Tristan (The Kendall Family #1) by Randi Everheart Page B

the Shenandoah Valley offering a natural beauty to match that of the natural beauty putting on her clothes in front of him. He could get some wine from the family’s Comus Winery and maybe ask Connor to make them one of his picnics. Connor’s skill in the kitchen was one reason he’d taken over the inn. Even though Tristan wanted to spend time with his family, he sensed he had some work to do binding Victoria to him once again. Maybe the trip would help.
    “So you really want to do this mountain tour?” Tristan asked, purposely changing the subject away from carnal pleasures. He knew she needed to reclaim her composure before going downstairs, as she looked like she’d been ravished. She glowed. “We’ll both need to rent bikes,” he added.
    Victoria bit her lip. “Maybe we can do it some other time.”
    “Why?” He put his shirt back on, wondering why she was changing her mind. He knew that he’d upset her with his suspicions at CMS. Did she think he didn’t trust her judgment? Maybe he should apologize. Then again, maybe it was simpler than that. When she didn’t answer, he asked, “Is money tight? I know it’s not my business…”
    She shrugged. “Not really. I mean, my mom didn’t leave that much. Mostly the house. I probably have to pay for some of the bike repairs now. And my insurance is about to go up.”
    “Well, I’ll just rent the bikes for both of us.”
    She shook her head. “I don’t want you to do that.”
    “Why not? Consider it a gift to celebrate being back together.” To his surprise, that made her frown.
    “I’m not a charity case, Tristan.”
    It was his turn to frown. “What? C’mon. I don’t consider you a charity case. That wasn’t a very romantic response, by the way.”
    “Sorry. I just don’t want to be dependent on anyone.”
    “How does this make you dependent? It’s a one-time thing. Unless you need help some other time, of course. You know I’d give you anything you need.”
    “That’s just it. I don’t want to need help.”
    He silently stared at her, wondering what was going on. “You’re starting to sound like me a few years ago. You know I grew up with all my brothers and sisters looking out for me, helping me when I didn’t want it. I eventually grew up, though, and realized it’s not such a bad thing having someone to rely on.”
    Again she frowned. “I’ve been doing fine on my own.”
    He looked at her more closely, noticing her folded arms and straight back. He didn’t understand what he was saying that was wrong.
    “Is that what you want?” he asked. “To stay on your own?” When she pursed her lips as if the answer was both no and yes, he added, “I was hoping we’d be together now. You don’t want to be?”
    “I do want to be together,” she admitted.
    “Are you sure? I know I just got back and things heated up pretty quickly, but I want this to last this time.”
    “So do I. I’m just afraid it won’t. You’re not quitting racing, and I’m not asking you to, and I don’t know yet if I can handle you doing it. I still need time to think.” They stood looking at each other for a moment. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin the mood.”
    “It’s okay. I guess we have some stuff to get through.”
    “Yeah. I don’t know. I guess I felt like it’s too soon to be relying on you for something.”
    He came over and wrapped his arms around her. “It’s never too soon. And never too late.”
    She flushed and looked up with a twinkle in her eyes, then looked away. For a moment, Tristan thought her eyes had watered, but she’d let her long hair fall over her face and he couldn’t tell for sure.
    “Tell you what,” he began, changing the subject to let her have her moment to herself, “why don’t I rent a Goldwing? I’ll drive and you can hang out on the big back seat and relax. That way I’m only renting a bike for me.”
    Victoria admitted, “I’ve never been on one of those. They seem huge.”
    “Weigh a ton, too.