Heart of Texas Vol. 2 by Debbie Macomber Page B

of what followed as a mutual decision. An in exorable drawing together.
    The kiss was gentle, almost tentative. His hand drifted to the back of her neck, urging her forward.
    Grady kissed her again, and this time his mouth was more demanding, more in sis tent. Within only a few seconds, Caroline felt as though she’d experienced every possible emotion. When he released her, his breath was ragged.
    â€œI’m sorry, I—”
    Rather than let him ruin everything with an apology, she kissed the corner of his mouth.
    Maggie stirred and they both froze. Caroline prayed her daughter wouldn’t awake, wouldn’t unconsciously end these precious moments with Grady.
    â€œIs she asleep?” he asked, speaking so quietly she had to strain to hear. His voice was more breath than sound.
    â€œYes…”
    They waited breathlessly. When it seemed he wasn’t going to kiss her again, Caroline took the initiative and leaned toward him. The strength of their attraction stunned her. It was as though they couldn’t get close enough. Their mouths twisted and strained in a passionate desperate kiss, but that lasted only a moment.
    Then sanity returned. Reluctantly they eased away from each other. Grady rested his shoulders against the seat cushion, tilted back his head and sighed deeply.
    Caroline swallowed. “I’d better get Maggie inside,” she whispered.
    â€œRight.” When he opened his door, the light blinded Caroline and she was grateful when he immediately closed it, making the least noise possible.
    Coming around to her side, he opened the door, helped her out and then reached for Maggie, carrying her toward the house. Caroline had expected to carry Maggie herself. She’d always done so; she was accustomed to it. Grady’s action brought to life a complexity of feelings—gratitude, relief, even a slight sense of loss.
    â€œYou get the door,” Grady said.
    Caroline unlocked the door. With only a night-light to guide them, she led him to Maggie’s bedroom at the rear of the house. She folded back the covers on the bed and Grady carefully set the little girl down. Caroline removed her daughter’s shoes and put them aside.
    Grady smoothed the hair from Maggie’s brow, touched his fingertips to his lips and pressed his hand to the little girl’s brow. The gesture was so loving, so fatherly, that Caroline had to turn away.
    Grady followed her into the darkened hallway. She continued to the front door. She didn’t want him to leave but dared not ask him to stay.
    â€œThank you again,” she whispered. “For everything.” The front door remained open and light spilled in from the porch.
    Grady didn’t move.
    Slowly she raised her eyes to his. The invitation was there, and it was simply beyond her to refuse him. He held his arms open. Less than four steps separated them, but she literally ran into his embrace. He caught her about the waist, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. They kissed again withan urgency that left her weak, an urgency that drained her of all thoughts save one—the unexpected wonder and joy she’d discovered in his arms.
    Until that night, Caroline hadn’t realized how lonely she’d been, how long the nights could be. In Grady’s arms she felt whole and needed and beautiful.
    When the kiss ended, she buried her face in his neck.
    â€œI could hold you forever,” he whispered.
    â€œI could let you.” She felt his smile.
    â€œDon’t tempt me more than I already am,” he warned.
    It was heaven knowing he found her attractive. He held her close while she struggled to regain her composure. Caroline was grateful for those few quiet moments before he slowly released her.
    He placed his hands lightly on her shoulders. “I want to see you again.”
    â€œYes.” It didn’t matter when or where.
    â€œSoon.”
    She was almost giddy with the wonder of what was happening.