Free The Last Cowboy In Texas by Pat Dale

anything else.” She retreated a couple of steps.
    “Anything else? Like what?” He closed the distance between them.
    “Like kissing. We need to talk.” She was ready to retreat again but his left hand closed over her right arm.
    “Talk’s cheap. Action counts. Come here and let me show you how I feel.” His other hand took her left arm in its grasp, turning her to face him directly.
    “ Troy , please? I need to understand what’s happening.”
    “What’s happening is that I’m trying to show you how I really feel. Words are inadequate for what’s going on inside me.”
    He pulled her back into his arms, gently this time. When his lips closed on hers, she didn’t hesitate. Her mind might be in thermal meltdown but her body was ready for prime-time show and tell.
    They kissed long and passionately as he held her so tightly against him she could feel his heartbeat. Fast—like hers. And she couldn’t miss the hot hard part of him that pressed against her tummy. A fire lit up somewhere deep inside, something she’d never felt before, even that one night they’d visited the back seat of his car. When she moaned in agony, he pulled back.
    “You okay?”
    “Oh yeah, I’m fine. I just never knew kissing could be so wonderful.”
    “The more we kiss, the more wonderful it will be. Want to find out?” The sparkle in his eyes spoke of magic.
    Magic? Paige, he’s getting to you. He probably already knows where he’s going to put your notch on his bedpost.
    “I think we’d best stop what we’re doing right now. Troy , please? You’re not being fair.”
    “Fair, schmair! You think the way you’ve treated me all these years is fair? Come on, Paige. I told you I love you. Now I want to show you.”
    “I heard you. I remember my response, too. Well, you can hit the delete button on that sentiment. You just caught me in a weak moment. Now are you going to take me home or do I have to call someone for a ride?”
    “I’ll take you.” Anger swept over his face as his arms dropped to his sides. “Come on.”
    She almost had to run to keep up with him. “ Troy , slow down. Please?”
    “Sorry. As fast as you always run from me I didn’t think you’d have trouble keeping up.”
    “I’ve never run from you.”
    “The hell you haven’t! What about right now?”
    The ride to Flanders was quiet. And long. Too long. She struggled to keep from sliding across the seat divider and kissing Troy senseless. That was what she wanted. Every feminine part of her had come alive with his kiss. She hungered for more, wanted more. Wanted to experience all the first blossom of true love—and the consummation.
    But that nasty little voice inside kept reminding her of Troy ’s reputation. He’s a womanizer. He’ll use you and discard you the same way he’s done with all the others.
    When he stopped in the drive, she started to open the door. Before she could climb out, he leaned across and pulled her to him. She had no will to resist when his lips again claimed hers. They kissed, this time sweetly and tenderly. “I love you, Paige. You may not treasure this but I’ve never said that to another woman. You are the only love of my life.”
    “That’s sweet for you to say. I know I said I love you too Troy . I wish I hadn’t but-”
    “But what? You spoke from the heart. It was the truth. I’ve always known you love me, just like you know I love you.”
    “Yes, well truth is nice. But reality is what we must deal with. Where we live.”
    “The reality is, I want you to be mine. Maybe forever.”
    Her ears went on point. “What are you trying to say?”
    He bolted upright in his seat and stared, wide-eyed. “I think I’d better fathom that out before I say anything else.”
    He’d been about ready to ask for commitment but the look on his face told her he wasn’t ready. Saved by the typical male’s reluctance to give up his independence, even to get what he wants. She knew she should have been grateful for