She starts to shake her head.
“I’ll stay tonight. I’ll be here so you can knock out soundly, knowing you’re safe. Have one with me.”
Her eyes brighten with gratitude, but her lips suppress a laugh. “Peer pressure.”
I stroke her bottom lip, trying to find the right words. “No pressure. Just want to give you something you want without there being consequences.”
She sweeps her gaze over me. “Too late for that.” Leaving me with that loaded comment, she walks to the kitchen and reaches for two wine glasses, eyes dancing with delight. “Oh wow, OK. But if I’m doing this, I need to do it right.” She holds up a finger. “We should cut some cheese. And chocolate.”
I chuckle, meeting her across the island. “And here I thought I’d have to twist your arm.”
She pushes the bottle toward me. “You pour, I’ll shave.”
“I’m sorry—shave?”
“The chocolate. Chocolate shavings, cheese, and wine used to be my favorite thing.”
I smile, then feel like kicking myself for even considering leaving her tonight.
22
Rose
I smile as I watch Wilder sleep, still processing that we’re lying here together. In a bed that’s only temporarily mine.
In a town I’m only staying in for a few more weeks. I swallow hard.He’sgoingtotellWesley.
I tried to play it off that I don’t care. That I’m as carefree and wild as everyone thinks I am.
But I’m scared.
I cherish my relationship with my brother. And despite him not trusting my decisions—which is my fault—I can’t bear his disappointment.
But Wilder was adamant about telling him. And I’d never let someone bear a secret the way I am.
It’s not fair.
It’s dawn. The first light in the sky before the sunrise. I can’t remember when I’ve been up this early.
I set my alarm, but it didn’t have a chance to go off. I’ve been up for over an hour.
I knocked out before the movie ended last night. I had two glasses of wine. Wilder had one.
I was hoping to use the extra time we had to get to know him better. Who knows? He might’ve even opened up about Bonnie and why he hasn’t truly moved on.
This cowboy may be single, but it doesn’t mean he’s available. Wilder is so closed off, a bull couldn’t break through his walls.
He’s closed off about his family too. He’s angry with Dallas but doesn’t talk about it. And he’s never mentioned a word about his mother.
I only got insight on that from Mr. Thorne.
Something claws at my heart and warning bells go off.
Why should he open up to me? After this short weekend, we’re back to being boss and employee.
Well,Boss .?.?. I’mnotgoingtobelatetoday.I wash up and dress quietly, peeking out the window for Randy. No sign of him yet.
Cripes,itdoesn’tlookgoodoutthere.