“I’ve never seen you drunk.” She shook her head.
He shrugged. “I know it was stupid, but I just couldn’t stop drinkin’ Mr. Hansen’s beer. I shouldn’t have, but it actually dulled my senses, and I needed that last night.”
“Why did you need it?”
“I think you know why.”
“Maybe I do.” She turned and strolled back to Buck, picking an apple out of the crate on her way. “Why were you jealous of all the boys I danced with, especially the man I’m supposed to marry?”
“Because Adam Fairbanks isn’t aboy, Summer. And from what I’ve heard, he’s a very experienced man.”
She wouldn’t turn and look at him, even though she heard him walk up behind her. His musky cedar scent nearly made her knees buckle. She fought the urge to turn and press herself against him and get swallowed by his comforting embrace.
“You shouldn’t be jealous,” she said. “And you shouldn’t feel this way toward me.”
“I thought I explained things last night. My mind was a little fuzzy, but I’m quite sure I expressed my feelin’s.” His fingers caressed a lock of her hair. “My body still burns from your touch last night, and whenever I think about the kiss we shared, butterflies dance in my stomach. I’ve been waitin’ all day to come see you, but my deputy duties had me runnin’ all over the county.”
Confusion made her mind swim, and she wanted to cry and kiss him at the same time. She’d do neither.
Leaning her face against Buck’s neck, she sighed heavily. “Oh, Jesse. What are we going to do?”
“What do you mean, my darlin’?”
She spun around. “Quit calling me that. I can never beyourdarling.”
His arms circled her, and heat surrounded her again, scattering her thoughts. “I can’t help what I feel because, yes, Summer, you are my darlin’.”
“But... Pa wants you to be Rosie’s darling, and I’m going to marry Adam.” Her voice choked again. “It’s what Pa wants, and I cannot take it away from him, especially now.”
Jesse released a heavy sigh and rested his chin on her head. His hands moved across her back in small circles.
“I’m torn, Summer. I don’t want to disappoint your father, but at the same time, I can’t live a lie.” He withdrew and looked down into her eyes. “Do you remember last night when you told me to let Rosie go so I could make her happy?”
She nodded.
“Do you still feel that way?”
She nodded again.
“So do I.”
Her brows lifted. “Are you going to break off your engagement?”
“I plan on doin’ that tomorrow when I see Rosie.”
Her jaw dropped. “So soon? I mean... what do you think she’ll say?”
“I think she only loves me like a brother. I can see it in her eyes, and she hesitates to kiss me. We haven’t loved each other the way two people gettin’ married should—not for a few years. I love her, but I’ve never desired her. She’s always been a really good friend.”
Relief swept through her. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“You are? Why?”
“Because... um, because then I know you won’t break her heart.”
He tightened his hold and pulled her body up against his. She liked the feel of his strong arms around her. It made her feel safe. Comforted. Protected. Loved.
“I won’t break her heart. She doesn’t hold my interest any longer,” he said huskily.
