Taking Charge (Lone Star Burn #4)(17)

That’s a lot of money to drop and not expect something in return.

He said he wants me. Did he think I was for sale? If he’d asked me, I would have turned the money down.

Wyatt climbed into his truck, and David waved good-bye, then turned to face the house. He caught her watching him, and their eyes locked. Lucy’s cheeks warmed as desire licked through her. She tried to deny it, tried to look away, but she couldn’t.

Please leave, David. Get in your truck and drive back to Fort Mavis. I’m not ready for how you make me feel.

David clearly didn’t receive her silent plea, or he decided to ignore it. With a nod in her direction, he started walking toward her house. Lucy stepped away from the window and hurried out of the room, closing and locking the door behind her. Just because I sell sex toys online doesn’t mean I’m an easy mark.

She imagined herself standing naked with David’s arms around her while he bent to tease one of her excited nipples with his mouth. She hadn’t even kissed him, but her body hummed with the pleasure it knew his hands and mouth could bring her.

Apparently, I should purchase some of those toys for myself. To take the edge off. Two years without sex can muddle the brain—makes me want to pounce on a man I hardly know.

Her cheeks warmed even more at the thought of masturbating while imagining herself with David. Stop that. What is wrong with me?

I’ve had an emotional day. That’s why I feel out of control. I feel alone, and that’s the only reason David is such a temptation.

Lucy opened the door before David could knock. His large, muscular frame filled the doorway. Even shadowed from the sun, his blue eyes were gorgeously brilliant. And his lips looked every bit as amazing as she’d imagined a moment before. It was all she could do to not lean forward and test if there was any possibility that his kiss would live up to her fantasy.

She needed to gain control of herself as well as the situation. She gripped the door handle tightly and stood, blocking his entrance. “Thank you for your help today. I’m sorry I hit you. I was still all wound up from talking to Ted.” She paused and chewed her lip before saying, “I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”

“No apology necessary.” His smile was as warm as the sun shining behind him.

Lucy took a deep breath, then realized her mistake. He smelled as good as he looked. Masculine. A city woman might smell cattle or horse, but those familiar scents faded to the background for Lucy. David didn’t need cologne; he was heady enough. He’d worked hard, and the light shine of sweat on him was a turn-on that had her biting her lip again. I have to get him out of here before I bookend this day with bad choices. “I’d offer you something to eat, but I’m sure you’re anxious to get home, and it’s a long drive. I should have a check for you tomorrow. I can mail it or have someone take it to you in Fort Mavis if you need it sooner. Whatever you prefer.”

David removed his hat, and the sun brightened his thick blond hair, giving it an almost halo effect. “I’d rather you invite me in.”

Lucy leaned on the door handle for support as her knees almost buckled. I’ve watched too many vampire movies. They can’t hurt you unless you invite them in. David is not here for my blood or my ranch. But he does want something.

Me.

Oh God.

This is a bad idea.

A really bad idea.

I swore I would get back control of my life and my ranch.

Is this a test? To see if I’ll take the easy way out again? I won’t. No matter what my sex-starved body thinks, I won’t say yes this time.

I need to free myself from owing anyone anything.

“I have work waiting for me or I would.”

He made no move to end the conversation. “Your home business? Sarah told me you were starting one.”

Thank God I didn’t tell Sarah the details. I’ll have to talk to her about how much she’s sharing with David. “Yes. Hopefully it’ll bring in enough revenue after the first few months to pay you the rest of what I owe.”

“I’m not worried about the money, Lucy.”

“You should be. We didn’t even sign anything.”

He held her gaze. “Contracts don’t matter with honest people, and crooks will always find a way around them. I trust you, Lucy.”

“Trusting people is the quickest way to lose everything.”

“Is that what you believe?”

“It’s a hard truth, but I’m learning to deal with it. What do they say? ‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice . . .’”

“You’re no fool, Lucy.”

“Not anymore, I’m not. I’m done letting others decide how things should be done. I’m going to save this ranch, and I’m going to do it my way.”

David leaned in, his mouth hovering above hers. “You don’t have to do it alone.”

Lucy licked her bottom lip and let out a shaky breath. It would have been so easy to forget everything else and give in to him. Then what? “Yes, I do. I won’t make the same mistake again.”

His breath was a soft caress on her lips. “Would it be a mistake?” His voice held strength and a confidence just as attractive as the rest of him. What would life be like with a man like him at her side?

Even as her eyes began to close in preparation for his kiss, she told herself she didn’t want this. She couldn’t risk losing herself again . . . no matter how strong the pull between them was.