“We’re on equal footing.”
“Because of my sister?”
“That clinches it, but simply living and working here makes you way more than an employee. You’re one of us. There’s no hierarchy at Laughing Creek, no power structure. We all pitch in. We all collect paychecks.”
“Even your grandma and aunties?”
She laughed. “They could if they needed to, but those ladies are the savviest investors you’ll ever meet. Mom and Adam rely on them. If you want a stock tip, knock on their door.”
“I might.” He took a breath. “So just by being here, I’ve become one of you?”
“Yes.”
Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he studied the gleaming wood floor under his boots. He could have this place with the Bridger Bunch forever? No matter what? Their display of generosity was overwhelming.
“Cole? Is that a problem?”
He met her gaze. “That makes this—” His gesture included both of them. “Riskier than ever.”
“Why?”
“I was worried I’d screw it up and get kicked out. Now I’m terrified I’ll screw it up and disappoint the good folks who’ve been nothing but kind to me.”
She stepped closer, bringing her cinnamon scent with her. “What if you don’t screw it up?”
“Okay, maybe that won’t be the story. But what if we get into this relationship and discover we’re not right for each other?”
“We’ll be responsible adults.” She laid her palms on his chest. “We’ll admit our mistake, part friends and move on.”
“You make it sound so easy.” The warmth of her hands drove him insane, but he had to talk this through. “It wouldn’t be.”
“Not at first.” She slid her hands up to his shoulders and lifted her face to his. “But this family’s had a lot of practice in healing wounds. We’d have help. We’d be fine.”
“I can be a jerk sometimes. I can’t promise?—”
“Neither can I. I have a temper. Ask Claudie.” She gave his shoulders a slow massage. “Here’s the big question. Do you want me?”
The question hit him dead center, sending waves of longing through every cell of his body. “You have no idea how much.”
“Enough to take a risk?”
Heart pounding, he absorbed the challenge in her eyes. “Yes.”
“When?”
“Now.” Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her over to the barn doors and nudged them apart with his foot.
She clung to him, breathing fast as she glanced toward his massive king. “Your bed isn’t a hot mess.”
“It’s about to be.”
Chapter Four
Mila gazed up at Cole, dazzled by his transformation from hesitant to all in. “That’s more like it.”
“Glad you approve.” He set her back on her feet, pulled her close and leaned down to nuzzle her neck as he reached for the hem of her sweater. “I hope you’re not expected back home anytime soon. If we do this right, it’ll take a while.”
Moist heat settled in her core. “I didn’t… I didn’t specify…” She lost track of what she was trying to say, lost in an erotic haze created by his lips moving over her skin, his close-cropped beard softer than it looked.
