Cowboy is Mine (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 5) by Rhonda Lee Carver

up. Hell, maybe I had even hoped.”
    Hearing his admission made her heart pound hard against her chest. “I’m not sure I follow. Were you just hoping I’d come running after you, because the road runs both ways. If this gives you some kind of power trip—”
    “No. I’m saying that you’re here now and I think we should put the divorce on the back burner, enjoy this week. I don’t want you to spend your vacation in paradise arguing over the details of a dissolution.”
    Sitting straighter, she attempted to wrap her brain around what he was suggesting. “Then what happens, Dodge? The week will come to an end eventually.”
    He shifted, facing her. “Tell me that you want to leave Nirvana right now? If I sign the papers at this moment, would you pack your things and walk away?”
    She hesitated, but not because she didn’t know how to answer. “I want to stay. I want to explore the land, and truthfully, I want to spend more time with you.” The words were out that placed her in vulnerability’s basket, but when it came to Dodge, she couldn’t be strong like she should. He had a hold on her, and she wasn’t certain that she still wanted him to sign the papers. That idea might be foolish, but it was how she felt and couldn’t be denied.
    “Then forget the papers, for now, and enjoy this place together. I’ll be your personal tour guide.”
    His words offered such hope, such faith—and excitement.
    They sat for another few minutes until darkness had fallen, then they walked the path, lit by lantern-style solar lights, to her cabin.
    “I’ll see you later, okay?” he said as they stood on the step of her door.
    “At the mixer?”
    He nodded. “Yes. Do you want me to pick you up?”
    “No. I’d like to walk.”
    An awkwardness floated between them and she knew he was questioning what to do, just like she was. Do we kiss? Do we hug? What do two people do to say goodbye when they’re married, but aren’t a couple?
    “Let me have those boots so I can fix them for you.”
    She slipped out of them and handed them off. “I’ll leave them in your care, but remember those are the only pair I have.” She winked.
    He gave her one last smile then walked away. She watched him climb into the Gator, start the engine and pull away from the cabin. She listened until the purr of the cart faded into the darkness before she went into the quiet cabin, suddenly wishing that he’d stayed. That was a dangerous feeling. All of this, her sleeping with him and agreeing to forget the divorce for now, it was all crazy—but in an exciting way.
    Krista pulled off her clothes, took a quick shower, then dressed in an ankle-length sundress. She grabbed a jacket in case it got cold later, slipped on sandals, then left the cabin. The walk was nice and it didn’t take long until she saw the red glow of the bonfire in the near distance. Laughter was carried on the breeze followed by the heavy tunes of a banjo.
    Once she reached the clearing, she saw that many people had already gathered and were scattered across the lawn in groups and others mingling. Several musicians were sitting close to the fire, playing, surrounded by listeners clapping their hands and stomping their feet. The roasted hog turned over the spit and the savory, strong bouquet of the cooking meat made her stomach growl. She was hungry.
    A tall, thin man wearing a white cowboy hat and worn flannel was using a large carving knife to cut off slabs of the meat, and then divvy out portions onto awaiting plates. She held out her own plate as he piled it high with the steaming pork. “A special helping for the pretty lady.” He winked.
    Krista wondered if all of the men here flirted without shame. “Thank you.”
    “Help yourself to our buffet inside the tent. Potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and all of the desserts you can imagine.”
    Smiling, Krista thanked him again and went to the tent. Inside, she found Kaycee filling her plate with a good helping of potato