Cassandra stared at Matt calmly making their drink as though nothing momentous had just happened. She was tempted to bash him over the head with his darn kettle. Why was he messing up her carefully planned life this way?

Ever since her mom’s death, she’d strived to be perfect at everything so that her father would be proud of her—and maybe, one day, forgive her. Her career, home, choice of husband, everything was geared toward that one goal.

Matthew Shaughnessy was a mistake.

One she needed to get away from before she did something she’d regret—like fall in love with the wrong man.

If only he hadn’t been so kind when she’d been upset, or funny when they played cards. If his shoulders weren’t so wide, or his arms so strong. If only her pulse wouldn’t race at his nearness and her lips weren’t still tingling from his kisses.

Another two weeks and she would be a married woman. She could put this entire episode down to pre-wedding jitters. That’s all it was, it had to be. As soon as they returned to the ranch she’d call Jeff and everything would go back to normal.

If she could just forget about Matt.

“What made you decide on Vegas?” he asked, turning to face her now that the coffee was back on the stove.

She looked at him, puzzled for a moment. Was he talking about her dad? It was a gambler’s heaven; small wonder her father loved the city.

“For your wedding,” he clarified, lifting her hand to show her fake engagement ring.

She stared, bemused. Why would he care about her wedding plans?

“Umm, it was Jeff’s idea.” She shrugged, sidetracked by the glint of golden hair curling near the top snap on his now wrinkled shirt. It was soft, she knew from those moments in bed. Her gaze jerked up to the amused quirk of full, way-too-sexy lips. “His, uh, family lives there so it made sense.”

Those lips firmed, sending a shiver scurrying up her spine. She wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of this man’s temper.

“Made sense for who? It’s your wedding, isn’t it?”

Now she was ticked off. Good, much better than day-dreaming about someone she couldn’t have.

She turned away and flounced over to the window. The storm had abated and dawn was on the horizon. They’d be able to leave soon. She refused to question why the thought made her sad.

“It doesn’t matter where we get married. Jeff and I just want to start our life together. Even if his parents wanted the ceremony in Timbuktu, we’d be there.”

He laughed, but there was no humor. His shadow flickered in the glass thanks to the dancing flames in the stove. They hissed and jumped as though agreeing with his condemnation. “That’s real sweet, Princess, but do you love the guy?”

Did she?

Of course she did. Jeff was a sweet, honest, hard-working man. He’d make a terrific husband, and maybe someday, a father.

She placed a hand on her tummy, picturing towheaded boys and a pigtailed little girl playing in the meadow outside. Except her children would have dark hair like her and Jeff, and they would never know this beautiful valley. They’d never have a father who taught them how to ride a horse or instilled in them love and pride for their heritage. Someone to hold them at night when they were scared and slay all their monsters.

Someone like… Matt.

“What are you thinking?”

Startled, she lifted her gaze and stared at their image in the wavy glass. He’d joined her at the window and now stood just over her shoulder, his head tipped waiting on her answer. Cass’s breath hitched, a half-sob caught in her throat she prayed he hadn’t heard. But, of course he picked up on her distress. Brow furrowed, he turned her towards him.

“Hey, what is it? Talk to me, honey.” He tipped her chin, though she kept her eyes cast downward. “It can’t be that bad. C’mon, two heads are better than one.”

Not this time.

If she told Matt she was dreaming about having his children, he’d be gone so fast he’d leave skid marks on the floor.

She shrugged out of his hold and moved a couple of steps away so she could shore up her composure to come up with a glib answer. One that wouldn’t leave her in an embarrassed puddle on the ground.

“I’m fine. It’s probably just cabin fever.” She laughed self-consciously.

He looked at her doubtfully, but gave her some space. “Not much longer. We should be able to head out in an hour or so.”

Matt glanced out the window, then leaned closer to the glass. “Just in time,” he muttered, straightening to head for the door. “Help has arrived, Princess. You’ll be home before you know it.”

The wood creaked as he pulled the door open, letting in a cool gust of rain-fresh air. He clomped down the stairs and raised a hand in the air, before turning to grin at her. “Saved by the bell. Looks like my sister found us. You won’t be stuck with just my company now.”

Cass smiled, while inside it felt like a lead weight had landed on her chest. She followed him into the yard, raising a hand above her eyes to block the rapidly rising sun. She could just make out the form of a horse with—was that two riders?—cresting the hill into the valley.

It was over. Their adventure had come to an end.

So why did it hurt so much?