Page 41 of Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire

Chapter9

Chase was staring.Had he said something?

“I’m sorry.My mind was a million miles away.What did you say?”

He chuckled.“I just asked if you will be okay living here…for a while?”

“Yes, of course.You’ll be lucky if you can evict me after catching the murderer.As much as I already like it here, I hope you catch him quickly.”

He stopped smiling, and he looked utterly serious.“I hope we apprehend him, too.I don’t enjoy being the target of a murderer.I like it even less that you’re his target, too.”

She put her feet on the floor and leaned over toward Chase.Meri placed a hand on his leg.“You and the police will catch him.”

“I know, but I don’t like you not being safe.”He slanted toward her and cupped her jaw.

She closed her eyes, moving into his palm.

Then she felt his lips on hers.She loved the feel of his lips; she knew she shouldn’t and should stop but darned if she could pull back.

His thumb shifted back and forth on her cheek, the movements slow and soothing.

When she no longer felt his lips, she opened her eyes.“That was nice.”

His face was only an inch or two from hers, his blue eyes piercing in their intensity.“It was.”

“You know if I wasn’t injured, I’d be taking this…attraction…to a whole new level.”

“If I wasn’t a gentleman, I might let you.But you have medication in your system, even though I know you’re still in pain.I’ve been shot a time or two myself, and I know how you feel.”

She laughed.“I don’t think a man has ever turned me down as nicely.”

He lifted a brow.“I don’t imagine a man has ever turned you down.”He tucked an errant curl behind her ear.“You’re much too beautiful.”

“Now who’s had too much wine?”she asked and laughed, yet she was pleased that he found her attractive.“I’m not even close to being beautiful.Nice looking, maybe.”

“You sell yourself short.”He kissed her again.

His lips felt so right, so perfect against hers.Like no one had ever kissed her before.Could she believe him?Believe his kisses?Was he genuinely attracted to her, or was he just doing his job to keep her safe?

He pulled away, then whispered.“You’re thinking too much.Just feel.”Then his lips were on hers, crushing them.

She couldn’t think, could only hang on for the ride.And what an exhilarating start it turned out to be.Her heart pounded faster than if she was on the highest rollercoaster in the world.Her pulse raced as if she’d just run the fastest race in the world.

When they finally parted, he smiled and kissed her on the forehead.“You should rest.You need to heal.”

She breathed out a sigh.“You’re right, though I don’t know how I’ll rest after this.”

“Try, sweetheart.I need to handle some work issues.The men will be right outside and no one but me will come in.I’ll order takeout to be delivered.What would you like?Every type of cuisine is close.”

“How about Chinese?I haven’t eaten that in a very long time.”

“Okay, Chinese it is.Any favorites?”

“Egg drop soup and honey walnut shrimp with Chow Mein.”

“You got it.I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“If I can’t sleep, I’ll make a grocery list.I want to make a meatloaf dinner tomorrow night.”