Page 162 of Lost Trust

I swallow.

His eyes hold mine. “I want this.”

The words are simple, but they don’t feel simple.

I squeeze his hand. “Royce …”

“I’m not asking you for anything tonight.” His voice is low and steady. “I just want you to know that I want this. I want you.”

He leans toward me and stops. He’s waiting on me. Waiting for me to make a decision. Waiting on me to try.

I lean in and meet him halfway.

His kiss is slow. Not hungry. Not rushed. Like he has all the time in the world and he’s savoring it.

My fingers curl into his shirt.

His hand slides to the back of my neck, holding me gently as our mouths move together.

And when we finally pull apart, his forehead rests against mine.

I close my eyes.

God, I could fall in love with this man.

The thought comes so suddenly that it scares me. I open my eyes and move back a fraction.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He studies me like he knows I’m lying. “All right, keep your secrets. I’ll wear you down eventually.”

We enjoy the rest of the wine, watching the sky deepen to black velvet, one star after another pricking through the darkness, until it’s time to pack up.

I climb onto Rowdy, and Royce mounts his horse beside me.

We ride back beneath the moonlight.

I’m sad because the date is over.

But it’s not.

When we reach the ranch, Royce leads us around toward the cabin.

I hear laughter.

Then the front door flies open.

“Mommy!”

Ryder comes barreling outside in his pajamas, and I barely have time to dismount before he launches himself at me.

I catch him and swing him up on my hip. “Hey, baby.”

He wraps his arms around my neck. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”