I’m just happy to help where help is needed. And I’m just one of many helping out. The Texas Cattleman’s Club has been particularly helpful, and you and Cole have certainly done more than your fair share.”
“Your life may have changed forever because of the storm. I’m surprised you haven’t had job offers from people who saw you on television.”
“Actually, I have from two places. The attorney general’s office in San Angelo has an opening for an administrative assistant and another was a mayor’s office in Tyler that has a position that would have the title of office manager.”
“Are you interested in either one?”
“No, I thanked them and turned them down. My friends are in Royal and I’ve grown up here so I want to stay. Besides, they need me here now.”
“Amen to that. I’m glad you’re staying here because we’ll be working together and maybe seeing each other a little more since we’re both at the Cozy Inn.”
“Did you get your suite changed to the sixth floor?”
“Indeed, I did,” he said. “I’ll show you.”
“I’ll take a rain check.”
“Oh, well, it’s still early. Let’s go have a drink and a dance or two.”
She hesitated for just a moment, torn between what she should do and what she wanted to do.
“You’re having some kind of internal debate, so I’ll solve it. You’ll come with me and we’ll have a drink. There—problem solved. You think you’ll be back in Royal tomorrow night?”
“Yes,” she said, smiling at him.
When they got back to the hotel, Aaron headed for a booth in the bar. The room was darker and cozier than the dining room. There was a small band playing and a smattering of dancers.
Over a chocolate milk shake, she talked to Aaron. They became enveloped in conversation, first about the town and the storm and then a variety of topics. When he asked her to dance, she put him off until later, relieved that it did not come up again.
“Our Texas Cattleman’s Club friends want an update on the progress here. Cole is good about keeping in touch with both groups.”
“I think you’ll be surprised by how much they have rebuilt and repaired,” she replied.
“Good. I’m anxious to see for myself what’s been done.”
“You’ll be surprised by changes all over town.”
Later, she glanced at her watch and saw it was almost one, she picked up her purse. “Aaron, I have to fly out early in the morning. I didn’t know it was so late. I never intended to stay this late.”
“But you were having such a good time you just couldn’t tear yourself away,” he teased, and she smiled at him.
“Actually, it has been a good time and the first evening in a while that has had nothing to do with the storm.”
They headed out to the elevator and rode to the sixth floor. The hallway was empty and quiet as Aaron walked her to her door.
“Let me take you to the airport in the morning and we can get breakfast there.”
“No, thank you. It’s way too early.”
“I’ll be up early. It’ll save you trouble and we can talk some more. All good reasons—okay?”
She stopped at her door, getting her card from her purse. “I know you’ll get your way in this conversation, too, Aaron. See you in the lobby at six o’clock. Thanks for dinner tonight and a million thanks for finding Dobbin. That made Mildred happy.”
“It was fun. Mostly it was fun to be with you and see you again. Before we say good-night, there’s something I’ve been wanting to do since the last time we were together.”
“Do I dare ask—what have you been wanting to do?”
“Actually, maybe two or three things,” he said softly. “First, I want to kiss you again,” he said, moving close and slipping his arm around her waist. Her heart thudded as she looked up at him. She should step back, say no, stop him now, but what harm was there in a kiss? She gazed into his light brown eyes and there was no way to stop. Her heartbeat raced and her lips tingled. She leaned closer and then his mouth covered hers. His arms tightened around her and he pulled her against him.
She wrapped her arms around him to return his kiss, wanting more than kisses. She felt on fire, memories of being in his arms and making love tugging at her.
He leaned over her while he kissed her, his tongue going deep, touching, stroking, building desire. She barely felt his fingers in her hair, but in minutes her hair fell over her shoulders.
She had to stop, to say no. She couldn’t have another night like the last one with him.
“Aaron, wait,” she whispered.
He looked down at her. His brown eyes had darkened with passion. “I’ve dreamed of you in my arms, Stella,” he whispered. “I want to kiss you and make love.”
“Aaron, that night was so unlike me.”
“That night was fantastic.” He held long strands of her hair in his fingers. “Your hair is pretty.”
She shook her head. “I have to go in,” she whispered. “Thank you for dinner, and especially for finding the dog.”
She opened her door with her card.
“Stella,” he said. His voice was hoarse. She paused to look at him.
“I’ll meet you in the lobby at six in the morning. I’ll take you to the airport.”
She nodded. “Thanks,” she said, and stepped into her entryway and closed the door. The lock clicked in place. She rested her forehead against the door and took a deep breath. She didn’t intend to get entangled with him at this point in time. Not until she had a definite answer about whether she was pregnant.
* * *
At six the next morning Aaron stood waiting. He saw her step off the elevator. She wore a gray coat and a knitted gray scarf around her neck. Her hair was back in a bun. She was plain—men didn’t turn to look at her as she walked past, yet she stirred desire in him. She was responsive, quick-witted, kind, helpful, reliable. She was bright and capable and—he knew from firsthand experience—sexy.
He drew a deep breath and tried to focus on other things. But he was already thinking about how long she would be gone and when he would see her again. He hoped that would happen as soon as she returned to Royal. Maybe she would let him pick her up at the airport.
He needed to step back and get a grip. If anyone would be serious in a relationship, it would be Stella. She would want wedding bells, which was reason enough that he should leave her alone. He didn’t want a long-term relationship. But she might be one of those women who couldn’t deal with a casual affair.
