"I don't believe you did that. You just let her walk away when she just about gave herself to you." Shane said shaking his head.
"You're the one who said I should stay away in the first place. Don't you think I want to be with her?"
"Then go after her. You both deserve happiness."
"I'll have to do something really special. I'm not sure what in this town- one hotel, one store, and a saloon. Romantic or what? She's going to be joining us later on."
Kian laughed, "Here? You've got to be kidding me. The Princess wouldn't be caught dead here."
"Would you like to bet on that Mr. Egan?" and they all turned around to find Kimber looking absolutely stunning. She had a cream colored satin dress with her hair in soft curls, a rose surrounded by weeds.
"I'm sorry Miss.."
"Tonight let's forget I'm the boss. How about Kimber, huh Kian? Waitress, a round of Whiskey please and make mine a double."
Mark raised an eyebrow, perhaps she wasn't as innocent as he thought. Actually she could match them shot for shot and was still sitting pretty. It had been a long time since she could just sit back and relax, no one cared about her status or family tonight. She felt a warm rush when Mark leaned in to say, "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I'm so glad you came tonight."
"Me too." Sweet Pea performed to a packed house every night now and Shane glowed with pride, he had fallen for her hard. "This has been lovely but I'm going to call it a night. Will you take me home Mark?"
"Of course. Night lads."
"Good night guys, you were wonderful." Kimber said to Pea giving
her a hug as she left. Pea was downright shocked.
Mark decided that it was no good trying to fight what he was feeling for Kimber.
She had him completely hooked and the whole world could be damned, he wanted
her. That is if she would still have him. "Kimber, I 've been an arse."
She stopped walking and laughed at him, "Where did that come from?"
He took both of her hands and pulled her to him, "I was a fool to think we could deny what's between us. I want a chance to prove I can love you like you need. I'll never make you feel any less than the wonderful person you are and I want the chance to cherish you. Will you let me or did I ruin any hope for us."
It wasn't poetic but Mark totally touched her heart with that simply request. She didn't answer him but pulled his head down to her and kissed him sweetly. "I want you to be with me as my friend but more than that, as my equal." He kissed her back until she moaned with delight. Somehow they found themselves at the pond, their spot. Somehow everything seemed right there.
"Want to go swimming?" Kimber said unbuttoning her blouse slowly.
"I'm not sure you want to do that. I can't promise I'll be able to stop myself." She continued removing each garment slowly, never breaking eye contact. She closed her eyes and jumped slightly when she felt him carry her into the water. "Open your eyes" he whispered and she felt lost in the depths of his gaze.
Wrapping her arms around him she whispered back, "Don't let me go."
"Never."