Free Texas Two Step: Texas Montgomery Mavericks, Book 1 by Cynthia D’Alba Page B

compliment.”
    Mitch leaned against the wall, his hands tucked into the pockets of his tux pants. She let her gaze roam from his black cowboy boots to his dark blue eyes, storing his deliciousness in her memory file cabinet. She lifted an eyebrow and whistled. “You should wear a tux every day.”
    He laughed. “A little overdressed for riding the range, but I guess I could amend the dress code. Have a feeling my foreman and cowboys might complain, however.” He stepped away from the wall, pulled his hands free and placed them on her shoulders. “You have an overnight bag in your car?”
    His light touch bore into her shoulders like a ten-ton weight. Or it could have been her guilt bearing down on her. She shrugged out of his grip. She’d almost lost control of her emotions while they danced, which could have been disastrous. Truth be told, she probably shouldn’t have even danced with him, much less kissed him again.
    Mistakes. One after another after another. She’d decided on the drive home last night that it’d be better for her to break her own heart by walking away from him than to wait for him to do it by walking away from her. She wasn’t sure she’d survive another goodbye from Mitch.
    “No. I have to get home. Sorry.”
    His eyes darkened. The smile dropped off his mouth. “I want you to stay.” Used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it, the frown on his face revealed his frustration at being told no. But tonight, that was the answer, like it or not.
    She’d promised herself one memorable night with Mitch and she’d had last night to make her memories. Each time they parted, she left a part of her behind. She couldn’t keep doing that.
    She shook her head. “I can’t.”
    “Can’t? Or won’t?” He leaned over her, his warm breath touching her face with each word. “I saw the look in your eyes when we kissed. Felt you shiver at my touch. You want me as much as I want you. What are you not telling me? Did you lie to me?”
    Her breath hitched. Did he know about Adam? Had someone inadvertently mentioned her son? Mitch could do the math. He’d know, or at least suspect, that Adam could be his son.
    “Lie? About what?” Her voice shook.
    “Is there another man in your life? Are you still in love with your ex-husband?”
    She almost laughed in relief. Another man. Oh yeah, she had another man and he was waiting for her at home…with his babysitter.
    Her guilty conscience demanded to be spilled. Her gut roiled in remorse. The day might come when she explained her actions, however, that day was not tonight.
    “No, I didn’t lie. I’m not seeing anyone. And I told you the truth about Drake. I love him like a friend, but that’s all.”
    “So stay.” He gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Last night was—”
    “Was what? Incredible? Hell, yeah.” She lowered her voice to avoid attracting attention of the other guests. “You want to know you’ll always be the best lover I’ll ever know? You are. There’ll never be another one like you in my life. But I can’t stay.”
    She spun away from him.
    Tomorrow he’d be gone.
    I can’t watch you leave again.
    She’d thought—hoped—if she gave herself last night, the memories would be enough to sustain her. Instead, she wanted more, even though she knew how it would end.
    A tight band around her chest made each breath a struggle. Unwanted tears burned the back of her eyes. Her throat throbbed with heartache.
    “When do you fly home?”
    When he stepped up behind her the heat radiating from him blanketed her. She fought the urge to step back closer to him. He didn’t even have to touch her to ignite the smoldering embers inside.
    His large hand manacled her wrist, his fingers tightening, preventing her from walking away.
    “Soon,” he said in answer to her question about his leaving. He turned her to face him. “I can’t stay. I wish I could stay longer but I have to get back.”
    She gave a hollow laugh in a vain attempt