by Beth Andrews
She still blamed herself. He hated that she couldn’t see all the good she’d done. “You did all you could for them.”
“It doesn’t seem like enough. And when I think about them living their lives on the run…I really thought they could settle in Serenity Springs and be safe.”
He was suffused with guilt for his part in it, anger for how he and Nolan had been fooled. “And they would’ve been safe if it wasn’t for me.”
“No. I wanted to blame you, but I know as long as Miles is searching for them, they’ll never be safe.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I…I appreciate you and your partner sending Miles on a wild-goose chase.”
“I hope it worked.”
She nodded. Licked her lips. “I’ve missed you,” she blurted, blushing.
His heart raced. “Darlin’, you don’t know how happy I am to hear that.”
He reached for her but she evaded him, crossing to the side table by the back door. She picked up her purse. “You’re lucky you got here when you did,” she said, rifling through her bag. She pulled out an envelope. “I’m taking a trip tomorrow, and since I wasn’t sure how long I’d be gone, Kelsey is going to run the bar for me until I get back.”
“Are you returning to New York?” Though he told himself that would be best for her, he couldn’t help but wonder if she meant to start over. Without him.
“No. Not New York.”
She handed him an airplane ticket. He frowned and then glanced at it. And did a double take when he read the destination.
He caught his breath. “Dallas?”
Her eyes shone with unshed tears. “I was coming after you.”
He tipped his head back. “Thank God.” Then he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I’ll never lie to you again,” he promised, moments later. “I love you, Allison Martin.”
She smiled. “I love you, too, Dean Garret.” She fiddled with the button on his shirt and glanced up at him from under her eyelashes. “As a matter of fact, why don’t you and I sneak out of here? We can go back to my house, and I can show you just how much I love you….”
He pressed his lips to her forehead. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard in weeks.”
He kissed her again and when they drew apart, they were both breathing hard. She was already reaching for her coat. “Oh, and don’t forget your hat.” The glint in her eyes was wicked. “Unless you have something against wearing it in bed?”
He laughed and settled his Stetson on his head. “No, ma’am, I surely don’t.”
ISBN: 978-1-4268-4149-1
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Copyright © 2009 by Beth Burgoon.
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