One Hot Christmas. Katherine Garbera

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СКАЧАТЬ out of here while I still can.”

      “Check the hall and make sure the coast is clear.”

      “I will. Tonight I’ll come over in my robe. That might help.”

      He chuckled. “It’ll certainly make it easier to get started.”

      She glanced at the box of condoms on the nightstand. “Put that back, okay?”

      “You bet.”

      Opening the door, she peered out. “Looks deserted.” Then she turned and her gaze swept over him. “You’re a beautiful man.”

      His throat tightened. “You’re a beautiful woman.”

      She gave him a quick smile before running out into the hall.

      He stepped to the door and watched until she disappeared into her room. Then he sighed. Although he wouldn’t change a single thing that had happened, she was working her way under his skin. Eventually he’d have to face the truth—a long weekend with her wouldn’t be nearly enough. But he wouldn’t worry about that today. Today he would practice ignoring her. That would be challenge enough without thinking about a future that didn’t have Molly in it.

       10

      MOLLY HAD NEVER thought of herself as much of an actress, but she hoped she gave a convincing performance as she moved through the day of party preparations. Ben made good on his offer to help, which meant he was tantalizingly close by most of the time. He moved furniture with ease and his height came in handy for attaching decorations to the exposed ceiling beams.

      Not for the first time, she turned and found herself staring at his impressive package, which was currently at eye level while he stood on a ladder to hang a cluster of balloons and a Happy Birthday banner.

      She hoped nobody had caught her sudden intake of breath or the blush she’d felt rising to her cheeks. Or maybe they’d think she was a modest little thing who wasn’t used to getting up close and personal with a man endowed like Ben. Little did they know she knew all about what he kept tucked away inside his jeans.

      The bustle of preparations helped to cover any slipups on her part. Holiday traditions at the Last Chance felt familiar to Molly, which wasn’t surprising considering that her Grandpa Seth had been Nelsie’s brother. The Christmas carols blasting from the sound system in the living room were by the same artists Molly’s family loved.

      She was thrilled to arrange the nativity scene on the mantle. Her parents had an identical set that was also a little chipped, yet beloved. Nelsie had bought both sets more than seventy years ago and had given one to her brother and his wife.

      Tasks like this temporarily distracted her from thinking about Ben. Each time she finished a chore, she’d turn around, and there he’d be, doing something helpful and manly. He was the most tempting man she’d ever met.

      He treated her with casual courtesy, as if he barely noticed her. She had the perverse urge to pinch his butt and remind him that she was standing behind him as he showed off his perfect ass to every female in the vicinity.

      That urge was so unfair. She was the one who’d been reluctant to let anyone know that they’d established an extremely intimate connection on a very brief acquaintance. He was only acting the way she’d asked him to.

      Possessiveness on her part was not only unattractive but uncalled-for. They’d struck a deal—a fun romp for however long he was here followed by a cheerful parting of the ways. Under those circumstances, she had no claim on him, and he had no claim on her.

      The arrangement felt completely unreal to her, though, because she’d never entered into one like it before. She’d never gone to bed with a man who hadn’t been a potential mate. None of her three previous lovers had turned out to be her one and only, but she hadn’t known that until they’d spent some quality time together, including having sex.

      What she’d shared with them hadn’t come within a mile of what she’d discovered with Ben, and now she had a whole new concept of what made for a perfect partner. She hoped that Ben wasn’t one in a million. If so, she was in for a long search.

      Molly arrived early for lunch in the big dining room. She sat down with Sarah and Pete, who were the only two at their table so far. Ben moved on past, as if heading for a spot on the other side of the room.

      But Pete called out to him, and he turned back. “Come and sit with us,” Pete said. “I had some more thoughts on your potential breeding program. You might be interested in one of our mares, as well.”

      Ben sat down next to Pete, across the table from Molly. “Don’t know if I can afford that, yet.”

      “Maybe we could work out a deal. Time payments, or first look at the foal. There are all sorts of creative ways to do it. Jack and I talked and we want to help in any way we can.”

      Ben nodded. “That’s good to know. Where is Jack, anyway?”

      “Josie had an emergency at the bar. A pipe broke, so he’s helping her handle it.”

      “I’ve heard of that bar.” Ben picked up his sandwich. “Supposed to be haunted, right?”

      “Yes.” Sarah laughed. “That’s why Josie renamed it the Spirits and Spurs. Some claim my late father-in-law is one of the ghosts who makes an appearance from time to time. He used to stop in for a beer whenever Nelsie went into town to shop.”

      “Archie’s supposed to be one of the ghosts?” This was the first Molly had heard of it. “That needs to go into my notes. I have this feeling I’m missing all kinds of things that will just come out in casual conversation if I hang around long enough.”

      “That’s true.” Sarah sent her a fond glance. “You need to come back. You have summers off, right?”

      “Sort of. I usually teach one session of summer school.” She felt Ben’s gaze on her. If she returned this summer, they could pick up where they left off. He’d be in Sheridan, which wasn’t that far away, and in summer the drive would be easy. They wouldn’t have to say goodbye forever.

      “Then think about flying back up here,” Pete said. “We’ve loved having you. You fit right in.”

      “Thank you. That sounds great.” But she wasn’t so sure it was a good idea. This time with Ben was short and sweet. When they parted, they’d make a clean break. If she came back, though, the relationship automatically became more complicated.

      “Good.” Pete seemed satisfied the issue was settled. He turned back to Ben. “You’ll need to figure out where you’re going to put these horses. Do you have some ideas about that?”

      As the meal continued, Ben described his plans for buying a small spread on the outskirts of Sheridan, and Pete offered enthusiastic advice. The two of them seemed to have bonded. Nick and Gabe joined them, and soon the four men were deeply involved in a subject they all held dear.

      Sarah glanced over at Molly and lowered her voice. “Are you okay?”

      “I’m fine.” She smiled to add emphasis to the statement.

      Sarah leaned СКАЧАТЬ