Big City Cowboy (Harlequin American Romance)
Page 21
Suddenly, warmth coursed through her. Damn pheromones. She had to remain clear-headed. Her future was at stake.
Turning her attention to Rory’s face, she scrutinized his features for reactions as he studied her proposal. She hadn’t poured bits of herself into a campaign as she had in this one for years. She’d laid out a new website design, coordinated it with an updated brochure, then outlined a marketing strategy.
No reaction. Not good. How could he not love what she’d done?
“I appreciate all the trouble you’ve gone to, but us working together isn’t a good idea.”
She ignored the painful twinge in her heart and charged forward, refusing to take no for an answer. “Even if I didn’t know how much you dislike dealing with the advertising aspects of your business, looking at your website, your brochures and the ranch’s signage would tell me that. If you hire me, I can coordinate those things for you.”
“I don’t want a business relationship with you.”
Her stomach fell and she fought back tears. She hadn’t expected such a quick and brutal rejection. “I can increase this ranch’s business. I can help you tap into new markets. Give me a chance.”
She bit her lip, hating that she danced precariously close to begging.
“You don’t get it, Lizzie. I want a personal relationship with you.”
Her heart stopped. Just for a second, as his words sank in. She closed her eyes, fearing she was dreaming.
The leather couch scrunched under Rory’s movements. When she peeked out from under her lashes, she found him kneeling in front of her. Tears pooled in her eyes.
“You think you could get used to living here?” His large warm hands covered her icy ones.
“I’ve been exploring the possibilities. I’ve stocked up on Claritin. I’m considering buying stock in the company.” Her gaze remained focused on her ruby slippers. Please let their magic work this time.
“Elizabeth.” He released her hands. His thumb gently tilted her chin upward, forcing her gaze to meet his. The look in his eyes, one of tenderness and desire, rendered her speechless. “I want you here. In my house. In my bed. In my life.”
“You want us to live together?”
“For a smart businesswoman, you’re being awfully dense.”
“I’m not being dense. You’re being vague.”
He flashed her a blinding smile. “I say I want you in my bed and in my life, and that’s how you respond?”
“I want to be clear on where you see our relationship going.”
“Do I have to spell it out?”
“Apparently.”
“I love you. Marry me.” His voice wavered the tiniest bit.
Tears stung her eyes. “How can you love me after all I’ve done? After how I treated you? I looked down on you because I thought you were just a ranch hand, while you treated me with respect. I don’t deserve you.”
“That doesn’t matter now. I can’t live without you. Please marry me.”
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Won’t you miss the big city?”
“I’d miss you more.” Elizabeth smiled. Her cousin Janice had been right. It was amazing what no longer mattered once she found the right man.
Strong hands lifted her. She wrapped her arms around Rory’s shoulders as he sank onto the couch, settling her on his lap. He kissed her with a reverence that warmed her all the way to her toes. “There is so much to love about you. You’re confident, funny, caring and sexy as hell.”
His words reached deep inside her, sewing together the hole in her heart her parents had created. “I love you so much.” She looked into his mesmerizing brown eyes. “I’ll have to send my cousin Janice a thank-you gift. Coming to her wedding was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’d never have met you otherwise.” She bit her lip, deciding to truly test her shoes’ magic. “Will you be the Harrington-Smyth Agency’s first client? I want to help you increase your business.”
“As long as you don’t make me model for the ranch’s website.”
“Are you giving up modeling?”
“I’m finishing out my contract with Devlin for the jeans campaign. He wants me to model other clothing items, but I haven’t given him an answer yet. If he kicks in enough bucks I might consider it, but no way in hell am I modeling underwear.”
“The women of the world will be so disappointed. What if I need you to model for one of my future clients?”
“No way, sweetheart. The only modeling I’ll do is for you in the privacy of our bedroom. There I’ll model anything you want.”
“Even underwear?”
“Honey, for you I’ll model nude.”
She chewed on her lower lip and looked him up and down. “I don’t know. I’ll need to take preliminary photos, kind of like a screen test for a movie.”
He stood, still cradling her in his arms. “How about we go upstairs and you can see if you think I’m up for the job.”
ISBN: 978-1-4592-8235-3
BIG CITY COWBOY
Copyright © 2011 by Julie Benson
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