She still had the matter of her restaurant. Those obligations hadn’t changed just because her idea of happiness had changed. Plus, Bear wasn’t ready for someone new, and now that Winnie knew the whole story, she didn’t blame him. That wasn’t something she could force him to let go of, either.
Maybe she’d return to San Antonio and open the restaurant, and when they were both ready, they could pick things up again. Just because they wouldn’t be dating didn’t mean they had to stop talking. And for all she knew, that could be even better. More talking couldn’t hurt. Maybe. There was a chance it could make her crave him even stronger.
That was a hill she’d climb when she left. For now, she’d look at the positive. They were together, and they had a little over a week left to spend together. She’d focus on that and enjoy him.
Chapter 25
Stepping onto the porch the next day, Bear sucked in a lungful of air like it was the most precious thing on earth. After being trapped inside, he was ready for an evening in the great outdoors. Based on the clouds gathering, the predicted white Christmas would actually happen. If not during the festival, then they’d be waking up to the ground covered in snow.
Winnie’s fingers tangled with his as she stopped next to him. “You feel way better, huh?”
“A lot. Plus, one more day inside, and I’ll go bonkers.”
“You’re lucky your mom hasn’t caught you. You were supposed to be staying home and resting. If she knew you were out, she’d probably drag you by the ear back to your bed.” Winnie laughed.
He started to laugh with her and covered his mouth as he coughed. “It’s just a few hours. I can handle that.”
“We’ll take it hour by hour.” She pulled her hand free and hugged him around the chest. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
Wrapping his arms around her, he set his cheek against the top of her head. “Me too.”
They stood there, holding each other with nothing but the sounds of a few animals in the distance. This was paradise, or Bear’s idea of it. Holding a woman he loved and…his heart skipped a beat at the thought.
He loved Winnie. It was easy, too. He didn’t have to dig for things to love about her. Her beauty went all the way to her core. She’d even returned his money now that Tammy had returned most of what was taken. There was no comparison with his feelings about anyone or anything else. He was hers, and they’d hang a wreath on his door before he ever stopped.
Leaning back, he brushed his hand along her cheek and held her gaze. He slid his fingers into her hair, cupping the back of her head, and pressed his lips to hers. Soft, sweet, and supple. He loved the curve of her body and how it fit against his. Most of all, he loved the way she kissed him, burying her hands in his hair, clinging to him as if he were the only one she wanted.
As he deepened the kiss, her soft moan tickled his lips. If she was even a fraction as thirsty for him as he was for her, her thirst would be unquenchable. Time could stand still for an eternity, and he’d be just as greedy for her then as he was now.
Just as he thought his lungs might burst, she broke the kiss and set her forehead against his. “No one’s ever kissed me like that before.”
“I’ve never kissed anyone like that before,” he said through a straggled breath. He pulled away and coughed. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
She balled her fist in the collar of his coat and pulled his lips down to hers. “I’ll take my chances.”
This time, she took charge of the kiss, and he’d never loved being bossed around so much in his life. How long they kissed, he had no idea, but when they broke away, the air was cooler, and the sun was definitely lower.
“I guess we should at least make an appearance at the festival.” She laid her head against his chest. “I did box a lot of pies.”
“Yeah, I suppose so.”
They slowly untangled themselves and walked to the truck. He held the passenger door as she got in and didn’t jog or even trot around the front. He walked. His head was in such a whirl that he needed the extra time to clear it enough to drive.
Slipping in behind the wheel, he knew he wasn’t going to be able to stay out as long as he wanted. He felt better, but his strength was already sapped. Tomorrow, he’d be staying in and learning the ways of the couch potato.
“You looked winded,” Winnie said as she slid closer to him. “Maybe we should call your m—”
“Nope. I need some time out of my room.” One more second in there, and he’d pull his hair out. He wasn’t in dancing shape, but he could walk. On top of his desire for a little freedom was the surprise he’d planned. Well, he’d asked Gabby and Wyatt not to let Winnie know about the horse-drawn carriage they’d have this year. Bear knew Winnie loved them.
“If you don’t feel good, you don’t feel good. There’s no reason to push yourself.”
Slipping his arm around her, he pulled her closer. “I’ll be okay. We’ll walk around a little and then come back. I promise we won’t stay long.”
She took his chin in her fingers, pressing her lips to his. “No, we won’t.”
The drive to the orchard wasn’t as quick as he expected, nor were the number of cars present. It was a good thing his brother and sister-in-law planned ahead and carved out some parking for family. Otherwise, they’d have been parking in the back forty.
As Bear opened the door, Winnie looked up, and little flakes of snow were falling. “I’m actually happy the meteorologist was right. We’ll have a white Christmas.”
“Looks like it.” He put his arm around her waist, and they walked into the thick of the festival. “This is the biggest it has ever been.”
Winnie smiled. “I’m happy for them. They’ve put so much work into it, and seeing this turnout…it’s great.” She took a deep breath. “And it smells divine.”
“Yeah, the kettle corn folks are here. I love that stuff, and these guys make the best. I usually try to grab a bag when it’s hot.”
“That sounds good.”
Milling around the festival, they stopped by table after table of different goods for sale and games to play, and they took Travis to pet some of the goats a friend of Wyatt’s had brought. People were tickled to see the goats dressed in pajamas. Families were taking photos of their little ones as they jumped around with the playful baby goats.
It was more fun than Bear had experienced in a long time. He laughed harder, smiled wider, and it seemed the weight of his heartbreak had finally lifted. When they finally wound their way to the sleigh ride, Winnie gasped. “You didn’t.”
“No, Gabby and Wyatt planned this, but I asked them to keep it a secret to surprise you.”
She lunged forward and grabbed him around the neck. “A carriage ride through the snow. I love it.”
He loved her, and making her smile was the best gift he could receive. “I hoped you would.”
“Oh, I do.”
Once they were seated, the ride started. Winnie sat as close to him as possible with her legs over his and her head against his shoulder, snuggled flush against him. It had turned colder since they’d arrived, and Bear was grateful there was a blanket available.
It was the best way to spend time together, just soaking up the warmth of the woman he loved, enjoying her body next to his, and not worrying about the future. The ride didn’t last near long enough, and it was twice as long as the guests were getting.
As they got out of the carriage, his mom and dad met them. “I should have known you’d be here,” his mom said, eyeing him.
“I’m okay. We’re leaving in just a few minutes.”
His mom wagged a finger at him. “You bet you are.”
“Have you guys not had a ride yet?” asked Bear.
His dad shook his head. “No, but that’s all right. We’re not in a hurry.”
“It was a nice ride. So peaceful and relaxing.” Winnie hugged Bear. “I loved it.”
His parents crawled into the carriage and waved as they started their
ride. “We’ll see you guys later,” Bear’s dad said.
“Make sure he goes home,” his mom called.
Bear and Winnie wandered around a little more.
“I love this song,” Winnie mused.
Now that he was paying attention, he recognized it. “The Way You Love Me” by Faith Hill. “That’s what I want.”
Winnie’s eyebrows knitted together. “What?”
“I want a woman to love the way I love her. I want to love her to the point that all she ever sees in my eyes is how much I love her.”
Before Winnie could respond, Hunter and Reagan stopped in front of them. “Hey, guys,” Reagan said. “Aren’t you supposed to be taking it easy, Bear?”
Rolling his eyes, he replied, “I just got done with a long carriage ride.”
Winnie patted him on the shoulder. “And he’s going home now.”
“I’m fine.” That wasn’t exactly the truth, but he wasn’t falling down either.
“No, but that’s only because you’ve been taking it easy. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Do you really want to be exhausted?” Reagan asked.
Hunter chuckled. “These two are not going to budge. Just go home, man.”
Winnie took Bear’s hand and began pulling him in the direction of his truck. “Come on; let’s go.”
Bear grumbled, but only a little. He was tired, and Reagan was right. He didn’t want to be exhausted or risk the chance of not participating in Christmas. “Okay, okay, I’m coming.”
Before they got too far, Wyatt called to Bear, “Hey, wait up.”
They slowed so his brother could catch up with them. “What did you guys think?”
“It’s great,” Bear answered.
Winnie nodded. “I loved the carriage ride. It was awesome.”
Wyatt grinned wide. “That’s good to hear. Uh, Gabby said she talked to you about Bandit’s restaurant in town.”
Bear looked at Winnie. “She’s a good one to ask.”
“I wanted to say thank you. We appreciate that. Having someone with hands-on knowledge is so much better.” He narrowed his eyes. “You ever thought about being a small-town chef?”
Shaking his head, Bear hugged Winnie to him. “She’s a chef meant for S—.” He stopped short. “For a bigger city.”
Wyatt laughed. “I know. I was teasing. You look tired. You should go home.”
“That’s where I was headed when you stopped us.”
“Oh, well, then don’t let me keep you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Bear waved as he and Winnie started walking again. “I almost told him about San Antonio.”
“I don’t think it would be horrible being a small-town chef.”
Oh, he’d made her feel guilty. Why did Wyatt have to say anything? “Naw, you’re destined for better things. You can’t waste your talent in a one-stoplight town such as this. Your food is way too good for that.”
She hugged him. “Thank you.”
The ride home was spent with her snuggled just as close as she was during the carriage ride. Man, it was going to be hard to go back to being alone, but he’d keep that to himself.
Just as they got inside the house, her phone rang. “It’s my mom.”
“Go ahead,” he said as he helped her out of her coat.
While he shrugged out of his, she answered it. “Hey, Mom…yeah, the festival was fun. Oh, they called you? I only gave the contractor your number in case they couldn’t reach me…I’ve had my phone the whole night.” She paused. “Reception can be bad out here at times. I’m surprised they were working today, but I did tell him I was shooting for the opening to happen in the earlier part of the year. Why did they call?”
Winnie was silent a moment. “Oh, yeah, that wall has to come down. It divides the room and makes it look small. Plus, a stage is going where the wall ended…no, it’ll be local artists playing. I hope.”
Bear leaned his back against the door, his heart growing closer to the floor as she spoke. He hadn’t expected anything to change, but there had been a glimmer of hope that it would. His gaze dipped to the floor as his thoughts wandered down rocky paths.
“Bear?”
He lifted his head, and their eyes locked. “I’m sorry. I was trying not to listen.”
“It’s okay. It was just the contractors. They’d tried to reach me and had called my mom. She’d been trying to reach me for a while. I told her I’d send them an email before I went to bed. They won’t be starting until after the new year anyway, but communication is key at this stage.”
“You’re right.” He smiled. “That’s why I know your restaurant will do great. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders.”
Hugging herself, she took a deep breath. “I hope so.”
“Well, how about I walk you to your room and we’ll call it a night. I don’t want to, but I’m actually a little tired.”
She closed the distance between them, lifted slightly, and kissed him. “How about I walk you to your room?” Instead of waiting for him to answer, she kissed him again and took his hand, leading him through the house to his room.
Standing at his door, he said, “This isn’t the gentlemanly thing to do.”
Holding his gaze, she touched her fingertips to his temple, ran them down his jaw, and cupped his cheek. An intimate gesture that made his skin tingle. “Maybe, but it’s the thing to do when you care about someone. And at this moment, you’re the one needing the extra care. You were really sick for a couple of days.”
Pressing his face into her hand, he said, “I’m sorry if I made you worry.”
“I don’t mind worrying about you,” she said, hugging him around the neck and kissing the side of his face. “Get some sleep, and I’ll see you in the morning. Reagan and I are going to try to replicate Bandit’s cinnamon rolls, and we’re going to start early to make test batches in the hopes of pulling it off.”
Bear buried his face in her neck and breathed her in. “Thank you for spending the evening with me.”
She leaned back. “I think I should be saying that to you. It was fun, and I loved the carriage ride.”
“It was fun.” He covered his mouth as he yawned. “Man, I haven’t been this tired in a while.”
Pulling free, she stepped back and smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Night.”
Bear stepped inside his room, and the weight of the evening touched his shoulders like they’d been waiting all evening for him to get home. He wasn’t just tired; he was heartsick. It wasn’t fair to Winnie to feel that way, but he did.
What would she say if he asked her to stay? How would he feel if someone did that to him? He’d hate it. He couldn’t do that to Winnie. He just couldn’t. Even if she did say yes, there would always be the what-if floating over their heads. Every argument would have that elephant in the room. That’s not the kind of relationship he wanted.
In a little more than a week, she’d be on a plane. He’d love her mind, body, and soul until then, and then he’d love her from afar. That was the right thing to do. If she ever wanted to return, he’d welcome her with open arms and every inch of his heart. He’d just let that hope simmer in the background and be happy with what he had.
Chapter 26
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of orange filled the kitchen, but that was about the only thing Winnie was aware of. She was present in body, but her mind was on the evening before. It had kept her awake long into the night.
I want a woman to love the way I love her. I want to love her to the point that all she ever sees in my eyes is how much I love her.
Perhaps the most romantic thing Winnie had ever heard, and he’d said it as he looked at her. At first, she thought he was really speaking to her, but she’d read too much into it. She’d even wondered aloud that she didn’t think it would be bad to stay in Caprock Canyon, but he’d been sweet and let her down easy. He wanted her to go back to San Antonio because he wasn’t ready for something more serious than the temporary relationship
they had.
Her heart had physically ached for hours after, but it was okay. She’d used the time to draft an email detailing the things she wanted the contractor to do. Then she’d spent some time with the floorplan and finding the best table and chairs to fit the type of atmosphere she was looking for. In all, everything was coming along well.
The smell of dough burning broke through her thoughts, and she hurried to pull the rolls out of the oven. When was the last time she’d burned anything? She needed to pay attention, or there’d be no rolls later. She set them on top of the oven and groaned. “Oh, they’re ruined.”
Reagan ran into the kitchen and slid to a stop, and her eyes widened. “What happened?”
“I was distracted. I’m sorry.” Winnie sighed and hung her head.
“It’s just dough. We’ll make some more.” Reagan picked up the bowl they’d washed and set aside to dry. “I make these almost every morning. It’s really not that big of a deal to make some more.”
Winnie used the spatula and tried to find even one cinnamon roll she could taste test. In the middle, under all the charred edges, was a soft piece that didn’t look too bad. She pinched off a piece and tried it. “Oh, this isn’t too bad.” She pinched off another piece and offered it to Reagan.
“No, I think that’s perfect.” Reagan looked at the notes from the last batch. “I think we’ve got it. All we have to do now is bake some tonight.” She held up her hand to give Winnie a high-five.
Winnie tapped her palm against Reagan’s and laughed. “Whew.”
“Look at it this way, we won’t be too sick to enjoy them tonight. A few more of these things, and I would have been done.”
“Me too.”
“What is that smell?” asked King as he walked into the kitchen to refill his coffee mug.
Winnie raised her hand. “I kind of got distracted, and the last batch of rolls burned.”
The Fake Girlfriend's Billionaire Match (Caprock Canyon Romance Book 4) Page 11
