When he slowly pulled away, she realized she’d whispered the words against his lips. The stark light reflected in his eyes told her all she needed to know, and she felt the first crack in her heart, knowing it was one of many she’d have to endure in the future.

“Don’t become too attached to me, honey. I’ll just break your heart.”

But as he turned away, she knew it was too late. He already had.

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

The rain beat against the window, sending Cole’s mood into even blacker depths. He glared at the area where he knew the mountains stood watch, but the peaks were covered with heavy clouds. He glared and remembered—her soft mouth moving against his, her warm body pressed close, her scent, her touch—memories that still held the power-to arouse him hours later.

Against his will, a thought crept through his head. He was falling in love with Darci. For the first time in his life, he was faced with a love that could last forever. What he’d felt for Sharon had grown into a deep friendship, but he’d never been able to return the love his first wife felt for him.

But Darci was different. Cole closed his eyes against the force of his feelings.

He never should have let things between them get so hot last night. Because now, even with the cold light of day staring at him, he wanted her more than ever. But he couldn’t allow himself to have her—he wouldn’t take the chance of anything happening to Darci.

Glancing at the wall clock, he went to the phone, knowing he didn’t dare forget another promise. Mandy was counting on his call, and he was going to assure her he would get her out of that hospital this afternoon, no matter what. He wanted to be with his daughter again. And he needed her undemanding love around him. It was the only thing that had saved his sanity these past months and he was counting on it carrying him through the difficult times yet to come.

He waited impatiently for the phone system to connect him to his daughter’s room. Finally, he heard her voice and his mood lifted a little. “Hi, Snugglebug. How’s my girl today?”

“Can I come home now?”

A reluctant smile tugged at his mouth. “This afternoon. I’ve got a business meeting this morning, then I’ll come straight over to break you out of that place.”

She giggled, just as he’d intended. “Do I get a saw baked in a cake?”

“You’ve been watching too much television again. I might be talked into bringing that cake, but don’t worry about breaking a tooth. I have a better way of getting you out.”

“I miss you, Daddy.”