Tears blurred her view. She’d cried after reading his notebook, but she’d worked hard not to cry since coming over here. Knowing him, he’d blame himself for her tears.
While he showered, she retrieved the clothes she’d carefully taken off last night after she’d crept into his dark bedroom. She’d slowly climbed under the covers, determined not to wake him.
Normally being in bed with a naked Cole turned her on, but last night she’d simply wanted to be there, to be close, to listen to his relaxed breathing as he slept.
The depth of his sleep had calmed her. Perhaps giving her that notebook had already helped. He’d tell her more about his childhood eventually. She had no doubt of that. But today wasn’t for raking the ashes of the past. Today they’d celebrate their joyous future.
While he dressed, she made up the bed.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Why not? It’s my bed, too, and it keeps my hands busy.”
He laughed. “I like hearing that. It also sounds like you might be moving in soon.”
“That’s my plan.”
“Will Claudie be sad?”
How like him to worry about that. “A little, but our office is there. We’ll see each other almost every day.”
“That’s true.” He fastened the snaps on a green Western shirt.
“That shirt looks good on you.” But then everything did.
He tucked it into his jeans. “It’s as close to Christmas colors as I have.”
She paused, her gaze meeting his. “I love that you even thought about it.”
“You want to marry me. If it makes you happy, I’ll wear the ugliest Christmas sweater ever made.”
If any other man had said that, she’d respond with a joke. But for this guy it was no laughing matter. Tossing a pillow on the bed, she crossed the room, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
With a groan, he drew her against his solid body and kissed her back, surrounding her with warmth, with love, with joy. She grew dizzy with the sheer force of it. She never wanted to leave the magic circle of his arms. She?—
“Your phone’s ringing,” he murmured against her mouth.
She heaved a sigh. “Bet it’s Claudie.”
“Bet it is.” He loosened his grip.
Reluctantly leaving the shelter of his arms, she picked up her phone from the bedside table and tapped the screen. “Hey, Claudie.”
“Sorry if I’m interrupting something, but it’s already past ten. You two need to stop canoodling and get your asses over here.”
She glanced at Cole, who was grinning. “Be right there, Claud. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, lovebirds. See you soon.”
Cole’s grin widened. “Like I said, ranch girls are bossy. Let’s go.”
When they walked into the mini-hacienda minutes later, Claudie was making French toast. As soon as they ditched their coats, she handed them each a glass of orange juice. “Merry Christmas! It’s a beautiful morning!”
“The most beautiful Christmas morning of my life,” Cole said. “Mila asked me to marry her.”
“Oh, my gosh!” Claudie rushed to hug her and orange juice went everywhere.
“No worries, no worries.” She laughed it off. “I need a shower anyway. Let me do that real quick before we eat.”
