Taming His Montana Heart(48)

Her expression hardened. “I’ve had years to do just that. I don’t need or want my hand held.”

At first, he didn’t know how to handle her anger if that was what it was. Then, because he’d been down a similar road, he realized her statement was a result of the wall she’d built around herself. The only thing she knew to do was keep him at arm’s length just as she’d probably done with everyone else.

Not sure what he could or couldn’t get away with, he stood and joined her at the window. He slowly looped an arm around her shoulder. To his relief, she didn’t draw away. “I appreciate your honesty. I won’t try to be your big brother.”

“I didn’t mean—I hope you don’t take what I said the wrong way.”

“I won’t.” At least I’ll try not to.

“It’s just that—I guess I want things to be simple.”

“So do I.” Maybe. “Not long before I moved here, I took Alexa to see Bambi. Her little brother was getting a lot of attention so I wanted to do something special just for her.”

“That was sweet of you.”

Encouraged by her response, he explained that the moment the movie was over, Alexa begged him to let her watch it again. “She didn’t care about going out for the pizza I’d promised. She just wanted to watch Bambi, Thumper, and the other creatures. That night she told her parents she wanted a deer family for her birthday.” He smiled. “I’d love to get her here in June when the fawns are born.”

“She might be off deer and onto something else by then.”

“Even if she is, a knock-kneed, spotted newborn will get to her.” This was why he’d accepted her dinner invitation, so they could talk. And touch. And feel. “When the family was here, she let me know that if she was the boss of Lake Serene she wouldn’t allow fishing because it’s mean to fish.”

Haley’s chuckle vibrated through him. Yes, he wanted a lot of touching. Embracing. “I remember those years with my nieces,” she said. “I loved how everything was new and exciting to them. They wore their hearts on their sleeves and loved every living thing except for mosquitoes.”

It was his turn to laugh followed by admitting that Alexa’s loving nature didn’t always extend to her brother. When Haley warned him, based on her experience as an aunt, that Alexa would soon prefer to be with her friends, he relaxed. Standing so close to her while dealing with the desire to kiss her, to help her out of her clothes and into her bedroom wasn’t easy, but at least the evening was no longer in danger of falling apart.

“I’m sorry to have to say this.” She sighed. “But my legs are aching. I don’t think I sat all day.”

That was his clue to say it was time for him to leave. She’d played cook and hostess and wanted back her space back. He understood. A man and a woman trying to define their relationship needed to do so by slow and careful stages. Their connection would move forward one step at a time. Maybe they’d reach a place of emotional and physical intimacy. Maybe things would splutter and die.

The possibility of that happening chilled him. At the same time, despite the risks, and they were considerable, he longed to open up.

What he didn’t know was if he actually could do that or how she’d react.

“Maybe we need to switch jobs for a few days.” He reluctantly removed his arm from her. “Would you be up to sitting behind a desk while I run the snowmobile operation?”

She trailed behind him as he headed for the couch and the coat he’d draped over it. If she asked him to say, would he? Hell, yes.

“Do you think anyone would notice if we did each other’s jobs?” she asked.

“Your clients would. They’d take one look at me and know I’m in over my head.”

“I could handle the sitting down part for a while. Its dealing with your uncle I’m not interested in.”

“Smart woman.”

After that there didn’t seem to be anything to say and nothing to do except go to the door. His nerves took note of how close to him she remained. His heart was making its presence known, and his hand didn’t want to reach for the doorknob.

“Thanks for the invitation.” He’d meant to keep his back to her so why was he turning around? “I had a wonderful time.”

“So did I.”

Maybe she meant it. Maybe she was saying what she thought he wanted to hear. Whichever it was, he cupped her cheeks and tilted her head upward. Her lips parted as she exhaled a breath. He leaned closer. Waiting for her to invite him to kiss her nearly killed him.

“I shouldn’t,” she muttered. “We shouldn’t.”

“Yes, we should.”

Sighing, she took hold of his arms and lifted herself onto her toes. She was morning light and evening mist rolled into one, vibrant life and wanting. He forced away the question of how far she’d let him go and settled himself into this moment. Covered her mouth with his.

They kissed. It was as simple and complex as that, two people taking and giving. He didn’t project beyond the wonder of her leaning into him and her fingers gripping him through his long-sleeve shirt. He didn’t know whether it was day or night, winter or summer, just that they were doing this.

Swallowing was nearly impossible. He couldn’t feel his legs. Their contact was light, more magic than reality, strangers looking for boundaries, seeking understanding.