He stared ahead of them as they walked, not saying anything. She wondered if she had upset him in some way. Perhaps she should apologize. Instead, she remained quiet to see what he’d say.
“Strange you should ask me that,” he said. “I’ve done so many things with my life, and I’ve liked them all. I grew up with a father who traveled all the time until my mother died. When he remarried...” He cleared his throat. “I went out on my own and learned new trades. So, to ask what I do for a living, the answer would be anything and everything.”
“What about now, here in Last Chance?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t been here long enough to know that yet. My father and his family are here, but I feel... out of place.” He patted her hand. “But don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll meet more charming people in town and feel differently next week.”
“I’m sure you will.” She paused then dared to ask one more question. “Do you... want to settle down some day?”
His chest shook with a silent laugh. “My father wants me to, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. Maybe in time, but not now.”
Her chest tightened. She shouldn’t have asked. Knowing for certain that he didn’t want to marry hurt her more than guessing about what she wanted. She needed to stop pining for him. She would have a husband soon, and she could keep Colt as her friend.
“Well, Sir Bandit, I’m sure many women will want to be your friend, and maybe more.”
Colt chuckled. “I wouldn’t want to break anyone’s heart. But as long as they don’t mind being my friend, I’ll be all right with that.”
“Do you have many women friends?”
Colt led them into a grove of fruit trees. “I have one woman friend. She’s amazing. I wouldn’t trade what we have for the world.”
Blaze’s heart fluttered, and yet, sadness came over her. Yet, he didn’t know she was Cleopatra. He wanted to steal a kiss, she was certain. However, she didn’t want him to steal anything.
Colt stopped and took her into his arms. She gasped from the initial shock of standing so close and then nearly moaned with pleasure when he pressed against her. He cupped her face, and thankfully, her mask and wig stayed on. Warmth spread through her, turning her mind numb. She was definitely under his control.
“There’s one more thing I’d like to know about you,” she whispered.
“What is that?”
“I’d love to know how well you kiss.”
Blaze shouldn’t have said it. Kissing him would make her life miserable, knowing she’d never be able to enjoy it again after tonight. On the other hand, at least she’d be able to sample what she had only dreamed of doing.
He lowered his head. His mouth hovered above hers. “Now that, my lovely lady, I can show you.”
Closing her eyes, she held her breath, waiting for the moment of contact. He brushed his lips over hers, teasing her. Their masks bumped together. He pulled back and yanked his mask from his face, and tossed it to the ground. As his mouth neared hers again, he lifted her mask, and it rested on her head. At first, she wanted to stop him, but then she realized they were in the shadows enough that he wouldn’t be able to see her face clearly. Hopefully, she’d be able to remember to put it back on once they had finished kissing.
He took her in his arms again, one arm wrapping around her shoulders as the other circled her waist. She pressed her hands against his muscular chest. His mouth descended slowly. She was too impatient and so lifted to meet him halfway.
The surprise was noted from his sudden intake, but then he took over as his mouth moved over hers passionately. For years, she had always wondered how it would feel to kiss him. It was nothing as she had imagined.
She met his lips and copied the way he kissed her. When he tilted his head to deepen the kiss, she accepted it. Although urgency ran rapidly through her, she still tried not to let her feelings take control. She didn’t want him to think she’d been craving this since they’d first met ten years ago.
From a distance, floating through the breeze, someone called his name.No,her head screamed, not wanting this ecstasy to end. But she could tell he had heard it too, and he was slowly pulling away. She had no other choice but to end the wonderful moment he’d just given her. One that she’d cherish forever.
The moment they broke apart, she quickly lowered her mask. He bent and retrieved his. As he turned to see who was calling him, she noticed Lisa hurrying their way. Blaze groaned. She must leave now.
She pulled on Colt’s arm, getting his attention. “I’ve got to get back to the barn before someone realizes I’m gone.”
He nodded. “Meet me back inside.”
“I will.” She gave him a brief kiss before turning and leaving, quickening her steps so that Lisa wouldn’t notice her.
“Colt,” Lisa said out of breath. “I was told you came out here with Cleopatra.”
Blaze hid behind a large oak, pressing her back against the bristly bark. Her heart still pounded out of control, but it was the tingling in her lips that worried her and made her sigh with happiness.
“Yes,” Colt answered his Lisa, “but she just left to return to the party.”
