Roman's Choice (Saddles & Second Chances Book 1) by Rhonda Lee Carver

connection.”
    “Should’ve known a one-night stand wouldn’t be enough.”
    She leaned on her elbows, looking at him. “Do you always follow impulse?”
    He shrugged. “I’ve been known to jump and forget the parachute.”
    “Tell me about this ex-wife of yours. I feel like I need to know more.”
    “There’s not a lot to tell. We were married Saturday and come Monday she was enjoying side dishes.”
    “Are you exaggerating?”
    “A bit, but we were only married for a short time. We were both in it for the wrong reasons.”
    “Like us?”
    He gave his head a shake. “Remember, you’re not my ex and I’ve grown a lot since her.”
    She walked her fingers up his abs to his chest. “I’m sorry. That must have been difficult.”
    “Actually, it was a relief. But what about you, sweetheart. Why hasn’t your knight in shining armor come along and swept you up?”
    “Wouldn’t you know that the person who has all of the good advice for everyone else, doesn’t have the answer for herself.”
    “Nah, I think that makes perfect sense. With everyone else, you see things without bias, but with yourself, it’s personal. Now you just need someone to help guide you.”
    “I have dictators. A manager and my fans. I do what they want me to do. Those are the rules.” She sighed and dropped her chin to his chest.
    “Who the hell says those are the rules? You’re your own person and you’re the only one who has to live your life.”
    “I see your point, but along with reputation comes responsibility. I have a responsibility to the people who rely on me.”
    “I understand accountability, sweetheart. I was in the public eye once too.”
    “It’s different for you though. Fans expected you to be rough and tough, to sleep with the buckle bunnies and come out the hero.”
    He swallowed against the tightness in his throat. The way she made it sound he was an asshole. Guilty as charged. He’d done a lot of things he wasn’t proud of, but a man could change. “Am I the first cowboy you got caught up with?” he asked, watching several expressions flit across her face.
    “The first real cowboy, yes. There’s a big difference.”
    He laughed, rubbing his palm down his face. She watched him, absorbed in more than just his movement. “You wouldn’t be here without the responsibility to your people?”
    “I don’t know. Wish I could answer that. They seemed to have been my focus for everything the last few years.”
    He felt a stabbing sensation straight into his chest. Was he risking his heart and emotions being with her? Didn’t she just admit that she was here to save her career? Yeah, she had while sitting at the table. He needed to keep that in mind.
    Then why didn’t his emotions close off like a water faucet? He’d been with women before without emotions. He dipped his nose into her hair and inhaled. She smelled so good, felt even better, and that’s why he couldn’t pull away.
    She lifted her chin, kissing him on the cheek. “No, once wouldn’t have been enough. We’d have found each other again.”
    He smiled, feeling on top of the world. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but he was for damned sure going to take her sunlight and let it brighten his darkened world. “Just know, darlin’, I got your back. We’ll send those trash talkers straight to hell.” He winked.
    One corner of her mouth lifted and her eyes dazzled. “I don’t know you very well, but I believe you. I trust you.”
    “You should. I’m a loyal, trust-worthy cowboy.” He swept the pad of his thumb along the slight dip of her chin. “If you have any questions, be sure to ask.”

CHAPTER NINE
     
    ROMAN STEPPED INTO the building of Second Chances Securities, better known as SCS, greeted Susie, their receptionist, who was busy filing her nails. She gave him a half-hearted response and he continued down the hall to his office. He switched on the light and saw the pile of paperwork sitting in the center of his desk.