Page 15 of The Bride's Desire

“If you need anything…” He turned and walked out.

She watched him go and felt her heart break into a thousand pieces. She turned and braced her hands on the counter, taking deep breaths so she didn’t break down.

The question she’d had about the relationship between the two was answered. Although she was disappointed, and it felt like her heart was breaking into little pieces, she knew it would be okay. At least she knew she had enough money to move on. She’d give herself some time to figure out what to do. Until then, she’d try to stay out of his way as much as possible.

****

Joe closed the office door behind him and leaned against it. Jesus, he royally fucked up and didn’t know if they couldreturn from it.

It hadn’t taken him long after she had come to the ranch. After the first few days, he’d wanted her but had held off being physical until she knew him better. She was an innocent lady and so proper all the time.

Fuck, he’d taken her on the floor…

He walked over to his bar and poured himself a drink. He slammed it back and poured another before sitting at his desk, closing his eyes, and resting his head back. After he got his emotions under control, he decided he’d try to keep courting her but slow down even more. He’d see in the morning if there was a chance or not.

He hoped he hadn’t fucked it up too much because he knew in his heart she was his only chance at a family. He couldn’t see himself with anyone else.

Chapter Nine

The weeks passed, and things remained cold and uncomfortable. He caught her looking at him and even thought he saw desire, but he didn’t know whether that was wishful thinking on his part or not. His gut tightened as the days passed, and he didn’t know what to do. He thought about asking his mother, but it just seemed too personal.

One night, his heart stopped as he walked up to the house to see the kitchen light off. The thought of her having left made him want to howl. He rushed in and didn’t find her on the first floor, so he ran up the stairs to her room. The air blasted from his lungs when he saw her sleeping on her bed.

After he settled his heart down, his concern for her started rising.

He sat next to her hip and set his hand on it. “Naomi, Baby, wake up.”

She sighed, turned on her back, and looked up at him. She smiled. “Hey.”

“Are you sick?”

She seemed confused until she looked around. She tried to jerk away from him when she saw what time it was.

“Oh, God. I’m so sorry.”

He kept her in place. “Whoa, wait. Answer my question?”

“What? No. I was just so tired. Let me up so I can make you something.”

“Let’s not worry about food right now. I’m concerned.”

“Well, don’t be. I haven’t been sleeping well, and I guess it caught up with me.”

He studied her expression and then nodded. Her color looked fine, and her eyes were clear.

“All right, but I want you to take it easy.”

She nodded.

He stood and took a step back. He grabbed onto her when the color in her face turned pale, and she swayed as she came to her feet.

“Easy. Sit down.”

She bowed her head.

“Something is going on,” he said.

She shook her head. “No, I just got up too quickly. It happens occasionally.”

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