Читать книгу Honorable Rancher - Barbara Daille White - Страница 3

He touched her shoulder lightly. “Did you plan on sleeping in this dress?”

Dana swallowed hard. “Well, you can unbutton the top two buttons. That ought to get me started.”

Ben laughed softly, then touched the low-cut edge of the back of her gown. Her breath caught. When he undid the top button, his knuckles brushed the newly exposed skin. When he reached for the next button and the next, she closed her eyes, wishing he’d meant to set off the heat building inside her.

“This isn’t what I expected when I promised to take care of you, but I won’t complain.” He slid his hand into the unbuttoned back of her gown, pressing his fingers, wide and firm, against her. The soft material slipped down her shoulder. Goose bumps rippled along her skin.

To accompany the chill running down her spine.

“Take care...?” she repeated.

“Of you and the kids.”

She tried to keep her tone even, her voice soft. “And who did you make that promise to?”

He shifted, as if her question made him uncomfortable. A small gap opened between them, and her body cooled.

“Paul,” he said.

“Then it has to stop. As I’ve told you so many times I’ve lost count, I can take care of myself—and my children.” She tugged the lace overskirt of her gown into place. “And I think it’s time for you to go.”