Free Second Song Cowboy (Second Chance) by Rhonda Lee Carver

times, she’d found herself naturally burying her nose against his neck and inhaling. Not all men smelled as good as Dante. A lick or two wouldn’t have hurt her, but she’d controlled herself.
    The trembling in her core turned to throbs.
    She wouldn’t be licking him anywhere. Rubbing her fingers over her aching temples, she hoped it didn’t lead to a migraine.
    She had some big fish to fry during her visit.
    How would she tell him about the baby? Perhaps she needed to think of this new connection between them as a business relationship, two people who shared a precious gift. She’d have to put aside her emotions, which wouldn’t be easy. How does one carry around love for fifteen years and then suddenly expect to disregard feelings? If she could manage to ignore her heart, she’d have done it long ago.
    Dante was much more than a cowboy with good looks, charming smile and tall lean body. He had a huge heart that he only made available to special people. Once upon a time, he’d allowed her to see his vulnerability, his inner turmoil and secrets. He was bold and loved living life on the edge and she’d liked that about him, found it exciting. She wasn’t surprised at all when she’d found out he’d joined the rodeo. Where else could a man show off his masculinity and win money and awards?
    Her greatest concern, h ow would his need for an adrenaline rush work when he had a child who depended upon him? Could he be a positive role model?
    Her other option was to walk away and raise their child alone. Dante would never know.
    Hell, she’d know. How could she justify not giving her child a father?
    She had to get tough and not think back to the past or how he’d made her feel. To not relive in her mind every touch and entwining of limbs.
    Hooking up with a bad boy cowboy wouldn’t happen…not again.
    All of the doubts and questions rolled through her mind.
    If only Gramps was here to give her advice. She’d called her mom in Paris, thinking that maybe, for the first time ever, they could have a heart-to-heart chat, but that’d bombed. Since her mom divorced, she was enjoying the single’s life and didn’t have the time to call her only child. Nothing new .
    Shaking her head, she reminded herself to stay focused, hop into the fixated spot she hid in when she was writing a new song or going out on stage.
    Inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, she allowed the stress to leave her body. She was strong and independent, and no matter what, she’d get through this.
    And tomorrow, she’d tell Dante the news.
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    “EGGS?”
    Deckl and nodded as he handed Dante the carton of brown eggs. “Yes, eggs.”
    “I’m not taking April eggs.” He shook his head. “ That’s the lamest come on ever, Deck. And I’m not interested in hooking up with her.”
    “This isn’t me playing Cupid. This is you being neighborly. Remember how her grandpa would visit every Sunday when Mom and Dad were alive?”
    “Mom and Dad were cool , and they had the whole sociable thing down. We’re bad neighbors. I’m okay with it. Why aren’t you?”
    His brother narrowed his gaze. “ Real interesting you have no desire to be with the one chick who you cried over for years.”
    “I didn’t cry.” At least not in front of anyone.
    “I don’t think you ever did get over her. I think after she left it was the longest you’d ever kept your horse corralled.” Deckland chuckled.
    Dante groaned. Why did they have to talk about the past? He should have known the instant Deckland heard that April was back in town, he’d start meddling in Dante’s personal life. “You’re interfering and you know I don’t like you playing matchmaker.” He pushed his chair back onto two legs.
    “Is this the first time you’re willing to miss an opportunity to be closer to an attractive female?”
    “I don’t think I like you making me out to be desperate, bro. I’m not a womanizer.” Deckland’s brows shot up in accusation.