“Awesome?”
“Completely and totally wonderful.”
“Are you offering yourself as a candidate?” Even though his tone held a note of teasing, his eyes contained a seriousness that surprised her. He wasn’t serious, was he? Hadn’t he just said he wanted someone who was local, who was used to the high country, who wouldn’t get tired of the wilderness life the same way his ex had?
She shifted to look at the river, trying to formulate the right response. “I know you want to make your dad happy by getting married, but you can’t sacrifice your happiness in the process. And if you marry the wrong woman, that’s what you’ll be doing.”
He was quiet for several long moments. “If I can save my dad, then any sacrifices I may have to make will be worth it.”
How could she argue with that? She would have done just about anything to save Madison, even sacrificed her own happiness if it had meant Madison would have lived.
“I understand,” she whispered, the gravity of the moment weighing upon her.
She could feel him watching her, could sense his dark eyes probing, trying to see deeper inside her. But she didn’t like talking about Madison, especially all that had happened during her last year.
She forced a smile. “As much as you’d like to consider me as your top wifely candidate, I’m afraid you’ll have to satisfy yourself with just friendship.”
He hesitated. “I’d like friendship, Kinsey.”
The sincerity in his tone drew her gaze.
He was watching her with serious eyes, the smolder gone, the sparks extinguished. “I’d like that much better than being enemies.”
Her smile relaxed. “Me too.”
14
“I win.” Kinsey laid her last card, a jack of diamonds, on the bedside table.
Tyler watched her face, waiting for her smug smile. As it spread across her lips, warmth speared his chest the way it had been lately whenever she smiled—smugly, sweetly, or any shape.
“You’re cheating.” Tyler fake scowled and then tossed down his last few cards, pretending to be disappointed, but he’d never been more content.
Kinsey flopped back in her chair next to Dad’s hospital bed. “I’m just better and smarter, and you know it.”
“Not better or smarter than me.”
From the bed, Dad snorted. He was resting peacefully, his head elevated, his eyes closed, his breaths even. Now he cracked open one eye, his look warning Tyler to be nice to Kinsey.
Tyler didn’t need the warning. Over the past two weeks since the dinner with her at the Cliffside restaurant, their relationship had settled into a comfortable friendship. With Wyatt in New York City, Tyler had been able to spend more time with his dad in the early mornings and evenings. He’d also had more time for card games, talking, and watching crime shows.
Of course, it was a bonus that Kinsey was in the room most of the time and that she joined in the games, talking, and show-watching.
“I thought you were sleeping.” Tyler rose and resituated his dad’s pillow behind his head. If he’d known Dad was awake, he would have invited him to play Kings in the Corner with them.
“It’s hard to sleep with the two of you going at it.” Dad’s voice held distinct pleasure.
This time Tyler was the one to shoot a warning glare. His dad needed to tame his enthusiasm for the matchmaking. Tyler had repeatedly insisted that he and Kinsey were just friends and that was all they’d ever be. But Dad hadn’t gotten the message. Or if he had, he’d chosen to ignore it.
Dad closed his eyes and settled back into the hospital bed.
Tyler didn’t let up his glare, hoping his dad could feel it even if he couldn’t see it. Things with Kinsey were good, and Tyler didn’t want anything or anyone to ruffle their friendship.
Because the truth was, he liked their friendship, and he liked her. Not just because she was beautiful. Yes, every time he saw her, he admired how stunning she was. Every time he saw her, she made his heart race faster. But he was learning to keep his attraction shuttered away where it belonged so there wouldn’t be any wayward sparks that ignited and caused flames.
She was a friend. Just a friend. Those words were on repeat inside his head, and now they replayed again. “I can’t help it if Kinsey likes to cheat.” He lobbed out the comment again, knowing full well she never cheated. She was just competitive and smart and savvy. And she was playful and fun.
Not only did he enjoy spending time with her, but he also liked how easy she was to talk to. When they weren’t talking about Dad or what was happening on the ranch, they talked about everything else—childhood stories, high school and college experiences, and places they’d both traveled—she’d definitely been to more places.
