One Texas Night.... Sara Orwig

so I assume you’ll stay in it as long as it’s successful.”

      “That’s right. At least that’s what I plan now, and Dad needs my help,” she replied, aware Jared gave her his full attention. “I want to marry, have a family, lead the same kind of life I had growing up. Isn’t that what you want?”

      “I like life’s challenges. My dad did, and maybe that’s where I got that need. I watched him spend a lifetime putting off the risky things because he was a husband, a dad, a businessman with a growing company. Then when he could retire and do the things he had dreamed of all his life, his health was gone and he couldn’t do any of the adventures he had postponed. It was sad. He was filled with bitterness and regret,” Jared said, his gaze shuttered as if looking back into the past. “I lost Mom two years before Dad. I don’t know if she had things she wanted to do that she’d never done. She never said.”

      For the first time Allison didn’t think she had any of his attention. She wanted no part of the lifestyle he craved, but she could understand a little better his reasons for choosing it.

      “My brother never felt that way, yet he used to do some of the things you do.”

      “Sloan has a zest for life. He did things and satisfied himself about them, and now he doesn’t live that way. He’s settled. His choice. That’s better than the way my dad lived, filled with regret. I don’t want that to happen to me. I want to do all those things while I’m young.”

      “Even though it means you’ll stay all alone in life?” she asked. “You might be missing out on the best parts of life and will have as many regrets later as your dad, just different regrets.”

      “I don’t intend to be alone all my life. As for a family for me? I see that sometime in the distant future. I have things I want to do, and it’s better to be single to do them. At least that’s what I think. Climb Mount Everest, for one. Look how Sloan’s life has changed since his marriage. Your brother has dropped out of the rodeo circuit. At one time he wanted to climb Everest with me. He’s out of that now. Your brother is a family guy, which is good for him. I’m just not there yet.”

      “That’s an honest answer,” she replied.

      “And I’d like to do more with salvaging. I’ve already explored two sunken ships and brought up artifacts that are in museums, and some treasures that are in my own collection. I’m sure you know that’s when I worked with your dad. Salvaging is my most fascinating pursuit, and I’d like to spend more time doing it.” He sipped his drink.

      “And I’m still riding the rodeo. In fact, I’m riding in one in Ft. Worth soon.” He put his drink down and leaned toward her. “Go to the rodeo with me. You used to go with your family to watch your brother.”

      She moved back impulsively. “Thank you, but I’ll be in Dallas and back in my world by then. When I leave here, we won’t see each other again. It’ll be like the past six years. We each have our own lives.”

      “It’s just a rodeo, Allison. You weren’t this skittish with me before,” he observed.

      “Life’s different now. Before we were at a party. I wasn’t on a job. I worry about my dad and don’t want to be away long periods of time or cause him any worry.”

      “Your dad isn’t going to worry because you’re watching me in a rodeo.”

      “He might worry because I’m out with you.”

      Her words seemed to have no effect on him. He persisted, “I doubt if Sloan has painted such a dark picture of me to your dad.”

      “I know he hasn’t, or Dad would have never sent me on this job. My dad thinks you’re a fine person. Sloan keeps those warnings about you for me—only since he found out I’m taking this job.”

      “I’ve worked with your dad, too, remember? We got along great.”

      “I’m sure you did.”

      “Your dad has always been nice to me.” He sat back, his drink in his hand again. “You think about the rodeo. For now, tell me about all the furniture. What happens after you’ve tagged it?”

      She went over the process once again, describing their work in detail, all the while conscious of his total focus.

      They talked through dinner, through watching the sunset and finally they moved inside to talk more about various topics.

      She had relaxed at last, finding him fun to be with, and she could see why her brother was close friends with him.

      It was one o’clock in the morning when she finally told him that she had to turn in. He walked her to her suite, pausing outside her door.

      “Good night, Jared,” she stated. “Dinner was great, and it’s been a nice evening. You know, I could work in the evenings, too, and get finished sooner.”

      “No, no, you should have some time off. There’s no big rush on this. You’ll get it done.” He smiled at her. “I enjoyed tonight, too. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night,” he said in a deeper voice.

      Her heart beat faster. He stood close, his gaze drifting slowly over her. She wanted to look at his mouth, to lean closer and press her lips to his. She could all but taste his kiss. “Tonight was enjoyable. I’m sure I’ll see you in the morning,” she said, turning, expecting his hand to touch her any minute. Instead he merely stood there while she entered her suite and closed the door.

      Disappointment enveloped her despite knowing it was best they did not kiss. Her lips tingled. Her skin was hot, prickly with wanting him. She should be relieved they were sticking to business. If only her body would get that message.