A Buckhorn Bachelor by Lori Foster Page B

really. He had no idea how Amber had known, but when it came to sex—or at least, sex with him—Isabella was open, free, and totally uninhibited.
    In other words, perfect .
    But then, she was pretty much perfect in everything she did, whether it was running a middle school library, caring for kids in need, charming the masses, or making him insane with lust. “I assume Amber told me that to get me intrigued. Thing is, I was always intrigued. You need to know that.”
    Sitting on the side of the bed, Issy released a wiggling Cupid who wanted to sniff the room. Without the cat to hold, she laced her fingers together. “You hid it well.”
    â€œNo, honey, you’re just not great at picking up the signals. Too many times, I was all but panting for you.”
    â€œNo,” she said with fascinated disbelief.
    Adam had no problem reassuring her. “Yup. But now that we’re together, it doesn’t matter.”
    â€œBecause you love me?” She said it as if she couldn’t quite bend her brain around it.
    That was his fault. In trying to prove a point with Amber, he’d left Isabella uncertain.
    â€œHow could I not?” he asked. “Everything about you has always drawn me, but with my cousin putting her nose into things, we’ve now been able to talk in a more...” He fumbled for the right word.
    â€œIntimate way?”
    â€œYes.” He grinned, thinking of all the ways they’d been intimate. “That.” Sitting beside her, Adam took her worried hands and held them. “Not for a second do I want you to think Amber talked me into anything. I’ve always wanted you, Issy, always liked you and been drawn to you. If you’d opened up more a year ago, we’d probably be married by now.”
    Her eyes went round.
    It wasn’t a quite a proposal, but more like a declaration of intent.
    â€œWe have time,” he told her. “Time to do everything you want, time for me to show you how much I care, time to just enjoy being together before we start rushing into new plans.” He didn’t want her to feel pressured.
    Cupid wound around their legs, leaving her long tail out until she’d formed a furry shackle.
    Carefully, so he wouldn’t spook her, Adam scooped her up and into Issy’s lap. “What do you say we start by getting engaged? That way everyone will know you’re not available. We can take our time figuring out everything else.”
    She didn’t even blink. “I’d like that.”
    Smiling, he said, “We can pick out rings whenever you want.”
    Nodding hard, she gasped, “Okay.”
    Adam had to kiss her, so he did. As usual, she tasted so good, stirred him on so many levels, that he got carried away. Things might have gotten inappropriate, given they were in his uncle’s house, except that Cupid’s tail hit him in the chin, reminding him of the here and now.
    He leaned away with a grin. “I want everyone to know you’re taken.”
    Staring at his mouth, she whispered, “Long as they know you’re taken, too.”
    â€œI’ll be telling it to everyone who’ll listen.” And definitely to anyone male who came sniffing around Issy.
    â€œI love you,” she whispered.
    Adam cupped her face, his heart full. “I love you, too.”
    A tap sounded at the door, and Amber gave a loud, “Ahem.”
    Adam groaned. “What now?”
    â€œEveryone’s gathered to eat if you two want to make any—hint, hint—announcements.”
    Adam stood and opened the door. “It’s uncanny how you do that.”
    Beaming, she bragged, “I have my skills.”
    Issy appeared at his side, leaning into him while holding Cupid. “Do your skills include ropin’ in Noel Poet?”
    Amber frowned. “I’m working on it.”
    From behind her, Noel said, “Good to know.”
    Aghast, Amber went still, then red in the