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  “Babe, I don’t know if you feel that, but you’re starting something we ain’t gonna be able to finish right now.”

  As his hips brushed her, she felt the hard bulge growing larger. I really wish I hadn’t invited Sissie. Although she didn’t want to, Donna knew McLean was right: they needed to dance and nothing more. Pulling her head away from his neck, she said, “Maybe you can come back tonight for dinner?” And dessert.

  The song ended, and they stood still, holding each other. McLean looked down at her. “Is she staying the night?”

  “God, I hope not.” She loved Sissie and normally would love the company, but not tonight.

  “Oh, don’t you two worry. I’m heading out long before you two . . . eat.” Sissie sent a playful wink in their direction.

  Donna’s cheeks flushed again. “I didn’t mean—”

  “Hush now. I know exactly what you meant. Heck, I’d be worried if you wanted me here.” Sissie took Evie over to Donna and asked, “Guess whose diaper needs changing?” She placed the smiling baby into her arms. Then she turned to McLean and said, “And I believe you and I have a few things to discuss before I leave.”

  Donna shot him a look, and he said, “Don’t worry, it’s about me.”

  “Darn straight it is. This young lady is gonna be family. So you can either hear it from me or her father.”

  Donna rolled her eyes. “Really?”

  McLean laughed. “We’re a bit old for a talking to, don’t ya think?”

  Sissie shook her head. “Has that ever stopped me before?”

  “No ma’am, it hasn’t.” McLean leaned over and kissed Donna briefly on the lips. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

  “Looking forward to it.” Donna watched as he headed to the porch. Sissie lingered. “Aren’t you going with McLean?”

  “He’ll wait,” Sissie said smugly. “We also need to talk.”

  Donna should’ve anticipated she wasn’t going to get off scot-free. “I thought Evie needed changing.”

  Sissie arched a brow. “Ya really think I didn’t take care of that before coming downstairs?” She sat on the couch. “Ya might as well join me, ’cause I ain’t leaving till you do.”

  Donna walked over and plopped next to her. “I agree with McLean. We really are too old for this.”

  “Too old for people to love ya and want ya to be happy?”

  How was Donna going to argue with that? “I guess not.”

  “Good, ’cause it wasn’t gonna stop me anyhow.” Sissie became more serious when she spoke next. “I know I’m not your mother, and you don’t need motherly advice, but I’d like to think we’re good enough friends to be there for each other.”

  Donna smiled. “I loved my mother, but we never had what you’d consider a normal relationship. We were so different. If she was alive now, I’m not sure we would be as close as you and I are.”

  She saw Sissie’s eye glisten briefly. Then as quick as it was there, it vanished.

  “I’m glad you feel that way. That’s why I hope you know what I’m about to say is said with love.”

  Donna nodded and waited.

  “You’re too much like me. We overthink things and run if something doesn’t seem to fit. It scares the dickens out of us. It’s how I felt when I met your father. The first time we were introduced, I was stumbling over my words and had no idea what to say. Can you imagine me being tongue-tied?”

  Donna grinned. “I’m not sure I believe it now.”

  “Well, it’s the truth. It’s the same with you. I’ve been watching you and McLean. You don’t get quiet, but you change around him, as though your confidence vanishes. It’s because you’re with someone who gets your heart racing and your head spinning. But what you need to do is run to it and not from it. You two really belong together. If I didn’t think so, I would’ve told Casey yes when she asked me to babysit Evie instead of sending her your way.”

  What? You did this to me? Donna’s eyes were wide in shock. “Are you saying—?”

  Sissie laughed. “Darlin’, did you forget who you’re dealing with? I’m the master matchmaker. I thought you’d figured that out by now.”

  “I did, I just didn’t realize what level of manipulation you’d go to.”

  “I wouldn’t call it manipulation. It’s more like gentle nudges.”

  Donna laughed. “Gentle? I’d hate to see what it would be like if you nudged hard.”

  “Oh, I’ve had to do that in the past, but trust me, their wedding was amazing.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You’re incorrigible.”

  “So I’ve been told. But your father hasn’t figured that out yet, so let’s keep it a secret.”

  “My lips are sealed. So if you’re done with me, I believe McLean is waiting for you on the porch. Are you really going to give him a talking to?” Donna almost felt bad for him.

  Sissie chuckled. “No way. But it does him good to stew about it for a while. Ya got to keep them on their toes.”

  Donna leaned over and gave Sissie a quick hug. “Thank you for everything. Even for the little push earlier.”

  “Oh, my. Was the monitor still on?” Sissie asked, laughing. “From what I saw, it worked.”

  “That it did.”

  As Sissie headed out, Donna leaned back on the couch and looked at Evie. She was the sweetest baby one could ask for.

  “Listen here little girl, don’t you be picking up any of Sissie’s habits. I don’t need two of you interfering, you hear?” Evie made a cooing sound as though she already had something to say about that. “Yup. Just what I thought. It’s too late.” Her cell phone rang, and she looked at caller ID. It was Casey trying to Facetime. “Look. It’s Mommy.”

  Casey’s face appeared, and Donna held the phone so Evie was in view. “I miss you so much, Evie.” Casey’s eyes watered as she saw her baby.

  Donna could only imagine what it was like to leave her two-month-old. “She misses you too, Casey. Don’t worry. She’s doing great. Sissie even came by to spend time with her.”

  “Sissie? I thought she said she was going away with Ryan and couldn’t watch her.”

  Yeah, about that. “There was a last minute change of plans I guess. But I’m glad, because I’m really enjoying this.” Donna was surprised how true that was. What had scared her at first didn’t any longer. If anything, looking at this sweet baby girl made her wonder what it would be like to be a mother. It had been years since she’d allowed herself to believe it was possible. But being here and being near McLean changed that. She could be who she was inside, and that felt amazing. I’m not afraid of dreaming again.

  “Well I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Sadly, it’s about to come to an end. We’re flying back today and should be home by midnight. I really can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me, Donna. I hope you know we love you like family.”

  It was Donna’s turn to fight back the tears. “I love you too.”

  Casey smiled and said, “I better get off the phone. I need to spend as much time with my father as I can before we leave. Thankfully he’s doing so much better. See you later tonight. Bye, Donna.” In a soft voice she added, “Bye, Evie. Mommy loves you, and I’ll see you soon.”

  Before the call ended Donna saw Casey had a difficult time holding it together. Looking at Evie she knew she recognized her mother’s voice. Within seconds Evie’s bottom lip was trembling, and her crying started. Holding her close to her chest, Donna rubbed her back and said, “I know sweetie, but she’ll be home tonight and everything will be back to normal.”

  That was good as far as the Nash family was concerned, but Donna didn’t want to go back to her old ways. Her future was waiting for her. Sissie’s visit today reminded her of that. It was time to stop living so cautiously. After dinner she was going to tell McLean how she felt. It was risky, because he was so set in his ways. There was a good chance his life didn’t have room for her. But if she didn’t open herself to him, she knew she’d regret it for the rest of her life
.

  Donna headed for the kitchen. She had a lot to plan and wanted everything to be perfect. There was one small problem. If he did feel the same way about her, there was only so much celebrating they could do in someone else’s house. I don’t think that’s what Casey meant when she said make yourself at home.

  Chapter 6

  He hadn’t been able to concentrate on anything all afternoon. It’d been his own fault. What had possessed him to pull her into his arms and dance in Nash’s living room? Nothing could happen between them in that house. And here he was sitting at the dining room table with the woman who had him tied in knots, knowing there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. Hitting my hand with a hammer would hurt less than this.

  All through dinner he thought about the call from Derrick. They were returning late tonight. That meant Donna was free. Him not so much. In all the years he’d worked for Derrick, McLean had never taken a vacation. He hadn’t wanted to. Being on the ranch was where he wanted to be. At least that was the case before. What had seemed like a vast open space was closing in around him. He wanted, no needed, to find someplace for Donna and him to explore what was going on between them. That ain’t happening on Derrick’s couch.

  His so-called manners had nothing to do with a concern for what Derrick might say. It was all about his respect for Donna. He could see in her eyes this was bittersweet torture for her as well. The way she bit her bottom lip as she watched him was driving him crazy. It was taking a hell of a lot of self-control not to get up and pull her into his arms. There was no doubt that, if he started, they would quickly burn out of control and wouldn’t stop. Donna deserved to be treated like the lady she was. Their first time together should be something special, not rushed.

  “You seem to be in deep thought,” Donna said.

  Oh, I am. He wasn’t about to tell her the subject. “Everything’s so good. I don’t want to stop.” Ain’t talking about the food either.

  She smiled and said, “I’m glad you like it. It’s been a while since I cooked.”

  It had been a while for a lot of things. Food held no interest at the moment. “It sounds like Evie is still sleeping. Why don’t we take advantage of the time?”

  Donna’s cheeks turned pink as she replied, “What do you have in mind?”

  “A lot of things that can’t happen right now. That doesn’t mean we can’t talk. There are things I’d like to, no need to, say to you. Why don’t we take this conversation to the living room?”

  She didn’t move. “You think the couch is a better place to talk than here?”

  McLean chuckled. “Good point.” Reaching his hand across the table, he grabbed hers. “The dining room it is then.”

  As his fingers entwined with hers, she asked, “What do you want to talk about?”

  “Me. You. Us.” McLean didn’t share feelings, but that was exactly what he intended to do. Sissie had made it clear yesterday while he was walking with her to the truck. If he didn’t take down his walls, he might lose Donna. He couldn’t risk that.

  “I’d like that, McLean. Why don’t you start?”

  Yeah, I suck at this. He’d rather show her than say it. But she needed the words, and he got that. Words didn’t flow easily from him. Some guys threw them around like they were candy. Not him. This was new to him. Words he thought he’d never say. Never wanted to.

  “Donna I . . .” He was used to barking orders, not sharing feelings. No matter what came out of his mouth, he knew it wouldn’t equate to what was in his heart. “I’m not good at . . . this.”

  “At what?” Donna asked softly.

  He pointed back and forth between them. “This.”

  She pulled her hand from his. “It’s okay. I get it.” Donna got up and started clearing the dirty dishes from the table. “It’s probably better we don’t talk anyway. It would make it . . . awkward later.”

  He got up and grabbed the dishes from her and placed them back on the table. “We have to talk.”

  “No, we don’t, McLean. Some things are better not said.”

  Shit. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “Hell, I’m a jackass.” Donna didn’t say a word. “Thanks for agreeing.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “No. You didn’t say anything.”

  “What do you want me to say, McLean? That I’m crazy about you and I don’t want to hear you say that kissing me was a mistake and how it can’t happen again? That you just want to be friends and nothing more? Or maybe that we come from different worlds and it’d never work out between us? Because, McLean, I don’t want to hear any of it. Definitely not from you.”

  “Donna, that’s not what—”

  “Of course it is. Look at you. You’re itching to get out of here. I’m not holding you. Go if you want.”

  He reached out and grabbed her arms, making her face him. “Stop! You’ve got it all wrong.”

  “Do I?” Donna snapped. “Look at you, McLean. It’s like you’d rather be anywhere but here.”

  “As long as you’re with me, then you’re right.”

  Her eyes widened. “What did you say?”

  “You heard right. I’m not trying to run from you. If anything young lady, I’d get my rope and lasso you if you tried running from me,” McLean said in a playful tone as he pulled her closer. Then becoming more serious he added, “Donna, you have no idea what you mean to me.”

  “Tell me,” she replied sweetly.

  He grinned. “You ain’t gonna make this easy for me, are you?” Donna shook her head. “I see you’re tougher than some of those young fillies I deal with.”

  “You betcha.”

  He smiled down at her. “I never thought the day would come that someone so tiny would tame this cowboy, but you have. I ain’t thinking about late nights drinking beer at the Wild Sass anymore.”

  “Really. Don’t tell me you’re thinking about hanging up your spurs, because I won’t believe you.”

  “No, ma’am. Ranching is who I am. It’s in my blood. I was thinking more on the line of a place with a porch. You seemed to enjoy sitting on the swing at night. Maybe you’d be inclined to do the same with me.” McLean couldn’t believe the crap that was coming out of his mouth. He was trying so hard to be romantic when actually all he wanted to say was he was falling in love with her and didn’t want this to end because she was going back to town.

  “So this is about a swing?” Donna asked with a puzzled look.

  McLean laughed. “I told you I’m horrible at this.”

  Donna touched his cheek and said, “Maybe I can help you. Would it be easier if I went first?”

  “Please. I’m dying over here,” McLean admitted.

  “No, you’re not. I think I understand what you’re trying to say.”

  “Good at least one of us does.”

  Donna smiled. “Let’s see how I do. I’ve spent a good amount of my life telling myself what I don’t want because I didn’t believe it was possible for me to find it. Then I met you. That brought out an entirely different set of . . .”

  “Problems?” McLean asked. He hoped that is not how she viewed him, but he knew what a jackass he was.

  “Yes, problems. Mostly not sleeping at night because I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

  Now I like the sound of that. “Should I ask what you were thinking?” McLean winked.

  “Yes, but not now. Let’s wait for a time when we’re alone. I mean when we’re not in someone else’s house.”

  It was just another thing he loved about her. Love? Is that what this is? He’d never come close to feeling what he did with her. She filled a place in him that he hadn’t even realized was empty. Without her in his life, for the first time, he’d feel alone.

  “I’m due for a vacation. What do you say you and I go someplace when Casey and Derrick get back?”

  “Where?”

  “I meant it, Donna. Wherever you are is where I want to be.”

  Her eyes glistened. “Say i
t.”

  “You mean how I feel?” She nodded, and he remembered Sissie’s warning. “I’ve always been happy with my life as it was. Not any longer. For the first time, I want someone to share it with. Not just someone. But you. I’m falling in love with you, Donna. I don’t know where we are going to go from here, but I want it to be together.”

  “I’m falling in love with you too.”

  Cupping her face in his hands, McLean said, “I feel as though I have a lifetime to make up for. Let’s take some time for us. Will you go away with me?”

  “Why don’t we take these southern hearts someplace secluded and get to know each other better?”

  Before kissing her lips, McLean said, “Much better.” He kissed her gently as their time had yet to come. When he pulled back, he looked at his watch. It was only ten o’clock. “Damn.”

  She asked, “What’s the matter?”

  “We’ve got two hours before I can hold you like I want to.”

  Donna laughed and kissed him lightly. “But just think how many hours you can hold me after that.”

  McLean grinned. “Trust me, I’m thinking about it.” Letting her go, he bent down and picked up the baby monitor. “What do you say about the two of us enjoying that porch swing one last time?”

  She placed her hand in his. “It’ll do for now.”

  As they sat quietly on the swing, the sky lit up with shooting stars. He’d spent many nights lying beneath skies like this, but he’d never seen as beautiful a night as this one. Donna had not only opened his eyes but his heart as well.

  Wrapping his arms around her, he asked, “What time is it now?”

  Donna laughed. “Oh, this is going to be the longest two hours of our lives.”

  She rested her head on his shoulder, and he knew this was something he didn’t want to be without. Kissing her on the top of her head he said, “Agreed, but where I’m planning on taking you sweetheart, we’ll have nothing but time for each other. I promise.”

  The End

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