by Judy Duarte
Blake’s heart soared.
She must have sensed his excitement because she added, “But I’m working on falling out of love, just as quickly as I fell in.”
Blake doubted that would happen so quickly, and he took it as a positive sign. Before he could cross the room and sweep Shannon into his arms, the bathroom door creaked open, and Rex came out wearing a crooked grin.
“Don’t pay me any mind,” he said, as he limped toward his bed. “I’ve enjoyed hearing the show so far, but I’ll be more comfortable if I stretch out and watch the action.”
Blake couldn’t help but chuckle. That old cowboy might come across as grouchy at times, but he was a real kick. He could easily become a friend. Either way, Blake was determined to move heaven and earth to make sure Rex remained at the Rocking Chair Ranch for the rest of his life.
Shannon approached the bed and watched Rex climb in, her hands raised as though she was ready to help him if his movements faltered. When he made it on his own, she turned back to Blake. “Maybe we’d better finish this discussion somewhere else.”
He didn’t care where they talked, as long as they got things said—and settled between them. But it was high time he admitted his feelings for her, no matter who was listening.
“Actually, it’s probably best if I have a witness. I love you, Shannon. And just for the record, I’d be happy to pay your tuition to attend the medical school of your choice—no strings attached. Just follow your heart, honey. If you want to stay in Texas, I’ll move here, too, so we can be together. That is, if you’ll have me.”
She gaped at him. “Are you kidding?”
“I’ve never been more serious. Now that I’ve met you, I won’t be happy living anywhere unless you’re with me, or at least, nearby.”
“You’d leave California?” she asked. “What about your law practice?”
“I’ve passed the bar in Texas, too. So I can hang up my shingle here.” Blake glanced at Rex and grinned. “Besides, I already have my first client.”
“Actually,” Shannon said, “you’re going to have a second one soon. Nate might need your services, too.”
“See? There.” Blake’s heart began to soar. “Things are falling into place already.”
When she didn’t object, the emotion he’d bottled up inside for so long continued to flow out of him, the words getting easier to admit. “I’ll say it again, Shannon. I love you. And I want to marry you—today, next month or whenever you set the date.”
At that, Rex let out a hoot and clapped his hands. “This is one jim-dandy show. What do you say, Shannon? Don’t keep the poor man hanging.”
She laughed until tears spilled onto her cheeks. “I love you, too, Blake.”
Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and showed him just how much.
Damn, this felt good—and not just the kiss. But Shannon, her embrace, her happiness, her love.
He couldn’t wait to stand before a preacher and promise his heart to her forever, until death parted them—or maybe even longer than that.
* * * * *
EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT
When Dea Caracciolo agrees to attend a sporting event as tycoon Guido Rossano’s date, sparks fly!
Read on for a sneak preview of
THE BILLIONAIRE’S PRIZE
the final instalment of Rebecca Winters’ thrilling Cherish trilogy
THE MONTINARI MARRIAGES
The dark blue short-sleeved dress with small red poppies Dea was wearing hugged her figure, then flared from the waist to the knee. With every step the material danced around her beautiful legs, imitating the flounce of her hair she wore down the way he liked it. Talk about his heart failing him!
“Dea—”
Her searching gaze fused with his. “I hope it’s all right.” The slight tremor in her voice betrayed her fear that she wasn’t welcome. If she only knew…
“You’ve had an open invitation since we met.” Nodding his thanks to Mario, he put his arm around her shoulders and drew her inside the suite.
He slid his hands in her hair. “You’re the most beautiful sight this man has ever seen.” With uncontrolled hunger he lowered his mouth to hers and began to devour her. Over the announcer’s voice and the roar of the crowd, he heard her little moans of pleasure as their bodies merged and they drank deeply.
When she swayed in his arms, he half carried her over to the couch where they could give in to their frenzied needs. She smelled heavenly. One kiss grew into another until she became his entire world. He’d never known a feeling like this and lost track of time and place.
“Do you know what you do to me?” he whispered against her lips with feverish intensity.
“I came for the same reason.”
Her admission pulled him all the way under. Once in a while the roar of the crowd filled the room, but that didn’t stop him from twining his legs with hers. He desired a closeness they couldn’t achieve as long as their clothes separated them.
“I want you, bellissima. I want you all night long. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
THE BILLIONAIRE’S PRIZE by Rebecca Winters
Available November 2016
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY
www.millsandboon.co.uk
Copyright ©2016 by Rebecca Winters
ISBN: 978-1-474-04176-8
ROPING IN THE COWGIRL
Copyright © 2016 Judy Duarte
Published in Great Britain 2016
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
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