“She’s always been that way.” Aftyn settled back against the cushions. “I’m hoping Peterson finds something useful.”
The television hummed as they leaned into the film, easy in each other’s company. But Aftyn’s mind kept drifting back to the pond, to the moment just before the bear crashed through the tree line. She studied Cole’s strong jaw in the shifting light.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked.
“Were you going to kiss me? Before the bear showed up?”
“I was.”
“Why didn’t you after?”
He glanced toward the window. “I’m not looking for another broken heart. You’re leaving, and I know how that ends.”
“I’m not looking for that either.” She turned to face him. “But I don’t see why we can’t enjoy each other while I’m here. We’re both attracted to each other. Neither of us wants more than that.”
“So, you’re saying just a sexual relationship?”
“We’re adults, Cole. Nothing wrong with two people enjoying each other.” She paused. “I want you to know I don’t do this. I’ve been with two men in my life, and I was in love with both of them. So, this is new territory for me.” She grinned. “First time for everything.”
Cole nodded slowly. “How about we let it happen naturally. Go out, get to know each other, dinner, Dewey’s, whatever. But we go in with our eyes open. You’re leaving, I know that. I’ve had my heart stepped on enough times. I’m not doing it again.”
“Agreed. Just fun.”
“I’m not going to push you into anything you don’t want.”
She leaned in and kissed him softly. “I want.”
He pulled her across his lap and kissed her properly, and she moaned against his mouth, arms winding around his neck. His hands slid into her hair. When his phone buzzed he pulled back, but she leaned after him.
“Ignore it,” she whispered, nipping his earlobe.
He exhaled. “I can’t. Could be a client.” He read the message and stood. “The guys need me in the barn. Just a few minutes.”
“I’ll be right here.”
He changed quickly and came back down the hall in his Wranglers and a T-shirt, sat to tug on his boots, then looked at her.
“Won’t be long. You can watch the movie.”
“The movie is the last thing I want right now, Cole.”
Their eyes held, and she could see he felt the same. He gave her one long look before heading for the door.
“I’ll find you when I get back,” he said.
She smiled. “I’ll be here.”
Cole chuckled. “That should get my ass moving.” He kissed her quickly. “Hold that thought.”
“I will.” She watched from the doorway as he grabbed his hat from the peg, stepped out onto the porch, and crossed the yard, her eyes dropping to his jeans before he disappeared into the barn.
She stayed at the door, watching. When he emerged a few minutes later with one of the ranch hands, laughing at something, she couldn’t stop smiling. The man had it all. She just hoped he knewwhat he was doing between the sheets. Judd had made it all about himself, and with Kyle they’d both been too young and clueless. She was fairly certain she’d never had good sex in her life.
She saw Cole nod to the ranch hand and turn toward the house.
She ran.
Through the living room, into his bedroom, she shoved off the sweatpants, socks, and underwear and stood there in nothing but his T-shirt.
