Page 48 of Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire

“I want you, Willow, more than I’ve ever wanted a woman before.”

“I want you, too. But I can’t. I’m sorry.” Her stomach felt like a brick was laying in it.

He followed his soft-as-silk gaze by cupping her face. “Don’t be sorry for standing up for your moral code. I think it makes you even more attractive. I like you to stand up for yourself...even with me.”

She leaned into his hand before straightening. “I think you should probably take me home before either of us forgets ourselves.”

He released her. “I’m glad I tempt you.”

She ran a finger over his jaw. The three-day growth of beard was long enough to be silky under her questing fingertips. “Tempt doesn’t even begin to describe what you do to me.”

He took her hand and laced his fingers with hers. “Time to take you home. Come on, before I change my mind and throw you over my shoulder and carry you to bed.”

She laughed as he practically dragged her to the front door, stopping only long enough to get her shawl from the closet.

On the way home in the limo, he held her hand, since the seatbelts prevented much closer contact.

When they arrived, Travis walked her to the door. He cupped her face between his palms and ran a thumb over her cheek. “So lovely.” Then he lowered his head and took her lips with his, still holding her steady with his hands.

Willow wound her arms around his waist and pulled him tighter against her aching body.

Finally, he ended the kiss, pulling back, but he stopped and kissed the end of her nose. “I’ll see you in the morning. I’ll send Phillip with the car to collect you at seven. Can you be ready for the weekend by then?”

“We’ll be ready.” She blew him a kiss and stepped into the condo and closed the door. Then she leaned back against the door and smiled. He loved her. He wouldn’t have backed down when she said no, if he didn’t, would he? Perhaps he’s only a good man with a high moral code himself. But she knew he was all that and more.

She closed her eyes, still not knowing how he felt. Did he love her? Clearly, he didn’t spend all this money and loan her his grandmother’s earrings and delicate lace shawl because he only liked her.

Now, if she could only get him to realize his love for her. But how was she supposed to do that?

The limo arrived at seven right on the dot as Willow looked out the living room window.

“Mindy, the car is here. Let’s go.”

Her daughter clomped down the stairs, sounding like a herd of elephants.

“Do you have everything?” Willow eyed the overnight bag Mindy carried.

“Yup...I mean yes. Got everything I’ll need.” She set the bag on the foyer’s floor.

“Good. Let’s go.” Willow picked up her weekender and opened the door.

Phillip was on the other side with his hand raised, ready to knock.

“Oh. Good morning, ladies. If you’ll head to the car, I’ll get your bags.”

“Let me lock up.” Willow closed the door after he picked up the bags and Mindy exited and then locked it. Then she headed toward the vehicle.

“Mom. We’re riding in a limo. Wow! And it’s a stretch limo, too.”

“So, it is.” Willow smiled down at her daughter. “How do you know that bit of trivia?”

Mindy rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Mom. From some of the reality shows, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, those kinds of shows. Don’t you pay attention?”

“Apparently not close enough.”

Mindy entered first and slid all the way across the white leather seat to the other side of the car, where she put on her seatbelt.

Willow stepped into the car and sat next to the door. She fastened her seatbelt.