Christmas Crush on the Rancher by Heather Scarlett

Author:Heather Scarlett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heather Scarlett

Chapter 10

Something had changed for Will. Hope could see it written on his face, even though she wasn’t exactly sure what was different. His expression shifted to thoughtful, then determined. He sat back against the leather couch cushions, sipping his wine, while he watched Hope with those deep green eyes.

She shivered under his intense gaze. “Everything ok?” she asked.

Will nodded. “I decided you’re right.”

Hope cocked her head, squinted her eyes. “About what exactly?” Her heart leapt at the possibility. Was Will considering her suggestion they rekindle their romance for Christmas?

Will took a deep breath as if to steady himself. Then he took a large gulp of wine. “I realized we have a perfect opportunity here.” He assessed her reaction.

“A perfect opportunity for…” No way would Hope make this easy for him. She needed to hear him say the words.

“For us to reconnect. Just for the next two weeks. Then, you go home to Florida and we part friends.”

“Are you suggesting a friends with benefits arrangement?”

“No, not exactly. More like friends who need comfort during the holidays. And are tired of ignoring the chemistry between us.”

“Ah, festive buddies, then,” Hope said with a laugh. Will cracked a smile at her joke. How she loved to make this man smile. His expressions of genuine happiness were so rare, each one felt like a gift.

“In a manner of speaking,” Will replied. “We should set some ground rules. So no one gets hurt.”

Hope tapped her finger to her mouth. “Ground rules, huh? How about rule number one is that we have fun. When it stops being fun, we know it’s time to end things.”

Will nodded his agreement. “Ok, fun is number one. How about rule number two is that we maintain our separate space. I think it’s better that we don’t get used to spending the night together.”

Hope muffled her groan of disappointment. Spending the night cuddled with this man would be a dream come true. She understood where he was coming from, though. They were trying to avoid entanglements that went past the expiration date of this arrangement.

“Yes, that makes sense. I agree.” Hope thought for a moment. “I suppose that rule number three should be that we keep this to ourselves.”

“Yes, that’s a good plan. Not that I’m embarrassed or anything. We’re two consenting adults. But I don’t want to take away from Joy and Luke’s special moment.”

“Exactly. And they’re newly married and in the stage that everyone should be as happy as they are,” Hope said with a laugh.

Will joined her laugh. “I know, right? All my brothers are in the same mindset. It’s like being surrounded by a love cult.”

“A love cult…. omg Will, you’re funny!” Hope doubled over with laughter, which bubbled out uncontrollably. When was the last time she felt carefree enough to laugh? She couldn’t even remember, that’s how long it had been.

“I don’t know what else to call it,” Will said with a shrug. “It’s like they all took the same drug that makes them want everyone around them to partner up.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.