Читать книгу The Rancher's Unexpected Family - Helen Lacey - Страница 3

A father figure...a dad.

That’s how her son viewed him? He should’ve been more careful, not gotten so involved. Now he was leaving and the boy would be hurt.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“I never realized how much he missed having a man in his life. Not surprising, of course. In Jaye’s eyes, you’re a perfect image of what a father should be... strong, kind. Everything he longs for. Everything I didn’t give him.” She shook her head. “Maybe because I’m scared of letting someone in.”

“You’re not afraid of anything,” he said, grasping her hand.

“I am afraid,” she admitted, holding his glance. “I’m absolutely terrified. Of you. Of...this.”

“Me, too,” he said quietly.

“So what do we do?”

“I don’t know. Ignore it. Go with it. Honestly, I have no idea.” He rubbed her palm with his thumb. The action was hypnotic and sexy and she swayed toward him. He felt her heat. “I promised myself... I promised you that I’d keep my distance.” He looked down at how close she was. “Ash, you should tell me to leave.”

She touched his face, cradling his jaw. “I should...” she said, her words trailing. “But somehow, I can’t.”

* * *

The Cedar River Cowboys:

Riding into town with romance on their minds!