“I can see you’re fighting this tooth and nail, but it’s like they say in the movies.” He smiled. “This is bigger than both of us.”
“What is?”
“Circumstances. Fate. We didn’t choose to be thrown together, but?—”
“I did. I chose it.”
“Yeah, the trip was your idea, but you didn’t choose Fudge’s problem. That’s the key to it, right there.”
“Is that why you toasted his right front hoof?”
“Yes, ma’am. I would never wish any animal harm, but since I had nothing to do with his issue, I’m willing to accept the gift that came with it.” He picked up his beer again. “Are you?”
Not if she would do damage. She hesitated, then forged ahead. “What if I hurt you?”
An emotion flickered in his eyes. Then it was gone and his dimples flashed as he smiled. “You just might. As I recall, you’re quite the tiger in bed. I’ll take my chances.”
“Luis, I’m serious. What if?—”
“Let me worry about that.” He took a gulp of beer and set the bottle down with a decisive click. “If you want to have some fun this weekend, but you’re afraid you’ll leave me a broken man….” He met her gaze. “I promise that will not be the case.”
She stared at him, heart thumping. “How can you make that promise?”
“Easy. My family. Come hell or high water, they’ve got me. On the other hand, you’re on your own. If you’re liable to end up worse off emotionally, then we’re done talking about it.”
She took a quick breath. “I can take care of myself.”
“Then will I see you later tonight?”
She’d warned him and he’d shrugged it off. At this point she’d make his life difficult no matter what she decided. So maybe?—
“It would be nice to know in advance.”
“Oh. I suppose you’ll need to pick up some?—”
“I have those. But if I know you’re coming over, I’ll shower and shave. I’ll put fresh sheets on the bed. I remember you enjoyed having clean ones each night at the motel.”
“I did. I loved every minute of being with you in that room.”
“Then let’s do it all over again, querida.”
She took a long, slow breath and let it out. He looked and sounded like the cowboy in her dream, but he hadn’t said we belong together.
Mentally crossing her fingers, she met his gaze. “Okay.”
Chapter Thirteen
Luis wanted to kiss Jordan more than he’d ever wanted to kiss her, and that was saying something. But once he touched down on those soft lips, clothes would be coming off.
He gazed at her. Should they? “I want to go inside.”
“Me, too.”
He tossed his napkin on the table.
“Don’t get up!” She looked panicked. “You’re right. I’ll feel guilty about Fudge.”
“We won’t be gone two hours. I just said that to be a smartass. We’ll set an alarm. We’ll?—”
