Tempting Love (Cowboys & Angels 3)

Chloe made a shocked face and looked at Corina. “You played with Uncle Mitchell.”

With an uncaring shrug, Corina stood. “I really enjoy playing with your Uncle Mitchell. And I got myself a dinner out of the deal. So it was a win-win.”

Chloe glanced up. “I’m so sorry, but I’m kind of glad she won! I had so much fun.”

I kissed Chloe on the nose and whispered, “I’m glad she won too, squirt. Come on, your daddy sent a text. He misses you.”

Chloe jumped off my lap. She reached for Corina’s hand as they walked back to the rental booth.

There was no denying that I felt something strong for Corina, and the more time we spent together, the more it grew.

Now the only thing I had left to figure out was how I was going to get Corina back into my bed.

Corina and I walked into the fire marshal’s office and sat down. While we were dropping Chloe back off at home, I’d gotten the call that they had found the source of the fire.

“Hey, Mitchell, Ms. Miller, thanks for coming down,” the fire marshal said.

With a nod, I reached to shake Jack’s hand. Corina did the same, except her hand was shaking like a leaf.

“What did you find out?” I asked.

“Electrical fire.”

I let out a relieved sigh. The last thing I wanted was for someone to have purposely set a fire and still be walking the streets of Oak Springs. When I glanced over to Corina, she was white as a ghost.

“Old wiring in the house caused a spark on the inside wall of the master bedroom. The whole second floor is a total loss, as you both know, but it looks like the first floor only sustained water and smoke damage.”

With a forced smile, Corina said, “Can they start work on the house now?”

“Yes, I’ve already let the insurance adjuster know about the cause of the fire.”

Corina’s voice shook. “Th-thank you so much. If you’ll excuse me.”

She quickly got up and made her way out of the office. Standing, I reached out for Jack’s hand once more. “Thanks, Jack.”

“No problem. I’m glad she wasn’t home. It could have been a lot worse.”

I nodded. “Yeah, it could have been. Thanks again. I’ll see you around.”

As I made my way back to the truck, I sent Tripp a quick text to let him know it had been an electrical fire.

Stepping outside, my heart dropped. Corina was up against my truck, crying. I made my way over to her and gently cupped her face in my hands. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Tears streamed down her face, and I would have given anything to make them stop.

“What if…what if I had been home? What if you hadn’t gone in and saved Milo? What if…”

I wrapped my arms around her. “Stop. No what ifs allowed. You weren’t home. I got Milo out, and everything else can be replaced.”

She pulled back and looked up at me. “I don’t want to move back into that house.”

My brows pulled together. “Why?”

Her lower lip trembled, and I knew she was simply scared. “Listen, that whole house is going to be re-done. Wiring, plumbing, everything is going to be stripped out, and I promise I’ll make sure there’s nothing unsafe in your house.”

I brushed away a piece of hair that was stuck to her tear-soaked cheek.

Her teeth sank into her lip, and she closed her eyes before dropping her head against my chest.

“Why are you making it so hard to be angry with you?” she asked, grabbing my shirt.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll fuck up somehow, and you’ll find another reason to be pissed.”

She sort of chuckled, knowing I was most likely right. She pulled back and looked into my eyes. “Thank you…for everything you’ve done and are doing for me.”

I ran the back of my hand down her cheek. “That’s what you do for people you care about, right?”

“Mitchell, I wanted to tell you—”

Another male’s voice interrupted mine. “Corina, is everything okay?”

Taking a step back, Corina faced Lane.

“Lane, hey. How are you?”

The little fucker flashed her a smile, then glanced at me and replaced it with a smug expression. “Mitchell, how are you?”

“I’m doing well, you?”

“Doing great. Life is good.”

“I’m sure it is, Lane.”

“What are you doing here?” Corina asked, clearly noticing that the exchange between Lane and I was forced.

“I wanted to see how you’ve been,” Lane said. “I’ve texted you a few times, and you haven’t answered.”

When he looked my way, I shot him a smug grin. Think on that one for a little bit, asshole.

“I’m sorry, Lane,” Corina said. “Things have been a bit crazy the last few days. I meant to respond and I forgot.”

He looked disappointed.

Good.

“No worries,” Lane said. “Did you want to go with me to the street dance in town?”

Corina glanced back and gave me a sweet little smile before turning to the dickhead. “I’m sorry. I’m actually going with Mitchell.”