Page 139 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Huh? Wariness swept into her eyes. I thought you said no one followed us.”

“We’re safe. It’s not that. My woman would never open her own door.”

She blinked a couple of times. “Oh. But it’s just us.”

“You never know who could be watching. We can’t let our guard down.” As if on cue, the curtain moved and Addie looked out.

He motioned. “See. I rest my case.”

“Thanks.” She tilted her head, looking thoughtful. “You sure you’re not from the South?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, why?”

“I thought only Southern men opened doors for women. You know, the gentleman thing.”

“I’ve got news for ya, Dee.” He spoke her name like a caress, peering into her eyes. “Southern men don’t have the monopoly on chivalry.”

She rewarded him with a genuine smile, the lines around her eyes crinkling. “That’s good to know,” she said softly.

A charge of energy raced through his veins as he leaned closer. “Should we kiss and give my sister something to talk about?”

Delaney’s eyes rounded as she drew back. “What?”

He placed a hand on her arm. “Addie’s still at the window, watching.” He didn’t know if she was or not, but it sounded plausible. “If we kiss now, it’ll be old hat when we kiss in front of people.” He caught the flicker of desire in her eyes, knew she wanted this as much as he. Her breath hitched when he touched her cheek. “Just one little kiss,” he murmured, trailing his finger along the line of her jaw. “For practice sake.” He memorized her features, thinking he’d never seen a more exquisite woman. Her long lashes, the dainty upward tilt of her nose, her full lips. Something shifted in her eyes, then her lips parted in acceptance. A zing shot through him as his mouth touched hers.Go slow, his mind commanded. The kiss was deliciously sweet, her lips soft and accepting. How easy it would’ve been to gather her in his arms, crush her lips with his until neither of them could breathe. Somehow, he managed to gather the strength to pull away. He scoped her face, trying to discern the expression in her dark eyes. Surely, she had to have felt the river of fire that flowed between them. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” He kept his voice casual, even though the question meant so much more.

“Not bad.”

Crash and burn. “Ouch.”

She laughed lightly. “Not bad for a menace,” she winked.

She’d turned the tables … was teasing him. He couldn’t stop a broad grin from filling his face. “I guess I deserved that.” She certainly knew how to dish it out. He liked her more each passing second. He motioned with his head. “You ready to go in?”

“Let’s do it, sweet cheeks.”

He winced. “Ugh! I should’ve never started that. If Addie hears you call me that, there’ll be no end to her teasing.”

She laughed. “Any girl who can put you in your place has to be worth her salt.”

“Ha! Now that hurts.” He opened the door and rushed around to get her door. He opened it with a slight bow. “After you, babe.”

She stepped out, pushing her purse strap over her shoulder. “Thanks, hon.” She winked, her voice going sugary sweet.

He punched the clicker to lock the doors as she slid an arm through his, pulling him close. “I can’t wait to meet your family,” she gushed.

Delaney was performing. Corbin looked sideways at her, recognizing the same expression on her face that she’d worn at the senator’s birthday party. She’d started performing right after their kiss to protect herself from any real feelings. Disappointment settled over him. He wanted the real version of Delaney, not the pretend one. Yet, this whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing was pretense, so he couldn’t fault her for playing her part. He’d just told her to pretend. “Better tone it down a notch,” he warned as they got to the door. “Addie’ll see right through you. Just be yourself.”

She nodded, her lips forming a grim line. “Okay.”

He knocked once before opening it. “Hello,” he announced. “We’re here.”

Chapter Twelve

The first time Delaney ever performed in front of an audience, she’d been shaking in her boots to the point where she could barely hold a microphone. Tonight, walking through the door of Corbin’s grandfather’s home, she felt the same way. That kiss had thrown her for a loop. It had been every bit as good as the one in her dream. Well, except for Corbin holding back like she was a China doll that could break if he touched her too hard. She’d wanted more … wanted to lose herself in his lips … wanted to satisfy this incredible longing building inside her. Was she losing her mind? She was pushing Corbin away with one hand and pulling him toward her with the other. He probably thought she was the biggest tease. That wasn’t her intent at all, however. She was just trying to figure all of this out.

She leaned into Corbin for support, glad to have his arm around her as they went into the living room. Addie was the first to approach. Delaney instantly saw the resemblance. Same color eyes with the same intelligent light in them, same stubborn set of the chin. But Addie’s features were softer. Her dark hair fell past her shoulders in tight corkscrew curls. She was thin and tall, standing a good four inches above Delaney.

Corbin let go of Delaney and hugged his sister.

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