The Texas Rancher's Family

This was a business situation.

Or at least it had been...until they had started sharing personal stories and whiling away the time together.

Then it had become something else.

Something a lot more...treacherous.

Erin groaned and let out a nervous laugh. “Forget I said that.”

The gentlemanly side of Mac knew he should. Only trouble was, he wasn’t feeling particularly chivalrous right now. He was feeling...turned on. And she was, too, otherwise her mind wouldn’t have gone in the exact same direction his had.

The direction that would land them in each other’s arms.

“Actually,” Mac said gruffly, turning toward her and gathering her closer, “I don’t think I will.”

Then, going on instinct, he slowly lowered his head.

* * *

ERIN HAD KNOWN this kiss was coming. Known it long enough to avoid being alone with him. But she hadn’t.

Instead, she had invited it.

Why?

Because something about him attracted her and made her want to lose herself in him. In this.

And lose herself she did, as she opened her mouth to the inviting pressure of his.

He tasted so good. So dark and male. The strength of his chest pressed against hers. His thighs were rock hard, the rest of him just as impatient for more.

And that, above anything, told Erin she needed to stop this. Now.

Only she couldn’t.

This was the most alive she had felt in a very long time.

And had it not been for a sudden beam of light flashing across their bodies, who knew how long it would have gone on?

* * *

THE LAST THING MAC EXPECTED when he took Erin in his arms was to be busted by the intrusive beam of a flashlight.

But that was what happened as Gavin walked into the kitchen and caught them pressed up against each other in a steamy lip-lock.

Reluctantly, Mac broke off the kiss and lifted his head from hers.

Dropping her hands from his chest, Erin stepped away.

Gavin looked at his sister, his brow lifted in silent inquiry.

She gazed back, angry and defiant. Not to mention embarrassed.

“Everything okay here?” Gavin asked finally, shifting the plastic casing so the flashlight became a lantern.

It was a minute ago, Mac wanted to say.

Figuring this was family business—and he should stay out of it—he remained silent.

“Do you know where the rest of the flashlights are?” Erin asked, her gaze averted from Gavin’s probing look.

His body tense with a disapproval mostly directed at Mac, he nodded. “There are two in the cabinet above the washing machine. The rest are upstairs in the boys’ rooms, next to their beds.”

Erin disappeared into the laundry room, then returned with two flashlights in hand. She handed one to Mac.

“Are all the kids still asleep?” she asked Gavin.

“So far. I even looked in on Nicholas. He’s snoozing away.”

“Well...” Erin inhaled deeply, then turned and looked at Mac. “I’m going to call it a night.”

He nodded. “See you tomorrow.”

After she headed up the stairs, Gavin continued staring at him. “I gather you’ve got something to say?” Mac asked.

“You guessed right.” A muscle worked in his cheek. “My sister’s been through enough. The last thing she needs in her life is another guy who’s not going to be around for the long haul.”

Much as he hated to admit it, Mac knew Gavin had a point.

“It was just a kiss.”

Gavin’s jaw tightened. “Maybe to you. She hasn’t given any guy the time of day since her ex left.”

Mac hadn’t dated in a very long time, either. And he sure as hell hadn’t taken any woman in his arms and kissed her soundly.

He swallowed. “It’s not my intention to hurt your sister.”

Gavin shook his head. “Then I suggest you stick to business, and leave it at that.”

Reluctantly, Mac gave ground. “You’re right. No sense starting something that can’t go anywhere. So maybe it’s best we get down to business.” Mac looked at Gavin, man to man, figuring the sooner he achieved his goals, the better. “Hopefully, you can help me with that.”

* * *

ERIN STARED AT GAVIN just after eight the next morning. She’d been out taking care of the horses. By the time she got back to the house, Mac and his daughter had already left. They’d gotten directions back to town via an alternate route that avoided any flooded crossings. Erin’s boys were upstairs brushing their teeth.

Nicholas had gone on to school.

Erin wasn’t sure how she felt about missing Mac’s departure. Seeing him probably would have been awkward after the sizzling kiss they had shared. Especially since she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it all night. Even when she’d finally closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, she had woken up reliving the emotion of that moment.