Cowboy Up(40)
Clayton’s quiet, but I can see my words are costing him. I give him a look, asking silently if he wants me to keep going. At his nod, I do.
“He got mad about some beer one night and sent me out to get it. Long story short, I got into a pretty bad wreck on the way back. A drunk driver slammed into me and I spent a few months recovering. But it was because of that accident that I was finally able to get away from him. I spent a week in the hospital before Lucy and Luke picked me up. I knew I had my chance and we had it all planned out. They were taking me to their place to finish my recovery and Luke got all my stuff back. It wasn’t until a few weeks after moving in with them that I realized just how good my chances of making a clean break were. The man who hit me worked for some big auto chain and his company wanted to settle out of court. The settlement money was enough for me to come back here and open The Sequel, and I lived in the apartment above it for five years, until the fire.”
“You haven’t dated since?”
“No. I haven’t felt safe until . . . you. I don’t think you’d hurt me, if that’s what you’re thinkin’. Not like him.”
“Fuck me,” he breathes, his forehead dropping to mine. “I don’t deserve someone as sweet as you, Linney. I really don’t. But that’s not gonna stop me from keepin’ you. Words are weak, darlin’, it’s actions that mean somethin’ when it comes to a man’s character. I promise I won’t ever lay a hand on you. My temper can burn bright, sweetness, but never do you need to fear me causin’ you harm like that. We might fight, talk to each other with heat, but I’ll never hurt you. Fuck, Caroline,” he says, his hands framing my face with such gentle reverence I gasp. “How anyone could harm a hair on your head, I’ll never understand.”
“I know you wouldn’t hurt me. I saw that in you from day one. Why did you look so mad back at the diner?”
He looks away, his hands going back to my legs but this time on the outside of my skirt.
“Clayton?” I probe when he doesn’t answer.
“I’m gonna ask that you trust me now, sweetness. Trust that it’s nothin’ you need to be concernin’ yourself with. Me wantin’ to protect you will always be limitless in its reach.”
“You’re askin’ me to give you somethin’ I’ve only given to two people.”
“I’ll never make you regret trustin’ me.”
I search his eyes but see nothing except sincerity. He has no idea how much power he’s asking me to give him. But my dark cowboy won’t twist my trust into something ugly. He’s a good man—always kind to others, humble in his pride, fierce with control, and worthy of respect. My heart feels the safety within his promise. My mind recognizes our connection without doubts.
It’s time to drop the rest of the weights that hold me captive. My breathing is rapid, but I feel sure about my decision. I lift my hands and press them against his chest. He closes his eyes on an exhale when I drag them up to wrap around his neck. When those emerald orbs finally lock back on me, I press against him and bring him close enough for me to press my lips against his.
His fingers dig into my flesh the second my mouth opens, and I lick the seam of his lips, a groan coming from deep inside of him rumbling around us. When our tongues slide against each other, he pushes his hands under my skirt again and goes straight to my hips. With one strong pull, he’s got his hips flush with mine, and the thickness of him presses tightly against my sex. I whine, wiggle, and pray that he gives me some friction. Our kiss changes when he starts to smile against my mouth. If anyone were to see us, toothy grins pressed together, I can only imagine how insane we’d look.
For the first time in my life, I don’t care what anyone else thinks—I’m just happy this man makes me feel safe, shows me how to be bad, and breathes new life back into me with every small step of us exploring. If this is how strong we are after such a short time, I can hardly wait to see what comes next.
12
CLAYTON
“More Girls Like You” by Kip Moore
“You look good. Haven’t seen you without that ugly-ass serious mask on in a long time.”
I look away from Midnight, one of the best stallions on my ranch, and raise my brow at my brother. I just finished riding the property, letting Midnight go all out and take complete control of our ride. I forgot how fast the old horse could go when he wanted to show off.
“What the hell are you talkin’ about?” I ask Mav after giving my horse one last brush.
“You’ve got the girls goin’ nuts. I swear to Christ, you’re gonna put one of them in labor the way they’re actin’ like you datin’ is the most excitin’ thing goin’ on in their lives. They keep freakin’ out that you’re gonna get spooked and ruin it.”