But no. She couldn’tlovehim. She wouldn’t feel that way about him when she promised to marry another man.
A knot the size of Colorado formed in her throat and left her speechless. But then, what could she say? He wasn’t hers, and would never be. With her emotions in twisted confusion, she ran out of the cabin and into the night.
Chapter Seven
ASMALL CHILDREN’Sparade started the Aspen Founder’s Day festivities in style. Flags waved, banners soared, and people pleasantly visited back and forth. The heavenly aroma of popcorn and peppermint sticks filled the air, stirring Jesse’s hungry stomach. In all the years he had attended, today’s outing actually brought a smile to his face as he mingled amongst the town folk. At times, he found himself laughing out loud. Dare he wonder over this new attitude? Especially since last night’s kiss left him in such confusion?
He leaned against the street corner post and sighed, watching the hordes of people move from the parade to the displays lining the street. Women gathered around the baked goods and bottled fruits, cackling like proud peacocks over their talents. The men also boasted, but with a mug of beer in their hands. Jesse held back his laughter over their drunken gallantries.
From up the street, he focused his attention on another presence, one that confused him greatly. Summer seemed to be copying her sister by looking like the respectable young lady today. The autumn breeze teased the loose strands from the proper bun she had designed, and when she waved at an acquaintance, her glorious smile lit up her whole face. He grinned in reaction.
She stopped by a table of hand-stitched items and touched the delicate crocheted pillowcase, admiring the talent he knew she didn’t possess. But with Summer, the wifely talents didn’t fit her character and probably never would. He wondered if it really mattered.
Children darted past her skirts and tilted her off balance, making her angelic laughter ring through the air. His smile automatically widened at the scene. As she crouched to their level and chatted with a few toddlers, a genuine sweetness radiated from her face. A little boy presented her with a daisy, and when Summer bestowed the youngster with a kiss on the cheek, Jesse’s heart leaped.
Why can’t she be that kind to me?
He closed his eyes, and the memory of her kiss returned. His body experienced again the softness of her face, her neck, and that incredibly passionate kiss. Mentally shaking himself, he tried to force the wonderful sensations out of his thoughts before they drove him insane.
It still bothered him that she hadn’t broken off her wedding plans with Mr. Fancy-pants, especially after Jesse had held her and kissed her with so much enthusiasm that it had left them both breathless. He didn’t know if he didn’t want her to marry Fairbanks because he didn’t trust the man or if it was because he wanted to kiss her again.
The clicking of women’s heeled shoes sounded on the boardwalk, snapping his attention back to reality. As Summer and Rosie walked his way, his heart accelerated. He glanced at Rosie, who, as always, looked proper, wearing a modest brown dress. Although Summer tried to imitate her sister, the creamy peach blouse and the calico gray and peach jacket molded better to her womanly figure. The peach skirt stretched across Summer’s hips, pulling his focus in that direction.
When he realized the direction of his thoughts, he quickly lifted his gaze and met Summer’s stare. A tint of red highlighted her cheeks, and he inwardly cursed his wandering mind. He was sure she knew the direction of both his thoughts and eyes.
“Hello, Jesse,” Rosie greeted.
“Hello, Rosie. Summer.”
Summer nodded once and mumbled a soft greeting.
“Are you enjoying this lovely morning?” Rosie asked.
“Yessiree. The autumn sun’s never felt better.”
“I agree.” Rosie took a glance at her sister. “Summer and I are on our way to play a few games. Would you like to join us?”
