Page 46 of Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire
“That’s not to say he would,” continued Jubal. “But he might, and if we can’t find the rustlers and stop the cattle from disappearing, I wouldn’t blame him if he does.”
Jessica watched Mannie and Alice. They looked at each other, and she knew in that instant that Mannie knew what was happening. He was aware Alice was part of the gang of rustlers and was using him for information.
She didn’t know how Mannie knew or for how long he’d known, but he had the knowledge, and he was just letting it happen.
About half an hour later, Mannie scooted to the edge of the sofa. “We need to go. Morning comes early around here.”
Jubal nodded and stood. “That it does. We should go, too.”
Athena also rose and reached for the tray with the coffee. “I need to clean this up first—”
Reaching out, Jessica placed a hand on her arm. “Don’t worry. Roark and I will take care of this.” She looked over at Roark. “Won’t we?”
“Of course. Go on. All of you. We’ll see you in the morning.” Roark picked up the coffee tray and the cake tray, too, with the cake tray on the bottom.
Jessica stood. “Good night, all.”
The two couples left through the kitchen.
Jessica followed them on her crutches.
Roark followed her. He set the trays on the counter by the sink. “Do we really have to do the dishes? I was hoping for some time on the porch swing, just the two of us…watching the stars…or other things.”
She smiled. “You are a wicked man, Mr. Sullivan, and yes, we have to do the dishes. I’ll load the dishwasher and you empty the coffee pots and put the cream in the fridge. I didn’t say it would be perfect. We’ll do what we can.”
Fifteen minutes later, Jessica was drying her hands with a dish towel. “There. All done.”
Roark came up and put his arms around her waist.
She placed hers around his neck and balanced on her good leg.
“So, Miss Kirby, how about that porch now?”
Jessica grinned. “I’d love to, Mr. Sullivan. Will I need a jacket?”
“No, I’ll keep you warm.” He leaned down and gave her a quick peck on the lips. “Let’s go.” He let go of her only long enough to lift her into his arms.
Jessica wrapped her arms around his neck. “What about my crutches?”
“I’m your crutches tonight.”
He worked his way through the living room, into the foyer and out the dark wood double doors.
“Have I told you how much I like your home? It’s beautiful.”
He carried her to the swing and set her on it.
Then he sat beside her and tugged her closer. “Can you see yourself ever living here?”
She stiffened for a moment. “I’m not at a point I want to even consider something like that. We’ve known each other for such a short time. How can you know we’ll be compatible? What do we really know about each other?”
“I know enough to know I want to—”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Don’t. Please don’t say it. Not yet.”
“How do you know what I was about to say?”
“Because I have some—maybe the same—feelings, too. What we feel when we’re together is amazing, but it’s also overwhelming. I need time. I don’t want to jump into bed…or into a relationship…without us knowing each other better.”
