McKenzie Cousins Box Set 2

“Please.”

“Only if you introduce me to your friend.”

Derek chuckles and does the introductions. Darrin looks to be in his eighties if not older and certainly has a way with the ladies, if the two elderly women watching him are anything to judge by. But then I frown and wonder if it’s Derek and me they’re actually watching. Shaking my head, I come back to the present and realize both Derek and Darrin are waiting for me to reply.

“Um,” I mumble, embarrassed.

Derek takes pity on me. “Darrin was asking how long you are in town for?”

“Ah,” I’m not sure how to answer because I want to say forever, but instead I’m totally honest, “maybe another week.” I feel Derek still beside me as his intense gaze heats my face.

“I see.” Darrin clears his throat. “Well, maybe you will stay longer.” He chuckles and taking the package from Derek, disappears behind a door.

The tension between us is back although I’m not sure it actually went anywhere. “What about preserve,” I blurt out and walk back the way we came. “I saw some on the way in here,” I add over my shoulder.

Scowling, Derek follows but his mind is obviously elsewhere. Probably the same place mine has been. I don’t want to leave the ranch. I love it there and I find a feeling of peace that seems to exist nowhere else. The buzzing in my head stops and I no longer feel as though I’m drifting. But I can’t stay forever. He’ll move on with his life, just like I have to move on with my own. Not that I want to unless it includes Derek, but that isn’t going to happen.

Blinking back tears, I pull myself together and look through the jars of preserve at another stall. It looks really good, but in the end, I only select a blueberry jelly while Derek stays silent beside me.

Moving away I think our fun day has turned sour and all because I was being honest about how much time I needed to be here for work. I could have lied and prolonged my visit, but I don’t think that would do either of us any good. I need to get out from under his feet.

I jump slightly when Derek gently grips my elbow, steering me toward the Ferris wheel. It isn’t busy right now, but as I watch it go up into the sky my stomach rolls.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden one of those.” His smile reaches his eyes when he turns his body towards mine.

“Have I ever mentioned that I don’t like heights?” I watch the wheel turn again as I nervously chew on my lip.

“Madison, look at me.” Derek moves closer and with a gentle touch, lifts my gaze to his. “I promise to protect you, if you come and ride it with me.” His eyes search mine causing my body to tingle and my heart to pound.

I lick my lips as the subtle scent of his cologne teases my senses, and it’s only when his eyes flutter shut that I realize how much of my heart had been displayed on my face for him to see. I deeply inhale, pulling myself together. Slipping my hand into his, I look up to meet his gaze as he lifts his lids slowly.

“Let’s go and ride the Ferris wheel.” I grin. “But we need cotton candy first.”

He laughs, squeezing my hand. “Whatever the lady wants, she shall have.”

“I wish,” I mumble and feel him momentarily pause beside me. “I’m sorry.” My eyes hold his no matter how tempted I am to look away. “This is why I’m going to leave earlier than we had originally planned. If I’m not here, it will be easier.”

“No, it won’t.” Derek shakes his head and leads me toward the cotton candy, and after purchasing one, announces, “We can share.” He tugs me eagerly along and before I know it, we’re being seated in the chair on the Ferris wheel.

“You know, I’m not sure why I agreed to this. I really don’t like heights.” As soon as it moves I grab onto Derek so tight I’m not sure I’m going to be able to let go. “Maybe I should have told you how bad I am.”

Derek wraps his arm around my shoulders, allowing me to bury my face in his chest. “I told you that I’d protect you.” He kisses the top of my head, so I lift my face to his.

“Will you kiss me?” I ask, searching his gaze. “Just once.”

A hand comes up and caresses my face. “I can’t.”

Tears come to my eyes at the rejection, and I hear him curse under his breath, before he says, “Just one kiss with you, would never be enough.” He offers a wry smile. “Look out at the view. I promise you’re safe with me.”

I slowly nod and inhaling, turn my gaze to the view while concentrating on my breathing. I don’t release the hold I have on Derek, and it feels good being like this in his arms. It’s taking my mind off of the distance between the ground and my dangling toes. “The F

erris wheel never used to scare me,” I admit. “As I child I went on the wheel with Paige and Rachel.” I smile at the memory and look at Derek. He returns my smile, brushing a finger down the side of my face. “Paige was terrified, which set Rachel off, which in turn, set me off. I thought we were all going to fall out by the time it had finally stopped. My legs shook, and we were all white as three little ghosts. I’ve never been on one since.”

“I get that, but I’ve promised you’ll be safe.”

Derek tucks my head against his shoulder and I settle in for the ride, enjoying the feeling of being in his arms.

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