The Bachelor Project

All through dinner, he’d been the perfect gentleman. He’d held out her chair, refusing to lean forward and nuzzle her neck when his libido urged him closer. He’d ignored the low light and candles on each table, and the glorious sunset they’d witnessed together through the multipaned windows. He’d laughed, listened and truly enjoyed the companionship during a delicious meal of German specialties at one of his favorite restaurants. They’d both been too full of the good, hearty food to stay for dessert, so there was nothing left to do but return, just after twilight, to Ranger Springs.

Robin was quiet during the thirty-minute drive, but whenever Ethan glanced at her, he noticed a slight smile on her face. Yes, the evening had gone well. He didn’t believe she suspected how nervous he’d been about asking her out to dinner, nor did she know of his heightened awareness of her during the meal.

All in all, his Aunt Bess would be proud of him.

As he pulled the Bronco into the driveway of the Franklin home, the night surrounded them like a black glove. The porch lights Robin had turned on earlier seemed far away from the gravel drive where he’d parked. As soon as he turned off the engine, the silence of the night added to the sense of isolation. Not since he’d been a hormone-laden young man could he remember feeling such charged anticipation.

“I had a good time tonight, Ethan.” Her voice sounded as soft as the velvet darkness outside.

He unbuckled his seat belt and turned toward her, thankful for the bucket seats that separated them. Otherwise, he’d be sorely tempted to pull her into his arms and claim that the night wasn’t yet over.

But it was. He had to accept the fact that Robin Cummings was not for him. He wasn’t about to let his physical attraction for her overrule his common sense. She was here only temporarily; he’d established a new life for himself in this small town. She belonged among the wealthy clients and excitement of the city; he never wanted to live among the crowds and crime of a metropolitan area again.

So he settled on a bland response. “I had a good time, too.”

She removed her seat belt, then turned in the seat until she faced him. “I liked the restaurant very much. I’d forgotten how strong the German influence is here in the Hill Country.”

“Most people do, despite the names of the towns that give away the heritage of their founders.”

Robin chuckled. “It’s been a long time since I took Texas history.”

“Not as long as it’s been for me.”

“You can’t be that old.”

“Thirty-two, not that I’m counting.”

“You’re from Texas originally?”

She sounded genuinely interested. Despite his intention to leave as quickly as possible to reduce any chance of acting on his attraction, he wanted to answer her question. “Yes, I grew up in a little town called West.”

“I know West. I’ve shopped for antiques there.”

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