Read Online Heart of Texas Vol. 3 by Debbie Macomber - Free Book Online

fingertips lingered a moment longer than necessary.
    Nell didn’t know what madness possessed her, but she closed her eyes and allowed herself to indulge in a fantasy. She didn’t pretend that the man holding her was her dead husband. That would have been too painful. Instead, she fantasized that she was a different kind of woman, willowy and lithe, petite and beautiful. Like the young Audrey Hepburn of Sabrina, a movie Nell had loved all her life.
    It was the night for such dreams.
    The dance ended almost as soon as it had begun. Too soon. Nevertheless, she didn’t dare to continue. Didn’t dare to indulge in any more fantasies.
    â€œThank you,” she whispered. “I’ve never enjoyed a dance more.”
    â€œMe, neither,” Travis said, his voice low and sounding vaguely unlike him.
    Of one accord they turned and walked across the grounds, toward the parking area.
    â€œNell.” He stopped her in the shadow of the grandstand.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œDon’t be angry.”
    â€œAngry? Whatever for?”
    â€œFor this,” he whispered. He turned her around to face him, then lowered his mouth to hers.

CHAPTER 4
    H IS KISS LEFT N ELL FEELING lightheaded, as if she’d been out in the sun too long. His lips lingered on hers, his arms firm about her waist. He would have kissed her a second time, she sensed, if she hadn’t moved her head just then. She needed a moment to compose herself, to gain perspective and deal with what had happened—what she’d allowed to happen. At any point she could have stopped him…and hadn’t.
    â€œI…wish you hadn’t done that.” Her voice trembled, shaky with shock and wonder. What astounded her as much as his kiss was how much she’d enjoyed it.
    â€œAre you looking for an apology?”
    His voice was close to her ear and she realized that he still held her.
    â€œI could give you one if you wanted,” he went on, “but it wouldn’t be sincere.”
    She smiled at his words and eased away from him. There was definitely something in the air tonight that had caused her to behave so completely out of character.
    â€œIt’s because of today,” she said aloud. “The whole day.” One of the best days she’d had in three years of grief and struggle.
    â€œThe day?” Travis repeated, walking at her side as they continued toward the parking lot.
    She glanced at him, surprised she’d spoken aloud. Since she had, she couldn’t very well leave him in the dark. That would be rude and unnecessary. If he was to continue paying for room and board, then she had best set boundaries between them now. Kissing was definitely out of bounds.
    â€œNaturally I’m flattered that you’d want to kiss me.”
    â€œI’d like to do it again, if you’re not opposed.”
    She shook her head. “I’d rather you didn’t.”
    He was quiet after that, but not for long. “What did you mean when you said it was because of today? ”
    She exhaled slowly. “Winning the chili cook-off. The kids having such a wonderful time. Willie Nelson showing up like that. Dancing in the moonlight…I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t thinking—otherwise that kiss would never have happened.”
    â€œHow weren’t you yourself?” he prodded.
    Nell was much too tired to endure an inquisition. “I just wasn’t.”
    â€œHow?” he pressed.
    â€œI was happy, excited…”
    He couldn’t seem to leave it at that. “You aren’t normally?”
    â€œNo,” she returned shortly. “Not for the last three years.”
    A silence followed her words. Nell heard his sigh.
    â€œYou must have loved him very much.”
    She didn’t hesitate. “More than life itself. In many ways I died with my husband. Nothing will ever be the same again.”
    They paused in front of her battered pickup. The Dodge was well