“Grab a plate, and we’ll see what’s in the oven.” Cain led her into the big, modern stainless kitchen, and they loaded their plates with enchiladas, rice, beans, and freshly made tortillas.
A bottle of Rioja Gran Reserve sat open on the table as they sat down, and Cain poured each of them a glass. There was no talk of murder or possible motivation, just pleasant, easy conversation about the Grandview remodel and the ranch.
When supper was over, Cain collected their plates, Jenny collected the rest of the dishes, and they carried them into the kitchen.
“What happened to Maria?” Jenny asked, glancing around.
“She has a husband at home. She’ll be back first thing in the morning.”
Jenny’s features tightened. “You said there would be people around. You even mentioned Maria. What’s going on, Cain?”
Irritation trickled through him. “As much as I would love to strip you out of those clothes and have my wicked way with you, that isn’t why I brought you here. The hands sleep in the bunkhouse. You have your own room with a lock on the door. It’s getting late. Why don’t we just say good night now, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
He turned to walk away. He didn’t need this. He had never disrespected Jenny Spencer. He wasn’t planning to start.
Jenny stepped in front of him, her palm on his chest, blocking his way. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.”
Cain made no reply.
“I’m not afraid of you,” Jenny said. “You’ve never given me any reason to be. It isn’t you I’m afraid of . . . it’s me.”
He said nothing, but he was listening, curious about what she would say. “Go on.”
“The truth is, when you’re around, I feel things I shouldn’t feel, and I don’t completely trust myself.”
Resting a hand on his cheek, she went up on her toes and pressed her mouth over his. It was a soft kiss, just the brush of her lips over his, but Cain’s whole body tightened.
“Just so you know I’m telling you the truth,” she said, repeating his own words back to him.
Cain reached out and pulled her against him. When her arms went around his neck, he kissed her the way he’d been wanting to, urging her lips apart, feeling a heady rush of desire that made him rock hard.
Jenny moaned, and Cain just kept kissing her, taking what he wanted, the rush growing stronger, his arousal strengthening. Her fingers dug into the muscles across his shoulders. He could feel the roundness of her breasts pressing into his chest, the brush of her curls against his cheek. Hungry need burned through him. If he didn’t stop soon, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to.
He felt her small hands on his chest, pushing him away, and forced himself to let her go.
Her eyes were big as she looked up at him. “I shouldn’t have done that.” She pressed her fingers over her trembling lips. “You’re my boss.”
Cain laughed, grateful for a break in the tension. “Maybe I should sueyoufor sexual harassment.”
Jenny’s soft mouth, still moist from his kisses, curved into a smile.
Cain returned her smile and eased her loosely back into his arms. “So we’re attracted to each other. What’s wrong with that?”
Jenny shook her head. “I don’t do things like this, Cain. I’m just getting my life back together after my divorce.”
“From what I understand, it’s been a while.”
She sighed. “You’re right, it has. I just can’t seem to get back into the swing of things. I probably shouldn’t have come out here with you. I don’t want to lead you on.”
Cain laughed. He couldn’t help it. “That’s usually my line.”
She looked up at him with those big green eyes. “So I’ve been told.”
Cain’s smile faded. “I want you, Jenny Spencer. I’m not going to deny it. But there isn’t any rush. When I want something bad enough, I can be a very patient man.” Leaning down, he lightly kissed her. When she didn’t push him away, he let the kiss play out, then reined himself in.
“It’s a beautiful night,” he said. “But the weather is going to change. Why don’t we sit outside on the patio? There’s a fireplace out there. I’ll start a fire, and we’ll finish that bottle of wine we left on the table. Tomorrow I’ll show you the ranch.”
Jenny looked up at him. “That sounds like a good idea.” Her lips twitched. “Just don’t expect me to attack you again.”
