“I think you’re a little bit in love with me, querida.”
His sweet tone turned her insides to goo. “Of course I am. But I’d make your life miserable. You think you want me, but you really don’t.”
“Oh, I want you. No doubt about that.”
“You don’t want the person I’d become if we were together twenty-four-seven.”
“You keep saying that, but when exactly does this impossible-to-live-with woman take over? I have yet to see her.”
“You’d for sure see her if I gave up traveling and held all my clinics at the ranch. I love driving here and there. When I was little that was all I could think about, being on the move, seeing new sights.”
“Why couldn’t you do both? I’m not that needy. Some time at the ranch, some time on the road. Why not?”
“And what if we had kids? I assume you want them.”
“We’d work it out. Do you want kids?”
She wasn’t prepared for that question. “I don’t see myself having any.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“If I could figure out how to have a child and keep the work I love, then, yes. Have kid, will travel. I can’t believe you’d go for that scenario.”
“It’s not how I’ve imagined parenthood, but it’s not a game changer. I’m flexible.”
“Luis, I’m the wrong person for you, but you’re blinded by love.”
“Maybe I am.” He cupped her face in both hands. “But where you see stumbling blocks I see a path to happiness.”
“Because you’re besotted.” And in this idyllic spot she was falling under his spell. She couldn’t stop herself from sliding her hands up his warm chest and gripping his strong shoulders.
His eyes darkened. “I love it when you touch me.”
“I can’t seem to help myself.”
“We could make it. I know we could. Just give me a little more time.” He leaned closer, his lips almost touching hers. “Before you know it, you’ll fall completely in love with me.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll catch you.” His gentle kiss devastated her more than any of the hot passionate ones he’d given her in the past. This was the kiss of a man in love.
We Built This City blasted from her backpack, shattered the moment. She pulled away, shaking and disoriented. “My… my brother.”
“Better answer it.” His voice was husky.
“Right.” She fumbled for her backpack and almost knocked it off the bench. Reaching inside it, she grabbed her phone and tapped the screen. “Cole? Is everything okay?”
“Just ducky, sis! I got on the road earlier than expected and I’m standing in front of a purple Victorian looking around for you. Are you inside?”
“No, no. I’m—” She looked at Luis. “Stay there. I have someone I want you to meet.”
“Oh, you do, do you? Don’t tell me my little sis found herself a boyfriend this weekend.”
“I guess you could say that, but it’s… complicated.”
“It always is. Listen, did I interrupt something? I can hang out here if you need to?—”
“We’ll be right there.” She disconnected. “Do I look kissed?”
