Page 44 of Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire

“I think we should eat at the table,” he said, narrowing his eyes.“I’m afraid if we eat on the sofa, you’ll fall asleep.You have had little rest since you were released.”

“I’ve had things to do, but now that I’m settled in here, I’ll get more rest.”

He crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his gaze.

She stood.“I will.I promise.”Then she stalked away and into the kitchen.“Speaking of rest, I think you’ll have to freeze the meat for the meatloaf.I won’t try to do it one handed and right now, I’m too tired to think about making it tomorrow.”

He followed her.“That’s fine.I’ll do it after dinner.”

She walked to the cupboard, took out a large, stemless wine glass, and set it on the counter.Then she picked up the bottle of Malbec and poured a serving into the glass.

Given her mood, it surprised him she didn’t fill the glass.

She lifted the glass.“Would you like one?”

“Please.But aren’t you still taking pain medicine?”He leaned against the counter next to her, his hands flat on the surface behind him, and one eyebrow raised.

She took a deep breath and handed him the glass she’d just poured.Then she got another of the wine glasses and filled it with water.She lifted her glass for a toast.“Here’s to catching murderers.”She clinked her glass against his and took a sip.Then she slipped past him, padded back to the living room, sat on the sofa, and put her feet on the coffee table, forgetting about dinner.She pointed at her feet.“Do you mind?”

He shook his head.“Be my guest.”Chase sat next to her right, took off his shoes, and put his feet up by hers.

“What are we doing, Chase?”

“What do you mean?”He knew she didn’t mean sipping wine on the sofa.He wanted her to take the lead in this conversation, so he didn’t reveal too much of his feelings.

“Us.”She waved her right hand back and forth between them.“What are we doing?Neither one of us should think of a relationship, and yet I am.And I would bet my trust fund, if I had one, that you are, too.”

He leaned back, resting his head on the back of the couch, and looked at the ceiling.“I’d be lying if I said a relationship with you hadn’t crossed my mind.”Sitting up, he set his glass on the table and took her right hand in his, tugging her close.Then he put his left arm around her shoulders.

With a sigh, she rested her head on his chest.

“We’ll figure it out.I admit you’re very special.I’ve felt the tug since I met you, but I wasn’t, and still don’t know if I am, ready for another relationship.”

“You haven’t had one since Paige, have you?”She leaned back and placed her hand flat against his heart.

“No.Hookups now and again, but not a relationship, and I sure don’t want us to just be a hookup.You are so much more and deserve more than that.”

He lifted her chin until she looked up.Lowering his head, he stopped mere breaths away from her mouth, “So much more.”His lips claimed hers even though he called himself ten times a fool.His blood seemed to boil as he kissed her.His whole body was alive.More alive than he’d been in a long time.

He couldn’t resist her for an hour, much less for days.What would he do with her?How could he keep her safe and still lure out a maniac?