TEN
Blaze couldn’t believeit. Carrie had been right, and Colt did exactly what Blaze’s friend promised he’d do when seeing her in her nightclothes, acting as though she waited for Kent in the thicket of trees. But now, all she could think about was Colt’s sultry kisses and the possessive way he picked her up in his arms, carried her to his horse, and they rode toward the stream.
His strong arms kept her against his chest, and not a word was spoken until they reached the water. It thrilled her that he knew being by a stream calmed her. Sometimes he knew her better than her own family, just as she knew everything about him.
Colt stopped the horse and dismounted, and seconds later, lifted her back in his arms as he carried her toward the water. Near the bank, he knelt on the ground. Gently, he laid her down and stretched out beside her, propped up on his elbow as he gazed into her eyes and caressed her cheek.
“Do you remember the first time we met?” he asked.
She smiled. “Of course, I do.” She arched an eyebrow. “But the real question should be – doyouremember?”
“It was the day my father married Lisa. I was sulking behind the house after the ceremony, and you walked up to me and asked what was wrong.” He winked and drew his finger over the bridge of her nose. “You had the cutest freckles across your nose. And your hair was in a braid.”
Her heart fluttered. He actually remembered. “And you had told me that you wanted to be alone.”
He chuckled. “But you wouldn’t let me.”
“No. I knew what it felt like to be alone, and I knew you needed a friend.”
“You were an amazing friend.” His caress moved slowly down her face. “Sometimes I thought you could read my mind because you were so quick to understand me.”
She reached up and stroked his hair. “I understood you because we both lost our mother, and I felt as neglected as you had.”
Colt closed his eyes and leaned against her touch. He was the most handsome man she’d ever met, and she would never think differently. She just prayed he would see her for more than a friend and that he would want her as his wife.
“I want this moment to last forever,” he said.
Her heart melted. She felt the exact way. “If only we could. However, tomorrow I’m—”
“Shhh.” He kissed her lips briefly before staring into her eyes. “I don’t want you to talk about that. Enjoy what you have right here, right now.”
Her body trembled with anticipation, and being in his arms made it worse. Yet, her heart was jumping so fast, she feared she’d lose her breath soon. Although she wanted to lean up and kiss him, she needed to remember what Carrie told her. Colt needs to be the one who takes control of everything to think it is his idea. All Blaze had to do was remind him from time to time that she was getting married tomorrow. But if he kissed her passionately, she knew she wouldn’t be able to think of anything else.
“Colt...” She sighed heavily, knowing she wouldn’t be able to think in a few more minutes.
“Yes, my sweet Blaze?”
“Colt, please...”
“Please, what?” he whispered as he brushed his lips across hers again.
“Please... kiss me.”
As soon as his mouth covered hers, she wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging tightly to him. She kissed him with all the love she felt rushing through her right now, hoping she could change his mind about marriage. Carrie’s idea had to work. If not... Blaze pushed the doubt aside, not wanting to think about that right now. Colt was hers now, and she’d make the best out of the situation.
He gathered her in his arms, laying partially on top of her. The kiss turned passionate – almost wild. Blaze was having a difficult time breathing as it was with her heart racing with excitement. But she didn’t want this moment to end. However, she knew full well what would happen if they didn’t slow things down. Although she wanted to be with Colt likethat, she wanted it after they were married. Yet, would that ever happen?
Her stomach clenched. No. She must make it happen.
Tears gathered in her eyes, and she couldn’t stop them from running down her cheeks. Finally, she broke the kiss and buried her face in his neck as she tried to get her breathing under control. What was wrong with her? She had been so confused lately and feeling like she was drowning. Where was the strong-willed woman she had been once upon a time?
“Blaze,” Colt whispered against her forehead. “Please, don’t cry.”
Shaking her head, she tightened her arms around him. “I can’t... stop.”
“Shhh.” He kissed her forehead again. “You’re breaking my heart, my darling Blaze.”
“Now you know how I’m feeling right now.”
