Page 29 of One Texas Night...
He filled his hands with her breasts, unfastening and pushing away her bra. Desire pooled within her, hot, spreading. Her hand slid down over his rough jeans, over his arousal that pressed tightly against the denim.
As abruptly as she had moved over him, she stopped and moved away, gasping for breath and stepping off his lap. Yanking her shirt back over her head, she sat again in her chair, turning it slightly to face him.
“That’s the physical part of a good marriage,” she explained. “Sex when you want it, hot, built on a bedrock of love, getting better with time, I’m sure. That’s only one facet. How does that compare with climbing an icy glacier and coming home alone?” she asked. “You take your life and your preferences, and I’ll keep mine, but they really don’t mix.”
He turned his chair closer with his legs touching hers and reached out to slide his arm around her waist. She wriggled back and smiled. “That was just to prove a point. No more kisses,” she said, trying to ignore her pounding heart and control the longing to go back into his embrace.
He inhaled deeply, and she wondered whether she had started something she would regret. If he set his mind on seduction, she wasn’t certain how long she could hold out.
Picking up her drink, she raised her glass. “Here’s to happy adventures for you and a solid marriage for me.”
His green eyes looked filled with speculation. He raised his bottle. “Solid? That’s what you want? Not a love-filled marriage?”
“A love-filled marriage is solid,” she replied before taking a sip. Frankly, she needed a moment to gather herself. His kiss had left her breathless, aching for more.
He moved closer. “You may have just started fires that can’t be extinguished easily.”
“I was just proving a point with you. Or at least giving you my view of marriage and family versus your lifestyle. To each his own.”
He smiled, studying her, and she wondered what ran through his thoughts. “You’ll miss a lot, Allison. And you weren’t so ready to settle down when I met you.”
“Of course not. I was in college and six years younger. Life changes a person. Now my dad isn’t well, and the clock is ticking. I don’t think I’ll miss anything. Actually, I feel you’re the one missing out on life.”
“So we’re at an impasse on our views of each other. When we kiss, though, the differences never seem to matter. You can’t deny that. That missing out on love and family is a siren song that has ensnared many a man who never got to fulfill his dreams.”
“You pursue your dreams, Jared, and I’ll pursue mine. May we both find happiness.” She stood up abruptly. “Now let’s get back to business. My father is making arrangements to move the pieces from here to a Dallas auction site. He’s aiming for early June. Before that he will have a presale where select buyers have first chance at the inventory. Phillip has selected three pieces that he’d like to buy, and I have my eye on buying a couple of things then, if you don’t take them now. Don’t ask which ones, because I want you to choose whatever you like.”
“If you’d tell me now, you might ensure getting them,” he said, looking more intently at her.
She shook her head. “No. You and I have the same tastes in furniture and decor. I wouldn’t think of taking something you really like and want.”
“Your choice. Just remember my offer. Speaking of offers—how about dinner?”
Before she could answer, his cell rang. He held it up to take the call, then stood and walked away from her to talk. She turned her attention to the view, enjoying the day, thinking about all he had said, remembering his kisses. He was gone longer than she had expected, and when he returned she watched him sit next to her again.
“Sorry. I may have to get back to Dallas on business soon. I think it would be best to go on to Wyoming tomorrow if you want.”
“That’s fine,” she replied.
“I’ll make the arrangements. It’ll be cooler there. If you need a coat, because I’m sure you didn’t bring one to Houston, we can get one for you on the way to the airport.”
“Actually, I did bring a coat because I knew we would go to Wyoming,” she said.
“The lady thinks ahead. Very good. Speaking of looking ahead, I’ll go rummage in the kitchen freezer and see what I can find. Marline usually leaves casseroles for me at home, so there may be one or two here.”
“I’ll help,” she said, walking beside him. She still fought the consequences of her wild kiss, which she couldn’t take back, and she would have to battle her lusty urges all evening.
He found a pasta casserole that he placed in the oven, and she began to make a tossed green salad. “You have everything here. This place is as well stocked as a grocery.”
“Speaking of well stacked...” He came up behind her to slide his arms around her waist and nuzzle her neck.
She smiled and turned in his arms to grip his forearms and stop him. “I did not say one word about well stacked and you know it. And we weren’t going there, remember?” she said, too aware of the breathlessness of her voice. He was too close, still holding her, his green eyes melting her resolve.
“You started this outside.”
“I was proving a point,” she said while she fought to maintain space between them. Her gaze lowered to his mouth.
“I didn’t get it. Show me again,” he said in a husky voice.
