The Front Runner (Gold Rush Ranch, #3)

by Elsie Silver

“Why three dates?” “Because it’s more than one.” My foot taps. “Why not two? “Because it’s less than three?” He says it like a question. “Okay, then why not five?” “Are you asking for more, Dr. Thorne?” The smile he hits me with now is downright devastating. “So, basically you’ve taken your running request and added two punishment dates?” My voice is incredulous. “They won’t be a punishment for me.”

“You have beautiful hands. Almost as beautiful as your mind and heart. Sometimes I find myself staring at them while you work, so elegant and strong all at once. Hands that heal. Hands that save lives.” His voice drops. “Hands that belong in mine.”

“I love you, Mira.” His confession is quiet and deep. Private and just for us. Even though he’s already said it, this time it really sinks in. “You make me a better man. A happier man. I said it once before, and I meant it: you are mine and I am yours. I will drink whatever ungodly coffee concoctions you bring me. I will worship your body.” His eyes drop to my lips, and even in a hospital bed feeling more roughed up than I ever have, when he looks at me like that, I feel more beautiful than I ever have. “I would walk through fire for you any day. Over and over again.”