“You’re my husband. What could be so wrong about it?” She wanted him like she’d wanted no man in the past, not even Jeffrey. When she felt Cole putting the distance of his withdrawal between them, she struggled not to pull his mouth back down to hers and kiss away any protests he might make.

“Temporary husband. And if we follow through on this, it will only complicate the ending of our little fairy tale.”

His logic was worse than a splash of cold water. For just one moment, she’d managed to forget about him leaving. Quickly, she withdrew her arms and tugged at her suit jacket to keep her hands occupied. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

He halted her retreat by grabbing her shoulders again, forcing her to look up at him. “I’m not. I want you, don’t doubt that for a minute.”

He jerked away and stalked over to the couch where he grabbed his hat and shoved it on his head. “I’ll wait for you in the hallway. I just need to pick up my suitcase at the hotel and I’ll be ready to move in.”

He stopped just before the door closed and pushed it back open. The hat shaded his eyes, but his voice was deeper than normal, reflecting an inner struggle that matched Darci’s. “Honey, I don’t ever want to hurt you.”

The door clicked shut behind him, and Darci stood frozen for a short eternity.

You already have, she thought as a single tear traced down her cheek.

What had she done? She’d offered herself to him, all but begged him to. make love to her. But worst of all, she’d let him walk away. The kiss would always be there, taunting them with its intensity. She only hoped they could still manage to work together.

Mechanically, she pulled the files on her desk into the semblance of a pile, switched off the desk lamp and swung her purse over her shoulder. With only the moonlight showing her the way, she pulled her door shut behind her and started across the darkened outer office. A loud crash halted her in her tracks, sending a flash of panic through her.

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Concerned only for Cole, she rushed into the hallway, skidding to a horrified stop at the scene waiting for her. Cole stood over Jeffrey, who was lying on the highly polished floor, massaging his jaw. A small vase lay shattered at his side.

“If you think you’re man enough, let’s try that again.” There was a quiet threat in Cole’s voice that sent fear skittering over her skin.

“You’re nothing but a stupid cowboy. Why don’t you go back to the open range where you belong?” Jeffrey dared to rise up on one elbow.