Mountain Heiress: Mountain Midwife by Cassie Miles Page A

she said. “We’re light-years apart.”
    “It’s crazy to think the two of us could be together, not in any long-term kind of way.”
    “That doesn’t mean we can’t be...” She had intended to say friends, but that wasn’t how she felt about him. Friends didn’t kiss each other the way they had. “We can still be close.”
    “Close, huh?”
    She wondered if he was familiar with the idea of friends with benefits. In usual circumstances, she wasn’t the type of woman who had casual flings, but there was nothing usual about this trip to Colorado. From the first time she saw Zach, she was attracted to him. To be sure, a committed relationship would never work between two people who were so different. But there were other possibilities.
    “I like you, Zach. And I appreciate everything you’re doing to help me. It goes far beyond the scope of being a good neighbor.”
    “Like I told you, I cared for Michelle.” He turned his head, and his gaze met hers. “She’d want me to protect you.”
    “What do you want?”
    “You.”
    Reaching across the bed, he gently caressed the line of her cheek. His touch drew her like a magnet. She leaned toward him. Sitting back against the pillows didn’t work anymore. She curled her legs under her and rose up on her knees. The quilt she’d been holding fell from her grasp, exposing her blue satin gown.
    Zach dropped his hand from her face and sat back, taking his time to study her. A wolfish smile curved his mouth. “Come closer.”
    “How close?”
    “Like this.” His hand circled her waist, and he pulled her into his lap. He kissed her gently, tasting her lips and nuzzling against her cheek, nibbling on her earlobe. His breath was hot and moist.
    She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against him. When her satin lingerie slid against him and rode up on her legs, he ran his hand along her bare thigh. A shiver went through her, not because she was cold.
    His touch set off a chain reaction of pure heat. As his kisses became gradually more demanding, the intensity threatened to overwhelm her. If she didn’t stop him now, she wouldn’t be able to hold back.
    He maneuvered her around, lifting her as though she weighed no more than a gossamer scarf. She found herself stretched out on the bed, lying on her side with Zach beside her. His leg was across hers, pinning her in place.
    Breathing hard, he looked down at her. “I like what you’re wearing.”
    “I made it myself.” Why did she tell him that? She didn’t care if he was impressed by her sewing skills.
    “You’re talented.”
    “I want you to think I’m hot.”
    “Don’t worry.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I do.”
    When she gazed into his eyes, she was mesmerized by the color, the facets of blue. He was such a gorgeous man, so strong, so powerful. Closing her eyes, she arched against him, molding her body into his.
    And yet, a sliver of doubt cut through her. Was this the right timing? A tiny voice in her head reminded her that she’d only just met Zach and there were so many other things going on that she might not be thinking clearly. She didn’t want to make a mistake with him.
    In spite of her raging desire, she hesitated.
    Immediately, he sensed the change in her mood. “Something wrong?”
    She pulled slightly away from him. When she laid the palm of her hand against his chest, she felt his heart beating. “Zach, I—”
    “Too soon.” He rolled off her. “I was afraid it might be.”
    A moment ago, she feared that making love would mess up their relationship or friendship or whatever this was between them. Now she was afraid that she’d been too quick to say no. “There’ll be another time.”
    “I know.”
    In one smooth move, he got off the bed and started toward the door. His hand was on the doorknob when regret slammed into her. She called after him. “Wait.”
    He pivoted to face her. From across the room, she couldn’t read his expression. “What is it,