Page 29 of The Forbidden Texan
Stunned, he stared at her, for just a moment forgetting everything except Emily. The braid was gone. In its place was silky, shiny long blond hair with spiral curls and yellow highlights. Her rosy lips were redder, her lashes longer, darker. The V-neckline of her dress revealed her lush curves.
“You look gorgeous. Maybe I should just get a chair and sit here to look at you all evening. You’re just so beautiful.”
“Thank you, but no, you don’t get a chair to sit here. I’ve been looking forward all day to a party. I have a new dress and shoes and we’re not staying home.”
“Yes, darlin’, we’ll go and have a very good time,” he said, smiling. She was stunning. Why hadn’t he seen this before? It was the same hair, the same eyes, the same lips, the same body, but all different. And her body—tonight she wasn’t wearing the dumpy sweatshirt and baggy jeans and clothes that hid her curves. And what curves. He longed to touch them. His gaze followed the neckline of her red dress and he felt his heart race. How had he not seen this beneath the plain clothes, the lack of makeup, her hair secured in an ever-present braid?
“Jake?”
At the sound of her voice, he looked up and met her eyes. “What?”
“You’re staring.”
“Sorry. It’s just... You’re stunning.”
“Thank you. I’m happy you noticed.”
He smiled at her. “I promise, I noticed. Are you ready to go?”
“Oh, yes,” she said, picking up her small purse. She locked up and he took her hand as they walked to the limo, where the chauffeur held the door and Jake helped her inside. Touching her even briefly, casually, made him want to pull her into his arms, hold her close and kiss her. Instead, he satisfied himself with sitting beside her.
“Thanks for inviting me, Jake. I feel privileged to be on the arm of the guest of honor.”
He shrugged. “The rescue was something I could do easily. I like dogs and in storms like that they get lost and abandoned. Someone needs to look out for them.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“We can even get you a dog if you want to rescue one, but don’t do it on an impulse because that doesn’t work out sometimes.”
She smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Our tables are near the front. I have three tables of friends I’ve invited so I’ll introduce you. Mike and Vivian will be there and so will Noah and Camilla and they’ll be at our table.”
“That’s good because Vivian and Camilla and I can talk about art. And—surprise, surprise—Doug and Lydia took a table. Will took one, too. And I’ve saved the best for the last—Lucas took a table and here’s the real surprise of the night—Lucas will be there with a Ralston.”
“Wow. Thane knew how to reach people. That’s amazing since Lucas was ready to slug me for being with you.” Shaking his head, Jake laughed. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“She’s Harper Ralston. Do you know her?”
“No, but there are lots of Ralstons now and lots of Kincaids. That was one reason I didn’t think I could make a dent in the feud. That is good news about your brothers. I don’t usually make enemies out of people I meet, but Doug and I go back to elementary school and competition in games at recess. With Lucas, I always figured it was more the old feud, and I barely know Will... I guess I’m doing better on my promises to Thane than I’d expected.”
“I’m glad. I’ve given my family an incentive, remember?”
“Thane is going to get what he wanted and that makes me happy. I didn’t think I could do anything about the feud beyond hiring you and I wasn’t sure about that,” Jake admitted.
But this whole time he was talking to her, he was only half thinking about her brothers, the feud and the dog rescue. He was thinking more about her and how much he wanted her all to himself.
He had looked forward to this night back with his ranger buddies and old friends, but now he wanted to skip the party and take her home with him and make love all night. He wanted to peel her out of that sexy red dress and kiss and hold her. He knew what they had done to each other in the past. Now it would be compounded by her fabulous looks. Could he get her to go home with him tonight? And if he did, would one night be enough?
Emily was the kind of woman who could complicate his life. She was picket fences and family dinners and forever. He didn’t want to get into any kind of commitment.
He looked over at her and wondered just what trouble he was getting himself into with this woman.
* * *
They entered a big ballroom that had balloons around the room and tables around three sides that faced the stage and the dance floor. Propped on easels along two walls were posters of Jake and the two other honorees working with the dogs.
As they walked to their table, Jake constantly stopped to greet someone, introduce her and talk a minute. They were the first at their table, which was covered in crystal, glittering silver and centered with a vase of white orchids and red anthurium.