Land sake, she’s pretty.
He smiled and tried to express his love through his stare. “Why, thank you, Summer.”
She stepped in front of him and fastened the buttons of his shirt, her gaze dropping to her fingers.
A grin tugged at his mouth. “Darlin’? I think I can handle the rest myself.”
Her cheeks darkened, and she stepped back. “Oh, of course.”
Silence lasted only a brief moment before the man behind her cleared his throat. Jesse’s heart wrenched when he assessed Summer’s new beau. This man was definitely no cowpoke. Adam Fairbanks couldn’t be more perfect for Summer, and the mere thought left a hollow feeling in the pit of Jesse’s stomach.
Summer turned, took hold of Adam’s arm, and pulled him further into the room. “Adam, I want you to meet Jesse Slade.” Her gaze lifted to Jesse’s. “And Jesse, this is Adam Fairbanks.”
A charming grin appeared on Adam’s face. Jesse’s jealousy intensified.
Adam gave Jesse’s hand a hearty shake. “It’s good to finally meet the man the Bennett family can’t stop raving about.”
Jesse managed a grin. “So, Summer, what have you been tellin’ this man about me?” His grin widened as he teasingly stepped over and slipped his arm around her small waist, pulling her to his side, mainly to get her away from Fairbanks.
Summer’s body stiffened. “Just the truth.” She gave him a pasted smile. “After all, you’re the town hero.”
“Me? I thought you were.”
She chuckled. “No, Jesse, you are.”
“What’s this?” Adam interjected. “Why would Summer be the town hero?”
“Haven’t you heard?” Jesse asked.
“Jesse, no,” Summer warned in honey-sweet tones, but her stare blazed through him.
Jesse continued as though she hadn’t spoken. “The day she came into town, she saved the stagecoach from bein’ attacked.”
Adam's eyes twinkled when he looked at Summer. “Yes, I remember, but you haven’t told me what happened.”
“Oh, then let me.” Keeping his arm around Summer, Jesse proceeded to explain to Adam about Summer’s stagecoach rescue. During his lengthy and very descriptive tale, Summer struggled to free herself from his hold—in a subtle way—but he wouldn’t let her go. He liked holding her this way. Liked it almost too much. Her rose-scented soap tickled his senses and made him ache, and all he wanted to do was kiss her endlessly.
As he finished, he glanced down into her angry eyes and winked. “It just makes me so proud my girl acted that way. She’s so brave.”
From out in the hallway, Rosie’s laughter rang through the cabin. He tried to ignore it.
“Jesse, you’ve stretched the truth quite a bit,” Summer bit out slowly.
“Heavens no.” He glanced back at Adam. “If you doubt my story, ask anyone in town. They’ll tell you what happened.”
Adam laughed. “I’m sure you’re telling the truth, Mr. Slade. I have heard rumors about Summer since her return, and she is highly respected.”
“That’s enough.” Summer held up a hand, still trying to wiggle out of Jesse’s hold. “I wish you two would stop talking about me as if I weren’t here.”
“I’m sorry, darlin’.” Jesse bent and kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger longer than they should. He grudgingly released her and stepped back. She almost fell to the floor but quickly regained her footing.
“So, Mr. Slade? How are you feeling?” Adam asked. “Summer and Rosie have told me about your escape from the bandits—with a bullet wound to show for it. You’re lucky to be alive.”
Jesse flexed his sore arm, mainly to show off his acquired muscles, which were considerably more than Adam had. “Yes, I’m extremely lucky. Each and every day, I feel a little better, thanks to the Bennett sisters’ lovin’ care.”
“What?” Summer gasped, her eyes wide as she stared at him.
Adam looked at Summer. “You didn’t tell me you took care of him.”
