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Not after you Is that what she'd been about to say? God, he didn't want to know that It would change tooand that there was still so to do his da came of it He'd been weak once before and she'd almost destroyed him He wouldn't survive a second time But even if he could, he wouldn't risk Bonnie's heart He'd already explained to the child they would be leaving in a year He knew she didn't understand the reference to ti to be with him She trusted him

Yet, the past flickered through Megan's eyes and taunted him He wanted to reach across the desk and pull her close to hiood intentions He wanted to touch her and take her right here on his desk, the rest of the world be damned

Instead, he pushed her from him the only way he kne "Did Colleen and your father approve of your fiance, or did you keep that engagement a secret, as well?"

Her gaze held his steadily "No ao back and forth,

tender, then hurting" She stood up and sh for ood for you I don't see anywhere"

"Make your own damn place, woman Don't depend on me or anyone else to do it for you"

"That's so easy to say I admire your ability to do exactly as you please I've always thought it was a strength One I couldn't seem to summon You must be pleased we never married Think hoould have disappointed you"

She wouldn't have at all, he realized, then found the answer to a question that had puzzled hi him, he knehy he'd never found another wo who'd offered her ranch and herself He wasn't afraid of being tied down He was afraid he couldn't be with anyone but Megan Worse, he was terrified that she'd been right about hiht Even now he lived with the fear that he was nothing but a bastard and a troublemaker

He'd let her walk away froo because he'd feared the truth in her words Hating Megan was soher come to despise him

He stood and moved around the desk When he was in front of her, he reached for her hands and clasped them in his Hazel eyes watched warily, as if she feared this act of kindness was to lull her before he attacked again

"I'e you" He brought her hands to his face and pressed her warnored the need that flickered through hi I'll stay out of your way I'll be respectful and distant Even Colleen won't be able to fault my behavior around you"

She jerked her hands free "Is that what you think I want?" she demanded

"It's best"