Santa Fe Fortune & How to Marry a Matador

Before long, they’d be saying good-bye. Even if they made plans for her return, that still wouldn’t stop the pain of separation. Dan felt his chest tighten, sensing how hard that would be. He didn’t want Gwen to be two thousand miles across the country from him, damn it. He wanted her here, close enough to hold and talk to. Phone calls, text messages, and video chats couldn’t substitute for seeing those beautiful brown eyes in person. Hearing her voice through an electronic device wouldn’t take the place of having her beside him and holding his hand, or having her company on a midnight trail ride.
    Dan thought of the image he’d had earlier while down at the barn, that picture of the blonde-haired little girl, and his heart stilled. A split second later, it began to beat faster, competing with his racing thoughts. Dan balled his hands into fists, finally understanding what was wrong. He couldn’t let Gwen leave Santa Fe without ensuring some kind of commitment between them. Dan had to believe she’d be coming back, and not just for visits either.

    Gwen tossed and turned under the covers, not understanding why she couldn’t get comfortable. The bed was well appointed enough and plenty roomy. Maybe it was the extra room that was giving her pause. Gwen rolled onto her side and faced the wall that separated her room from Dan’s. No doubt he was sound asleep. After his excellent job of playing host and making that fabulous dinner, she could bet he was exhausted. He’d had a full day starting with minding the gallery and ending with a memorable make-out session. Gwen felt her lips pull into a smile, recalling his warmth wrapping around her and his hot and sexy kisses.
    Then suddenly, she felt her face burn hot. When Dan had awakened her from her nap, she’d practically thrown herself at him! Nearly pulled his jeans off right outside this door, for heaven’s sake. Gwen didn’t know what had gotten into her, either the wine or the late-night hour. All she knew was that when he’d walked her back to her room and she’d found herself in his arms, she’d had the inclination to strip him naked. She thought she’d tried it too but couldn’t fully recall. That part was fuzzy.
    Gwen dropped her face in her hands, vowing to watch her intake of booze during her next visit to New Mexico. She’d been thrilled when Dan had said he wanted a relationship, and hoped that her off-the-charts behavior tonight hadn’t changed his mind. Her heart leapt still at the thought that this marvelous feeling would continue. Nothing made her happier than envisioning a future with Dan. She guessed they would work out the logistics in the morning.
    Sadness welled within her at the thought of leaving. She knew it was silly to feel down when she had so much to be thankful for. She’d sold her paintings and could help save Marian’s house. Her art career had been launched in full as well. On top of all that, she’d met an extraordinary man and had fallen in love with him. What was even more exceptional was that he loved her too. Gwen understood she should be grateful to have met someone as wonderful as Dan. It wasn’t ideal that he lived across the country from her, but some people spent a lifetime never finding that special match. It would be hard being apart, but with all the modern technological advances to aid them, they could find their way through. Or could they?
    Gwen pulled her pillow to her chest, her heart aching. She wanted to believe so badly things would work out, but was a long-distance affair really what she wanted? One of the things she loved most about Dan was all he had to offer her in person. His warm, caring gaze… That wry twist to his lips… His strong yet tender touch… She supposed she could live without those during the periods when they couldn’t see each other, but she didn’t know how. Gwen cast her gaze around the darkened room, recalling her earlier projections of a nursery. Already, she’d imagined herself having children with Dan. She knew there were risks involved, but given the advancements in modern medicine, Gwen was sure that she and Dan could arrive at an informed decision. No matter how genetic testing played out, Gwen couldn’t imagine any child of hers and Dan’s not being an utter blessing.
    Gwen startled herself with her calm realization. She didn’t just want to date Dan; she wanted a life with him, full-time—right here in New Mexico. There was too much holding him here for