Page 31 of Taming the Wild Cowboy

Her mouth pulled tight at one corner as she looked down, obviously considering whether she wanted to banter or just get him the hell out of there. He told himself that regardless of her decision, he needed to leave. The vibe he’d felt between them at the campsite was not only back, it was growing and, frankly, he didn’t know how to handle it.

It didn’t help that when Mac raised her head to meet his gaze, she had the look of a woman who was about to solve a problem. He, of course, was that problem. Definitely time to say good night and leave in the name of employer-employee relations.

Mac had other ideas.

She took a step closer, and he swallowed before he could control the reaction. Mac had trust issues. Was he going to break what little trust she had in him?

Was she going to give him an option?

“I told myself on the drive over that you were trouble.” She spoke musingly, as if talking her way through a tricky situation.

“I might be, but I’m not going to take advantage of your situation.” The husky edge to his voice made his words sound like a lie.

“That’s why you didn’t follow through earlier? Power dynamics?”

“Well … I am your boss.” Lame.

“Yes.” The toes of Mac’s boots were now only a fraction of an inch from his. “But I’m off the clock. You aren’t in charge of me.” She brought her hands up to frame the sides of his face, sending a pleasant warmth down his spine. “Let’s get this over with. Okay?”

“Over with?”

But even as he spoke he was lowering his head to touch her lips.

“It’s time,” she murmured before he covered her mouth with his. Her lips were crazy soft and when her tongue touched his it sent a jolt through him. After a split second of indecision, his hands settled at her waist and he pulled her close, losing himself in the taste and touch of this woman he’d mistakenly thought of as privileged and aloof.

Two kisses in, his hands left her waist to touch her face, tangle in her hair. He was easing her backward, toward the naked mattress, when Raisin scratched his pant leg. He gave the dog a mock frown and she answered by scratching again.

“Raisin, no,” Mac said. She met Trev’s gaze, and he knew that the moment was gone, destroyed by a curly little dog who had her mom’s best interests at heart. His hands fell away, and Mac stepped back, pushing the hair that he’d messed up over her shoulders.

“This isn’t going to make you bolt, is it? Because I don’t want you sleeping in a truck by the river and I need you to keep working here.”

Her expression softened. “There is no this, Trev. There’s a few kisses, followed by me walking you to the door and thanking you for giving me a place to stay and a job.” As if to make her point, she started across the living area toward the door, skirting the boxes. Trev followed. She turned at the door.

“You were serious about getting this over with?” he asked.

“Well … it did kind of break the tension, don’t you think?”

“Yeah.” He wanted to laugh. “In one sense anyway.”

Maclyn got his meaning and put a hand on his upper arm. “We both have enough issues in our lives without making this another.” Her expression shifted toward uncertain for the first time since she’d set foot in the place. “I wasn’t trying to use you or anything.”

“I didn’t take it that way.” She looked like she very much wanted to ask him how he was taking it, but he didn’t give her a chance. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow. You know … when I am your boss.”

He leaned in to kiss her cheek, then opened the door and stepped out into the night.

Get it over with. Right. He felt like he was just beginning.

*

Mac lifted her eyes to the ceiling as Trev’s footsteps echoed on the porch steps.

Way to take control.

Well, she had been in control until she’d kissed the man.

She went to peer out the door’s narrow window. Trev was already out of sight, probably headed out to check the cows. Mac leaned her forehead on the glass, wondering if she’d screwed up by taking charge. She could still taste the man, still feel the pressure of his mouth. Wanted to feel more of the same—and why not?

Perhaps that trouble thing?