really likes you, and I’m not sure where she really stands lately about that unspoken rule. I
can test out the waters with her, but until then…”
I nodded quickly. “A little secret,” I said, raising my eyebrow to make him laugh. “I’ve never been the secret woman before,” I whispered dramatically. “Is there a code, or a special
handshake?”
His fingers entwined with mine as he leaned in to give me a slow, sweet kiss. Then he sat
back, holding my hand as we stared at the sky. We watched the sunset shifting colors in
silence, just being still together. Somehow, it was the perfect, poetic end t
o the most
romantic evening of my life.
CHAPTER SIX
* Dean *
I’d always loved early mornings. The fresh, crisp air. The warmth of the fresh summer
breeze was instantly refreshing. As much as I adored Miriam’s coffee, there were some
days I didn’t even need it.
On the way to pick up Joanna, I was so wired that I realized I might be in trouble. I was
supposed to be preventing this from happening. I was obviously the more mature person in
this situation. Self-control was an important trait in a quality man, so why wasn’t I able to
keep my hands to myself around her?
Although I didn’t know Joanna very well yet, I knew that she’d likely be better off with a guy who at least lived closer to her home. Yet all I could think of was her sweet, delicate face.
Our sunset kisses last night had been the most electrifying feeling I’d ever experienced.
There was no way I could deny that there was something between us. I didn’t want there to
be, for her own good. But if she’d made a decision, then I was going to find a way to be
with her.
The urge to care for her was overwhelming, and I couldn’t help picturing us waking up
someday in our own home. I’d head to the fields, and she’d head to her writing desk that I’d
build her any way she wanted.
My fantasy was interrupted by the sound of two other four-wheelers, as I saw Dusty
leading Ryan out to one of the east fields. I didn’t want him hanging out anywhere near
Joanna, and was relieved that I’d get to spend some more time with her before she met
him. Guys like that were full of promises, but usually didn’t really care for women for the