liv, I’m sorry. Last night I told you I wouldn’t push, but damn, I can’t keep my hands off of you.”

“I don’t want you to. But, Ben, this is too much, too fast for me.”

He backed up and leaned against the wall. “Do you want me to leave?”

Liv almost smiled. Ben’s pout reminded her of Renie’s when she was a little girl.

“No, I don’t want you to leave, at least not without taking me with you.”

Ben took a deep breath and smiled. “Do you have any idea how much I want you right now?”

She nodded and smiled too. “I do.”

“Breakfast?”

“I’d love it.”

Ben walked over to the window, and looked out. “Maybe by the pool?”

“Sounds perfect. I’ll be right back.”

“You sure you don’t need any help?”

Liv went into the other room to put on her bikini and cover up, hoping she was making the right decision. Paige had been shocked that she and Ben hadn’t had sex, and here she was, turning him down again.

“Ready?” she asked, walking out to where Ben waited.

Ben closed his eyes and groaned. “You’re killing me, woman. A red bikini? Seriously? I think you should put that big, fluffy robe back on.”