Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“He would.” She exhaled. “Maybe it’s time I concentrated on growing the equine side of the ranch. I really do love my job, and the camps are so much work. I know my mother was glad to step back from the major planning and handling of them. Now I see why. I can’t imagine doing a camp every single week for three months. No, thank you.”
“Em, you’ve been doing these camps for several years. Do you think maybe you’re simply longing for something different?”
She shrugged. “Possibly. Something just hit me that night that you brought up the clinics. It’s almost like something shifted in me. I want more. The only problem is, some of what I want is…”
“Is?” I asked.
She looked like she was struggling to say what she wanted to say. “Unattainable…that’s the only word I can think to describe it.”
“What is it that’s so unattainable?”
I studied her profile while she remained silent. The desire to pull her into my arms and tell her I’d do literally anything if she would simply smile was almost overwhelming. I never had a connection this strong to Caroline.
I’d always had a connection to Emeline, though, even when we were younger. She just had something about her that I was drawn to.
She looked at me, and our eyes locked. The air between us seemed to heat, and my body came to life as her eyes darkened, and when she licked her lips, I dropped my gaze to watch the motion. We both leaned closer to one another.
I was about to bridge the remaining distance between us when Emeline scrambled back.
I frowned. “I’m sorry, I thought you—”
She quickly stood. “That’s the problem, Levi.”
Confused, I also stood. “What’s the problem?”
Emeline motioned between us. “This! You’ve repeatedly said you aren’t interested in a relationship, yet the more time I spend with you, the more confused I get. I want…”
I took a step closer. “You want what?”
Her mouth opened, then quickly shut.
“Em, please tell me what’s going on in your head.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She slowly shook her head before dropping it with a sigh. “It’s you, Levi. You’re the one I want. I have for years, and I thought…”
Her head lifted, and our eyes met.
“I thought it was a crush I was over, but I’m not. If anything, my feelings for you are stronger than ever, and everything in my life feels like it’s changing, and all I want is…” She closed her eyes and whispered, “You.”
“Em—”
Her eyes snapped open, and she took a step away from me. “You don’t have to say anything. I know the last thing you want is a relationship. I know. And I also know you think I’m too young for you. And then there’s Caden, even though he told me he’s fine with it, and Rhett, and just stupid life!”
Walking up to her, I did the only thing I knew was right in this very moment. I cupped her face in my hands, and kissed her.
She opened to me almost instantly, and the kiss immediately grew deeper.
Emeline melted against my body as she wound her arms around my neck. I dropped my hands from her face and gripped her hips, drawing her body closer to mine. This kiss was unlike anything I had ever experienced before in my life. My fucking knees felt weak, and my heart pounded so hard in my chest, I was sure Emeline could feel it.
After what felt like an eternity, we slowly drew back. I leaned my forehead against hers and drew in a deep breath.
“You’re not too young, Em. And Caden isn’t a problem. And I wasn’t wanting a relationship…but then you came back into my life and everything changed.”
She moved her head back. “What do you mean?”
I smiled as I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “My marriage with Caroline wasn’t a happy one. We had happy times, and I’m grateful for my kids, but something was always missing, and I could never put my finger on it. Maybe it was because we were forced into marriage so young, I don’t know. Together, we were like wind and fire. She was always angry, discontent, and no matter how hard I tried to make her happy, I just fanned those flames instead. It was a dangerous combination. We didn’t match.
“I wish Caroline all the best, but she wasn’t the person who caught my soul on fire. Since I’ve been home, spending time with you has made it crystal clear that you’re that person, Em. Every time I’m near you, something inside me comes to life. I’ve been trying to ignore it, because a part of me keeps saying I need time for myself and for Rhett. But he’s thriving here beyond all my expectations…and I’m tired of fighting whatever this is between us.”
She swallowed hard. “Levi, I have to be honest with you about something.”