Just Gettin' Started: BWWM Interracial Cowboy/Western Romance (Westbury Ranch Book 1) by Roxy Wilson Page A

he still liked her or was attracted to her, but because he wanted something else from her. “I’ve a feeling his ranch isn’t doing too well, and he wants to buy this place, so he can sell it to some developer.”
    “He can’t force you to do so.”
    Cullen nodded. “You’re right. He can’t.” She waltzed over and stood in front of him. “Since he can’t force me or convince me, he’s been planning to seduce me, so I would be putty in his hands, give him any-and-everything he wanted.” She shrugged. “It’s all a theory, of course, but it should be easy enough to check by poking around in some bars to know if he’s been hanging out with some developer type people.”
    Graeme got her hint. “I’ll take Blade with me and see if we can get some information.”
    “Good.” She nodded. “Max has always been a step ahead of us. It might be a good idea for us to catch up to figure out what he’s up to.” She reached out with her hand and caressed his cheek. “And Graeme, next time, it would be nice if you trusted me to show better judgment.”
    Much to her amazement, he took her in his arms. She didn’t resist.
    He ran a hand through her hair. “I’m an idiot.”
    Laughter rolled out from her lips. “I won’t say no to that right now. Thinking that I would side with Max wasn’t the smartest thing you’ve done.”
    “It’s just—I’m crazy in love with you and the notion that you didn’t trust me enough, just sent me over the edge. I should’ve trusted you but instead…I got angry and—”
    “Wait. Wait, wait.” She raised a hand. “Wow! Slow down. Let’s go back to the part where you told me you loved me.”
    He flinched. “I said that?”
    Disappointment coursed her heart. “You didn’t mean to?”
    Graeme looked a little saddened. “The first time a man says that to a woman it should be done with some finesse.”
    She gazed at him as if she was seeing him for the first time. This man was incredible, sweet, sexy, and surprising.
    He kissed her slowly, tenderly. Their lips remained locked and while her heart pounded, happiness careened through her veins. So perfect, wonderful.
    Finally, he raised his head. “I love you, Cullen. God knows, I didn’t plan to fall in love with you, but the best things in life can’t be charted out. So here I am…half crazy about you and desperate to hear the same words back.”
    She’d tried to fight the attraction, to not care too much about him, and attempted to rein in her feelings, but nothing worked. It was perhaps better to admit she felt the same way and deal with the consequences of such a confession. It would be difficult and it would certainly change their lives forever, but she was ready for the next step. “I love you too, Graeme.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “You do?”
    She patted his shoulder, knowing he needed some reassurance. “I think I fell in love with you the moment I saw you, but I’ve been fighting the attraction ever since. You’re the perfect man for me and I think we can be happy together.”
    “We’ll be happy.” He nodded. “I’m in it for the long haul.”
    Cullen kept her gaze locked on his. What did he mean? Was he referring to marriage? She wasn’t quite sure if she was there yet, but as she thought about it, Cullen liked the idea. Sure, it would take her some time to get used to it, but she would get there eventually. “So am I.”
    He gave her a small grin. “It would be nice if you said it without trembling.”
    She kissed him, feeling more confident. Although she never expected she would fall in love so fast, the more she thought about it, the greater she liked the idea. “I’m scared of commitment, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it. I love you and we can make this work. I just need you to be patient with me for a little while longer.”
    Graeme brushed his lips over hers. Love reflected in his eyes. “I’ll be patient for the rest of my life, as long as you promise to be with me.”
    She