Once I have my plan firmly in place, I exit the bathroom, ready to see him getting dressed so I can go to bed.
Instead of finding that, he’s in the bed, arm outstretched.
“Come here,” Killian requests.
I shouldn’t.
I should kick him out and put that damn wall up.
However, like a dumbass, I go to him and curl up on his chest.
Killian runs his fingertips up and down my back, and I count the ways I’m screwing up.
One, I’m falling for him.
Two, I’m sleeping with him when I should’ve never done it in the first place.
Three, I’m lying on his chest even knowing that one and two are important.
Four, I’m still not moving.
The list could really go on and on because the mistakes are piling up.
I lift my head and rest it on my hand that sits on his chest. Maybe I can talk myself out of this. I can say something about what I’m feeling, scare him off, and then that could be that. The rodeo is over. I should go back to New York anyway. This can be the shove I need.
He cups my cheek, his green eyes assessing. “What are you thinking?”
I’m not going to answer that honestly. “That you’re incredible in bed.”
Killian smirks. “Only in bed?”
“You’re not bad out of it.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
I smile. “You should.”
“You’re not bad in or out of bed either. Actually, you’re pretty spectacular.”
We fall silent, the moment settling around us. I do my best not to let my mind wander about how much I’ll miss this. How we solved a lot of issues today and I’ll need to leave soon.Financially things are back on track, he’s working with Gary who will help with the breeding program, and as for Travis, well, that’s Cole Securities’ job. My job was to manage the PR crisis, which I did as much as I think I can.
Killian kisses the top of my head, pulling me closer to him. “Tessa?”
“Yes?”
His hand moves up and down my arm. “I was thinking… I know the rodeo is over and the farm is on the right track, but maybe…maybe…you could…stay?”
My body locks up. I feel panic starting to rise. “Stay?”
He shifts, and I’m forced to lift my head to look at him. “I’m just saying that things still aren’t fixed here. Not completely. I really think you should hang around a while longer.”
“For work?”
“For work…and because I want you to.”
“Killian,” his name comes out as a breath. “You’re the one…”
“I know that I set the rules—although, I think we both did. I’m just saying that I don’t want you to think that I don’t want you here.” I shake my head and he continues on. “Don’t make any decisions now or even really think about it, just know the desire is there—on my end.”
