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“No, you don’t. Now I understand why just the deadbolt on my house gave you pause. But, like I said before, it’s sufficient for me.”
For now. If we continue on together, I’ll have to beef up her home security. I can’t let anything happen to her.
“I have some delicious food for you,” Hilary announces with a grin, our plates on a big tray, and Polly pulls her hand out of mine as our plates are set before us.
Conversation during our meal is less intense, and I love Polly’s quick wit and sense of humor. She makes me laugh like I haven’t in years.
“I’m so full,” she says, but when Hilary returns with the dessert menu, she bites her lip. “Yeah, that crème brûlée is calling my name. Share it with me?”
“Perfect. I’d also like coffee.”
“I’d like that, too,” Polly agrees, and Hillary bustles off to do her thing. She glances out the window and smiles. “Look at the alpenglow.”
The mountains are cast in pink as the sun sets opposite of them. We’ve been sitting here for several hours, talking and eating and laughing. It’s felt like mere minutes with her.
“Chase and Summer are coming out to my ranch on Sunday,” I say. “Summer’s going to try riding a horse for the first time.”
“You’re kidding.” Polly blinks at me and then busts up laughing. “Oh, to be a fly on the wall.”
“Actually, I’d love it if you joined us. They’re coming just after lunchtime, but you could come out earlier than that, and I’ll give you a tour. I know you’ve been there before, but?—”
“But we didn’t really take time for a tour of the house,” she says with a wink. “I suppose I can take Sunday off. I’d like that, thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I’m getting you on a horse, too.”
She considers that. “It’s been a while, but I bet I can still do it.”
After settling the check, I take Polly home and walk her to her door.
“Do you want to come in?” she asks.
More than just about anything.
But I lean in and kiss her forehead. “I have to get home.”
“Okay.” She sighs when I kiss the tip of her nose. “I understand. I’ll see you on Sunday.”
My hands dive into her hair and fist at the back of her head, and I sink into her, kissing her with all I have. Christ, I’ve missed the taste of her, the feel of her against me.
She whimpers and wraps her arms around my neck, and I pick her up so we’re face to face, and I don’t have to bend down so damn far to reach her.
She tastes like heaven and smells even better, and when she says my name and pins me in that emerald stare, I almost cave and go in with her.
But then my phone rings, pulling me back to reality.
“I have to get home to Jake,” I say regretfully. “That’s him, checking in with me.”
“I get it,” she says, but regret hangs heavily in her voice, and I have to admit that I feel the same way.
“Sunday. I’ll see you on Sunday.”
She nods as I set her on her feet, and I wait for her to unlock her door. She smiles back at me, and then she’s gone. I return to the truck, adjusting myself in my jeans, and call Jake back.
“Hey, buddy, I’m headed home. Where are you?”
“Just got home. Gonna play with Russ for a while. Can you bring pizza?”
I blow out a breath, still trying to settle my nerves. “Sure. I’ll bring pizza.”
