For Love's Sake Only by Lena Matthews Read Free Book Online Page B

his hand, and Charlotte was afraid he knew it. “It was a one-night stand.”
    “It doesn’t have to be. Last night was one of the best nights of my life. Sex aside, I really like you, Charlotte.”
    “You don’t even know me.”
    “I know enough.”
    Rolling her eyes, she stepped away from his caress. “Like what?”
    “Like I want more.”
    Ty watched the doubt flitter across Charlotte’s face, partially frustrated and partially amused. She was as stubborn as she was beautiful, and that was really saying a lot. And she was hell-bent on driving him insane.
    “This will never work,” she repeated, as if he didn’t understand her the other times she said it. He understood her, all right, and part of him, be it ever so small, even agreed. But just 42 Lena Matthews
    being in the same room with her again was causing his gut to clench. Charlotte had a pull over him, and she was worth it.
    “How do you know?”
    “Because ...”
    “Not good enough,” Ty interrupted. He had never had to beg a woman in his life, and he wasn’t going to start now, but he’d be damned if he let her walk out of his life without even giving them a chance.
    “What do you want from me?” Charlotte’s fear was as apparent as her need.
    Everything, but Ty knew if he said that, she would hightail it out of the room so fast his head would spin. “Come with me. Now.”
    “Where?”
    “To my home. Give me tonight.”
    “I’m leaving for home tomorrow.”
    “That’s tomorrow. I want tonight.”
    Charlotte eyed him warily, as if she still didn’t quite trust him. She was like a skittish mare, in need of a firm yet tender touch, and Ty was just the man to provide both.
    “This is crazy.”
    “I’m willing to concede that,” he admitted with grin. Despite how persistent he was being, Ty knew that this was fast. Hell, he was even amazed at the speed in which he was going, but he couldn’t help himself. Call it strange, call it fate, call it insanity, Charlotte was the one for him.
    “I have to leave in the morning.” Charlotte repeated, stressing the word morning.
    Holding out his hand to her, Ty asked, “Is that a yes?” Sighing, Charlotte placed her hand in his. “Yes.”

    * * * * *
    Spurs & Mistletoe: For Love’s Sake Only
    43
    After two phone calls and a quick meeting with her boss, Charlotte was strapped in his truck and on the way to his ranch. Normally Ty would have stayed to the very end of the rodeo, but for once, he had his own bucking beauty to ride.
    They had to make another quick stop at her hotel room, where he insisted she check out. There was no way in the world he was going to let her go back there tonight, especially if this was to be their last night together. He insisted that she leave her car, but only because he didn’t want her to sneak off in the dead of night. Ty wasn’t going to put anything past Charlotte.
    Ty’s spread had always been his pride and joy. The Dollar Ranch had been in his family for three generations, and if God was willing, it would be in his family for another three to come. He loved his land and he wanted Charlotte to love it, too.
    Pulling up in front of his home, Ty hopped out of the truck and walked around to open the door for Charlotte. Smiling her thanks, Charlotte took his hand and stepped out.
    Stepping away from the truck, Charlotte stared at her surroundings with a look of amazement and awe on her face. “Ty, it’s lovely.”
    “Thank you.” Ty had always thought so, but he was probably biased. The Dollar was set back on one hundred and fifty of the best acres God had ever created. His brick house was flanked by several outbuildings, and pastures stretched as far as the eye could see. It was his home and he loved it.
    “You’re a lucky man to have all this.” Turning around in a semi-circle, Charlotte put her hands up to her eyes, framing them from the sun’s fading rays.
    “I’ve always thought so.” Grabbing her bag from the back of the truck, Ty placed his