Those hazel-green eyes of hers stared up at him. “You shouldn’t have come after me,” she whispered.
“No?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow.
“No.”
He grinned. She knew, she had to know. “No choice, Tandy. When it comes to you, I’ve never had one.”
Those eyes fluttered, surprised. As if his revelation was new information. How could she have doubted that? No matter what had happened, what might happen, he’d love her till the day he died. And he was fine with it. Hell, more than fine with it. Being with her was the only time things felt right.
“Ta-dee?” Pearl asked, climbing down from Scarlett’s lap.
Tandy turned, wincing at the slight motion.
“Stop moving, woman.” Click sighed. “She’s okay, Pearl.”
“Some kisses might help,” Scarlett said. “Give her kisses, Pearl?”
Pearl smiled, standing on tiptoe to plant a kiss on Tandy’s cheek.
“Thank you, Pearl. I feel better already,” Tandy said, but she didn’t move.
“Da da.” Pearl pointed at Tandy. “Ki.”
“Ki? Kiss?” He swallowed.
Pearl nodded.
He cleared his throat. “You want me to kiss Tandy?”
Pearl nodded, waiting expectantly. How could he refuse?
“You see what you started?” Tandy said to Scarlett, making him chuckle.
“Da da,” Pearl repeated.
He heard Tandy’s breath waver as he bent close. No way to rush these things. His nose trailed along her temple, drawing her scent in. He loved the way she smelled, loved the warm softness of her skin, and the taste of her lips. Nothing compared to Tandy in his arms. He dreamed about it still. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, keeping in mind their very watchful audience.
Pearl clapped, her giggle inspiring Banshee to cover his tiny daughter’s face with slobbery kisses.
“Good boy,” he said, meaning it. Damn dog was a hero in his book. If he hadn’t barked, Tandy would have been stuck out there. His arms tightened, holding her closer to ease the sharp twisting of his heart.
Scarlett cleared her throat. “I’m feeling like a third wheel here,” she said.
He frowned. “There’re five of us in here.”
She shook her head. “Fine, be obtuse. I just don’t get you two. So... How’s work, Tandy?”
Tandy sighed, her eyes shut. “Okay.”
“You’re not supposed to sleep,” he said, a hint of warning in his voice.
Her eyes popped open. “Who’s sleeping?” she asked, the look in her eyes taking him by surprise.
He wasn’t the only one grappling with the effect they had on each other. The flare of hunger in her gaze sent a jolt straight to his spine. Every nerve jumped and hummed to life.
“You decide what you’re going to do yet, Click?” Scarlett asked.
News of his inheritance had only just gone public. In that time, neither Wallace nor Boone had reached out to him. Probably waiting to see who made the first move. “Still working on it. But good call, sending me to the tourism department. Best way to find the local businesses if you’re an outsider like me. Mr. Delgado’s men know their stuff. Had the fences fixed in no time. And the barn is almost ready for horses—if any were to come visit.” It was what he wanted, deep down he knew it was. Having a home and the business he’d always dreamed of? For Click, it was too good to be true.