Page 45 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

“But that’s great, Abby,” Rose said. “If ever you decide to move here, you won’t have a problem with clients, I assure you.”

Abby smiled. “I’m sure someone from around here is already doing it.”

“Not that I know of,” Willow said. “Marietta can definitely do with someone with your skills.”

“Thanks, but my life is back in Seattle.”

“Well,” Laura added, “if ever you change your mind, just say the word. We’ll have clients lined up for you in no time.”

“Thank you,” Abby nodded, looking a bit like a deer caught in the headlights of a vehicle.

Time to change the subject. “A glass of wine?” Carson lifted the bottle of white wine he’d bought.

“Yes, thank you. So, where’s your beer?”

“It’s probably time I learn to enjoy wine as well,” he smiled.

“Good evening,” a voice behind them said. “May I have this dance?”

Carson stiffened. Nash Johnson, a cowboy working on one of the neighboring ranches, was holding out his hand to Abby. From the way he was swaying from side to side, it was obvious he’d had too much to drink already.

He was about to get up and state his claim on Abby, when he caught June’s eye. She shook her head.

Grabbing the glass of wine in front of him, he took a big gulp.

“Thank you so much,” Abby was saying, “but I’m here with Carson.”

“Just one dance?” Johnson insisted and tried to grab Abby’s hand.

This time, Carson got up. He didn’t say anything, just gave Johnson a long stare.

Johnson beat a hasty retreat. “You damn Westons!” he shouted from a safe distance.

Only as Carson turned back, did he notice his brother and his cousins were also standing.

“Oh, my goodness, you lot.” Arlene laughed. “Relax. It’s a dance, not a fight.”

“Care to dance?” Carson asked Abby.

Nodding, she took his hand and got up. “Thank you.”

*

As the crooning sounds of a slow country song about making love all night long, filled the air, Carson pulled her close. Sighing, Abby slipped her arms around his neck.

Bending his head, his lips found her shoulder. Surrendering to the music, his big, warm hands, she laid her cheek against his solid chest. Inhaling his scent, relishing the shelter of his embrace, she tried to memorize the moment. She’d never wanted anyone as deeply, as passionately as she did this man.

One song slipped into two, then three and still they swayed together to the music, neither of them willing to break the spell.

Finally, Carson lifted his head. “Let’s eat before we go home?” His low voice sent shivers down her spine. Taking her hand, he slipped it through his arm.

“Good idea,” she managed.

The food was already at the table when they returned. June looked up. “There you are. I was wondering if you’d left already.”

As she sat down, June leaned closer. “Will I see you again tomorrow before you leave?”

Abby shook her head. “I don’t think so. But I’ll see you in Seattle in two weeks’ time when you have your second book launch.”