The Cowboy's Secret Baby: A BWWM Pregnancy Romance by Monica Castle Page B

electricity that was passing between them as he watched the festival lights reflecting in her sea green eyes.
    She raised her eyebrows and sighed. “Well, I go back to California, finish up my last semester of school, and then I graduate. After graduation, there’s a company I’m really trying to get a job with because of the work they do and the work I want to do. They’re based out of California, and they’re a prominent science company who work to save the planet from greenhouse effects by creating and funding concepts that reduce carbon footprints in daily life.” She paused for a moment and then laughed a little. “Wow... I hope that didn’t sound like a commercial.”
    He shook his head, his eyes locked on her. “Not at all... it’s incredible. It’s so rare that I meet a woman who is so focused in her life. That’s really something! I also like that you’re working toward making the world a better place.”
    “I have just always had such a passion for it and I’m so dedicated to making a difference. It’s really important to me. So, being here this summer is part of the work I’m doing toward the completion of my education, but it’s also to help me get involved with the company in California that I want so badly to work for,” she explained.
    He watched her and felt dazzled by her beauty, her sharp mind, and her dedication to a future that obviously meant everything to her. He didn’t know many women with a drive like she had, and it was incredible to him.
    “What about you?” she asked. “Has Jackson been your home for long?” she asked with an interested smile.
    He nodded. “It has. It’s been home for me since I was born. My family and I have a ranch just north of town. I’ve always wanted to leave, though, you know? Get out of here and go see other things, meet new people... go have experiences other than what’s here. It’s pretty small here... small town, small population, small everything; except the mountains.” He laughed at his comment. “There’s so much out there just waiting for me! I just need to get out of here and go get it!”
    His blue eyes shone and she grinned at him, understanding his wanderlust.
    “So where do you want to go?” she asked. “If you had an open ticket... where would it take you?” She raised an eyebrow curiously.
    He rolled his eyes and laughed. “Where wouldn’t it take me? San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, New Orleans, all over Florida and the Caribbean, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Boston, Washington D.C., and New York City! Can you imagine what it’s like in New York City?” he looked excited just thinking about it.
    She nodded her head. “I’ve been to some of those places, and you’re right. They’re incredible. What’s stopping you from going?” she asked him, looking at him curiously. “It sounds like there isn’t anything you want more. So, what’s holding you back? Why not go?”
    He looked at her and blinked. “You’re right! Why wouldn’t I just go? What on earth am I waiting for?” He laughed and shook his head. “I really like your spirit. You’re like one of those stars up above us... just... shining so brilliantly.” He drew nearer to her and lifted his hand to her cheek, letting his finger drift down the side of her face as he smiled at her and spoke more softly.
    “Do you know that every other person I’ve ever talked to around here has just shrugged me off and told me to quit dreaming and keep focused on the ranch and my life here? Not one of them has told me to go and do what it is that I want to do. I don’t need anyone else to give me permission; I do what I want, and that’s the truth, but not one single person has supported that idea, except you... and even just that, just your opinion in support of it has made it suddenly seem doable, you know? Reachable. Like... if I wanted to do it now, at least I know that there is one person out there who told me I could and believed it. That makes a big difference