Page 12 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

She had to tilt her head back to look into his face. “How tall are you?”

“Six-five. Why?”

“Just wondering. I guessed you were that tall. I’m five seven, and you’re almost a foot taller than me.”

“It all evens out where it’s supposed to, darlin’. Come on, let’s get back.” He took her hand and led her back. When she realized what he’d meant, she gasped making him chuckle. “Just got it, huh?”

“I refuse to answer.”

“You just did.” Turning to face her, he cupped her face in his hands. “I hate myself for wanting to do this.” Slowly he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.

Presley moaned and stood on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck. His hands moved from her face to her shoulders, down to her waist. Then he grabbed her butt and pulled her tight against him as he deepened the kiss.God! The man could kiss!Their tongues dueled. A rough groan tore from him then he slowly lifted his head.

“Why?” she asked.

“Why what?”

“Why do you hate yourself for wanting to kiss me?”

“Because I don’t want any type of relationship.”

“With me or anyone?”

“Anyone. It would be a waste of time.”

“You could waste time with me,” Presley said as she stared up at him.

He hissed in a breath. “Hell of a thing to tell a man,” he muttered as he took her hand and led her back to the campsite. He let go of her hand by her tent. “Goodnight.” He walked toward his sleeping bag but stopped to place some logs on the fire before taking his boots off and crawling back into the sleeping bag.

Presley stood by her tent watching him. She’d love to invite him into her tent, but she knew he’d refuse. Too bad. She couldn’t explain this need she had for him. When he’d laughed earlier, she wanted to spin him around to make sure it was him who had laughed. It was a great laugh, and she wanted to see him smile so much. Seeing him grimace in pain was not the same. Maybe before she left Bur Oak, she would and since she was staying for a month that might be possible. She just couldn’t decide what to do about the offer the hospital had made, and she needed time away to think but being around Jaxon Callahan was turning her brain into mush. It was a big decision, and she’d told the administrator of the hospital sheneeded time to think about it because she did love working in the ER, but she hadn’t given it a thought since seeing Jaxon. Sighing, she watched as the chilly air formed a cloud in front of her.Damn, it was cold!

Crawling back into her tent, she zipped it closed, removed her shoes, and slid down inside the sleeping bag. As she closed her eyes, she could see Jaxon’s beautiful light grey eyes. He was the sexiest man she’d ever met, and she’d seen a lot of men come through the emergency room, from patients to doctors, but not one of them stopped her heart like Jaxon Callahan had when she saw him. It didn’t matter how much pain he’d been in. She saw that shiny black hair and that handsome face, and she wanted to do anything to take away his pain, and she’d never felt that way before. With any other patient, she’d work alongside the other nurses and doctors then move on to the next one. Not with him. She’d checked up on him regularly. Even going as far as calling in after her shift ended to see how his surgery went. She’d talked to one of her fellow nurses to get the information. When she went up to his room the next day, he wasn’t happy at all to see her. She thought back to that day.

“Hello, Mr. Callahan,” she said as she entered his room.

“Who are you?” he growled and narrowed his eyes at her.

“I’m one of the nurses from the ER. I was there when you were brought in.”

“So, why the hell are you here now?”

“I just wanted to see how you’re feeling.”

“Since when did ER nurses make visits to patients?”

“I know you were in a lot of pain—”

“No shit. I’m fine. Go away and leave me alone.”

She’d stood there staring at him. Taking in his mussed hair, the scruff on his face and his beautiful eyes. Which were red-rimmed and glaring at her.

“Did you hear me? Go away,” he’d practically shouted. She’d spun and walked out of the room. Tears had pooled in her eyes because she knew that even though he was in pain from the surgery, it was probably nothing compared to the pain he’d felt over losing his wife.

It didn’t stop any of the feelings she’d had for him. Once she realized just how far from Idaho Falls he was, she knew she didn’t have a chance with him. Now she was here on his guest ranch, and he’d kissed her but he hadn’t been happy about it at all, and she wanted so much more. So very much more.

Chapter Four

The next morning, Jaxon and Chip woke everyone and fed them breakfast. After everyone finished eating, they broke camp and prepared to mount up. Once he got back, he was getting into his Jacuzzi. His damn hip was killing him today. Rain must be moving in. He rubbed it as he stood over the pit to make sure the fire was out, and no embers remained. Glancing up, he saw Chip helping everyone take their tents down and roll up their blankets and sleeping bags. Jaxon shifted his eyes to Presley, and Rodney was talking with her again. What did he care? She was a beautiful, single woman and she could speak to whomever she wanted. There was no way he’d get involved with her. He couldn’t and not just because of the policy of no fraternizing with the guests. It was because he didn’t want another woman in his life. No matter what Bethany had told him. Kicking the ashes around to make sure the fire was entirely out, he walked over to Presley.

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