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She disentangled their hands, so she could lift the binoculars to her eyes. As she looked through them, Gavin ran his index finger along the length of her neck leaving delightful shivers running down her spine. The man would be the death of her.

“It’s going back.” She pointed to the descending drone. Gavin lifted his own binoculars and the two of them watched as the miniature aircraft returned to its owner. A man stepped outdoors, lifted it to his chest, and carried it inside. “Well, I guess we now know that the Ricketts Estate has a drone operator. It’s not much, but it was on park land, so Billy and I can go talk to them.”

“I’m not sure that’s the wisest idea.”

“We’re law-enforcement. I’ll be armed, and I’ll be with a fellow ranger. You don’t have to worry about me, Mr. Bodyguard.”

“Can’t help it. You’ve become important to me, Sam. I know it’s only been a week or so, but—”

“Please don’t make me any promises. If you don’t say the words, I can’t throw them back in your face when you return to your life in New York. Whatever we have here may feel real, but it can’t be. I won’t live in a concrete jungle, and a billionaire could never be happy in an old farmhouse.” She blinked away tears then rose to her knees and placed her lips close to his.

Chapter Eighteen

Gavinclosedthedistanceand drank in Samantha’s kiss. Her lips were honey sweet just as he’d imagined them. She was warm and compliant in his arms, but he wasn’t looking for a fling. He couldn’t do this. What he wanted was a woman he could marry. One who would give him children. They’d raise a family together.

He let her go. “I’m not looking for a casual relationship, Sam.”

She turned from him, and he couldn’t read her expression.

“It’s fine. Let’s head back. I need to update Billy and see if he’s available to do a door knock at the Ricketts Estate.”

“Sam.”

“Please don’t. I want us to remain friends. Let’s not mess that up by over-analyzing whatever this was.”

“Does that mean you don’t regret the kiss?”

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Regret is a strong word.”

“I’m not sure I want to head out of these woods.”

“Why is that? Afraid of a little poison ivy?”

He gave her a half smile. “No. I’m scared that I lost whatever chance I had with you.”

“We want different things. Don’t stress over it.” She tightened the laces on her hiking boots instead of meeting his gaze.

“I wish I could see things as casually as you seem to. I’m not built that way.”

“I think you mentioned that before. Suppose I should’ve understood what you meant. If I was willing to give up country living for anyone, I could see it being you.”

“Is that because I’m rich?” He forced a grin, hoping that if he faked it, he’d feel it.

She tilted her head to side and batted her eyelashes. “Do I strike you as a gold-digger?”

“You didn’t until now.”

“If I hadn’t gotten to know you before I found out you were wealthy, I would’ve held it against you.”

“Why is that?”

“Bad experiences with wealthy people.”

“What about your uncle? I’m guessing he had money.”

“Some. Nowhere near as wealthy as you. And he didn’t flaunt it. He drove a beat-up Ford Pickup and lived in that ramshackle farmhouse I call home.”

“I have a feeling I would like him.”