Free Thunderbolt over Texas by Barbara Dunlop Page A

that way.
    â€œCome on, Cole,” Sydney prompted.
    â€œWhy aren’t you married?” He tried to turn the tables.
    Her answer surprised him. “Nobody ever proposed.”
    â€œDid you even want them to?” he asked.
    â€œYou mean, have I ever been in love?”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œI don’t think so.”
    â€œYou don’t know?” That surprised Cole.
    She shook her head. “What about you?”
    â€œI guess not.”
    She grinned and bumped him again. “But you’re not sure?”
    He cocked his head, considering her. “You know, it’s hard, isn’t it? To know for sure.”
    â€œIs that why you never asked anyone.”
    â€œNah. Never got that far. Truth is, they all left me once they got to know me.”
    She tipped her head back and gave him a hint of that sexy laugh. “No way. You left them.”
    He had to squelch an urge to wrap his arm around her. She was just the right height, just the right size, just the right shape for his arms.
    Instead he shook his head. “I’m a bit of a selfish jerk deep down inside.”
    â€œNo. You’re the opposite. Just like I said. You’re the one sacrificing to take care of everyone around you.”
    They came to the porch and he preceded her up the three steps. “Do you happen to have a degree in psychology?”
    â€œI have a degree in art history.”
    â€œGood.” He pushed open the door and stood to one side. “You can decorate the turret and leave my brain alone.”
    She grinned as she walked past him. “Your brain is beginning to fascinate me.”
    â€œI don’t want a new house, because I don’t need a new house. This is a working ranch, not a Dallas subdivision. Next thing they’ll be putting in a pool.”
    â€œI’ve hit on something here, haven’t I?”
    â€œYou haven’t hit on anything.” His voice came out unexpectedly sharp as he flipped the kitchen lamp.
    Her eyes went wide. “I’m sorry.”
    Cole swore under his breath. He shook his head and moved toward her. “No. I’m the one who’s sorry.” He was falling back on defense mechanisms now.
    â€œIt’s none of my business,” she said.
    â€œOf course it’s not. But we’re playing this silly game.” He took a breath. “Ah, Sydney. We should have known it would get complicated.”
    She gave him a nod and a hesitant smile, and he found himself easing closer. He inhaled deeply, filling his senses.
    Her lips were burgundy in the lamplight. Her emerald eyes were fringed by thick lashes. Her skin was ivory-smooth, flushed from the walk. And the memory of it was indelibly pressed into the nerves of his fingertips.
    Unable to stop himself, he smoothed a lock of hair from her forehead.
    â€œComplicated,” he whispered one more time.
    Her lips parted, softly, invitingly. He should have known the second he got her alone, he’d give in to the cravings. He cupped her cheeks, pulling her closer. His lips closed over hers and relief roared through his body.
    He’d been watching her all day, wanting her all day. She was under his skin and into his brain in a way that he couldn’t control.
    He kissed her harder, stepping toward her, pressing her back against the door. A bronc had blasted off inside him, and there was nothing he could do but hang on for the ride.
    He tipped his head to find a better angle, and she came alive under his hands, all movement and sound and scent.
    This was good. This was right. This was more than he’d ever found in any other woman. He stopped thinking about the Thunderbolt. He stopped thinking about Katie. He stopped thinking about plots and plans and deceptions.
    There was only Sydney, her taste and her touch.
    â€œCole,” she breathed, her fingertips tightening on his shoulders.
    â€œI know.” He kissed her eyelids.
    â€œThis is