Page 32 of Here With You

She felt like such a fool. “If you had to do it all over again, would you do the same thing?”

He reached forward and twisted a lock of her hair around his finger. She could see his mind moving through all the scenarios as the golden specks in his eyes shifted with his thoughts. Miles could never get away with much because his eyes were so expressive. He never had a great poker face, but she didn’t know what he’d say this time.

“I’ve thought about that a lot.” He cupped her cheek. “I hated what happened to us, but maybe it was a good thing. We weren’t ready for the love we deserved, and I don’t think we knew how to give the love we needed. So, to answer your question, yes, I would have done the same thing because when we leave this world, all we leave behind are memories, and I’d rather be known as a man with integrity.” His thumb brushed her cheek. “What about you?”

She reached out and laid her hand on his hip. It didn’t stay there long as the pull to know whether the hair on his chest was soft or course drew her to him. Those tiny hairs sprouting all those years ago were both, and she loved how her fingers felt as she brushed her fingertips through them.

“I regret not going away with you, but I don’t regret staying.”

“You can’t have it both ways.”

“By staying, I ended up with The Brown. That’s what I wanted all along.”

“You’re wrong.” They were close enough for his breath to tickle her cheek. For several seconds his gaze lingered on her mouth until he leaned in and touched his lips to hers. “Let me remind you of what you wanted.” She barely had time to take a breath before his mouth covered hers. When her lips parted for a sigh, his tongue entered. He tasted like sweet tea and passion.

A hundred memories flooded her senses, and all those past feelings of love and desire came rushing back. She moved closer until their bodies were connected from lips to toes. Her endorphin-infused blood raced through her veins. Everything was perfect: his body’s warmth, his tongue’s velvety texture, and his lips’ satiny softness. Then there were his hands on her body, sliding up. It was so perfect that she heard angels sing.

He pulled away, breaking the spell, and she realized her phone was ringing.

“Don’t answer that,” he said breathlessly.

She pulled her phone from her pocket and saw it was The Brown. “I have to.” She gave him another peck before she answered.

“What’s up?” The receptionist told her a demanding guest was waiting in the lobby. “I’ll be right there.”

She hung up and looked at Miles. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. A problem just arrived.”

He rose, took his seat, and picked up the oars. “A problem? What kind of problem?”

She took her seat while he rowed them toward shore. “It’s not a what as much as a who. Do you remember when I said there was probably something you should know?”

“Yes.” He rowed harder, and they arrived at the dock quickly. “Just tell me.”

“May kicked Darryl off the ranch, and I’ve got the only place in town to stay.” She cleared her throat. “Not true. You’ve got the only vacancy, so Darryl is staying at The Kessler for a few days.”

“No way!” He moved the boat into its space.

“It’s already done. I couldn’t say no to your mom.” She climbed out before the boat came to a complete stop, grabbed her shoes, and took off, running toward the front desk.

“Emmaline,” he called after her. “What we started isn’t finished.”

She laughed as she pushed through the door. “I know, but do you think this is wise?”

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

He tied up the rowboat and chased after her. With Emmaline, nothing was easy, but that kiss reminded him that it was worth it. The single kiss told him time hadn’t changed how they responded to each other. They might be fire and ice, but he’d be damned if he could stay away from her. He’d tried for decades, and all he got from his absence was misery and loneliness.

He heard yelling coming from inside as he approached.

“I’m not staying anywhere near my brother,” Darryl said.

Miles walked in the door and was about to say something when Emmaline looked up at him and held up her hand, indicating that she had it under control.

“For a man with no place to stay, you’re being quite demanding. Miles has the only vacancy in town. Take it or leave it.”

“What do you mean, Miles has the only vacancy in town?” Darryl asked.

She looked between them. “He’s the manager of The Kessler.”

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