Jessie’s laughter joined his, but her eyes held that heated look that mirrored the desire simmering in him.
He released her hand and opened his door. He needed to put a little distance between them, or he’d end up doing something he’d regret.
No. He wouldn’t regret it, but it wouldn’t be right to kiss Jessie while she was still legally tied to another man.
Robert led her into the house. “I’ll let you wander through the house and show yourself around.” He scratched his jaw before pointing over his shoulder toward the kitchen. “I need to get the grill fired up.”
He wanted more than anything to show Jessie around the house he’d built with her in mind, to see her reaction. Wanted to know which room she’d pick for her studio and which room she’d want for a nursery. He wanted to see the look on her face as she walked through the spacious master bedroom and saw the jetted tub in the master bath.
He didn’t dare accompany her on the tour, though. Walking beside her through the home he’d built for her would feel too much like cementing his dreams.
If he and Jessie didn’t have the same dreams at this point, he wouldn’t be able to stay in this house. He’d have to sell it and move to the other side of town. Maybe he’d even move to the next county and let Lewis Jackson have the sheriff’s badge.
Robert lit the barbecue grill and pulled t marinated chicken—recipe courtesy of Amy—from the fridge. Amy had also coached him on how to make a savory rice dish and a fancy salad with spinach and strawberries. She’d even given him a couple of generous slices of her famous chocolate cake for dessert.
After putting the chicken on the grill, he set a timer as per Amy’s instructions.“Don’t overcook the chicken. No longer than seven minutes per side, or you’ll dry it out.”
He stepped back into the house to find Jessie staring at the portrait she’d painted of him and Goliath. Even though the picture had hung in his home for five years, Robert still marveled at Jessie’s talent every time he looked at it.
He stood behind Jessie. “Can you see what an amazing artist you are?”
“I can’t believe you still have it after all these years.”
“Of course I still have it. It’s my most prized possession. If this house burned down, that is the one thing I would miss.” He put his hands on her shoulders and she leaned back into him, like he’d hoped she would. “It’s irreplaceable, and so is the artist who painted it.”
Jessie rested her head against his jaw, and he fought the urge to turn her a little further and press his lips to hers.
“No one has ever believed in me like you do, or made me feel the way you make me feel.”
“How do I make you feel?” the words came out a hoarse whisper. He’d never intended for things to become so intimate this evening, but he needed to hear her answer. He slipped his arms around her waist, feeling the firmness of her rounded abdomen. A burning desire to protect her and her child filled his chest.
“You make me feel like I could conquer the world. Like I’m invincible.”
That wasn’t the response he was hoping for, but he’d take it.
“You make me want to be a better person.” Jessie turned in his embrace and slid her arms around his neck.
Robert pulled her closer. The subtle, firm mound of her stomach pressing against his reminded him she carried another man’s child. A man she was still married to. He remembered the promise he’d made to himself and her after struggling for an entire week with the revelation that she was pregnant.
I’ll always be there for you, no matter what.He’d let her down once, but he’d never do it again. He tightened his arms around her.
“You make me feel irresistible and beautiful.”
“You are,” he groaned against her hair.
Darn it.He didn’t care if she was married to another man. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to reclaim her heart and make her his.
He pulled back a little, intending to press his lips to hers.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Robert froze at the annoying sound of the timer on his phone. He silently cursed Amy. He’d rather kiss Jessie and eat burnt chicken than to lose this moment with her. Jessie pulled away, and Robert let her, even though it was the last thing he wanted to do. He pulled his phone from his pocket and silenced the dang thing.
“Saved by the bell.” Jessie’s eyes reflected the regret that was surely mirrored in his.
“Perhaps you’re right.” If he’d allowed himself to kiss Jessie, the chicken would undoubtedly burn to a crisp. As much as he would like to ignore dinner altogether and pull Jessie back into his arms, his goal tonight was to impress her and show her how perfect they still were for each other. Although kissing her might prove the passion was still there, he wanted to show Jessie he was capable, ready, and willing to take care of her and her child.
He backed toward the patio door. “Make yourself at home. I just need to flip the chicken.”
