The grin morphs into a teasing smile that matches my playful tone. “If you’re going to learn to love me, you have to love my dog first.”
She leans back against her hand, putting her body closer to mine. “And who says I’m going to learn to love you?”
“You’re already starting to.”
“Is that so?”
“I see the way you look at me when I wear a cowboy hat.” For added effect, I tip the front rim to her.
She rolls her lips, fighting a smile, and glances to the side, as if looking at me will give away all her secrets.
“It’s the tight pants, isn’t it?” Her head falls back with laughter, stirring happiness inside me. “That’s why you like cowboys so much. Don’t worry, your mom confirmed your obsession.”
There’s a conscious effort to even her expression and control her smile before she turns to me. “So, how long have you lived here?”
“A subject change?” I laugh. “Wow, this obsession is worse than I thought.”
“Mm-hmm.” Her nose crinkles as she shakes her head, and it’s the softest, most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. “So you’ve lived here how long?” she asks again.
“About nine months. I didn’t build the house. It just came up on the market and had everything I wanted, so I went for it.”
“I don’t blame you.” Her eyes scan the orange-and-purple horizon.
I should look at the sunset too, but all I can see is Camila—the curve of her smile, the way the wind teases strands of her hair.
“When you said Queen Creek, all I could think about was how far away it felt from my life and my job in Phoenix. But I actually love it out here.”
My brows jump. “You do?”
“Don’t be so shocked.” She laughs. “It feels slower and peaceful out here. Definitely things I need in my life.”
“Does that mean there’s more horseback rides in our future?”
“Maybe.”
“What else is in our future?” I tilt my body, leaning a fraction closer.
Her smile falters as her eyes drift to my lips and then back to meet my gaze.
Pounding drums inside my heart.
I want to lean in even more.
I want to kiss her.
Not for the physical gratification, but because I like her.
The thought hits hard.
I like my wife.A lot.
Cactus Jack whinnies, and we both glance at the horses, the moment between us lost.
“We should get going.” I clear my throat, pushing to my feet. “The horses will need the light to get us back home.”
She glances up at me, maybe disappointed, maybe relieved. I can’t tell.
As we mount up again, the sky slips into twilight. And all I can think is how close I came to kissing her, how much I wanted to, and how much harder it’s getting not to think of Camila as mine.
