Page 20 of Once Removed (Blackhawk Security)

Gazing down at her, he took both her hands in his. “It’s your decision, of course. But I really hope you don’t decide to do that,” he said softly. “I’d miss you.” His gaze was steady on hers. “I’d miss you a lot, Lainey. And I couldn’t pack up and follow you. The ranch isn’t portable.”

A tangle of emotions twisted inside Lainey. Pain at the thought of never seeing Brody again. Regret at what she’d lose. “I wouldn’t want to leave you, either, Brody,” she whispered. “Or have you leave this ranch. I know what it means to you.” Gripping his hands, she studied his expression. She saw nothing but caring. Desire. Something she labeled affection, instead of what it really was.

Slowly he drew her against him. Wrapped his arms around her and snugged her against his broad chest. His body was hard and strong -- the body of a man who worked the land. Did a difficult, physical job.

He smelled of fresh air and the pines that marched up the slopes of the mountains. His hands spread warmth where they pressed against her back. And when he stroked his palm slowly over her back, her legs trembled.

She wanted to burrow into Brody and never leave.

After soaking up his warmth and comfort, she forced herself to step away from him. She wanted so much more than a comforting hug. And since she wasn’t ready to take that step, it wasn’t fair to press her body against his from chest to knees.

She refused to taunt either Brody or herself with what they couldn’t have.

“I don’t want to leave,” she admitted. She allowed herself to reach for his hand, and when he slid his fingers between hers, she clasped her palm to his. “I want to stay in Helena. In spite of my unhappy memories, I like most of my clients. I love the town.” She took a deep breath. “And I’d miss you too much.”

Violet sang along with the radio, making Lainey smile. “Where else would I get a concert along with my dinner?”

Brody cupped his fingers around her face and brushed his mouth against hers. It was a quick, comforting kiss. No more. But she trembled. Yearned. Wanted to throw herself back into his arms.

Instead she took another step back. Picked up her wine glass with a shaking hand. “I’m going to stick it out for now,” she said quietly. “Maybe people will stop talking about Ron’s death. Maybe Sheriff Jacobs will figure out who killed him, and people will stop giving me the stink eye.” She held his gaze, knowing she was showing him everything. “I want a chance to figure out whatever this is between us. And it would be impossible to do that from Butte or Bozeman or Spokane.”

Brody’s eyes reflected the desire she was sure he could see in her eyes. “You’re staying for me?”

“I’m staying for myself,” she said. “To figure out why I didn’t throw Ron out of the house the first time he hit me. To figure out why I was attracted to him in the first place. I need to get straight in my head before I can move on.”

She leaned closer and brushed a kiss across his cheek. “But you’re a very good incentive for figuring that out.”

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