Page 12 of Catching the Cowgirl

“And bossy.”

“And bossy.” She laughs. “Are you going to dance with me?”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Maybe one, and then we could…” She trails off, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip. Fucking hell. How am I going to tell her I have to leave? I don’t. Not yet. I want to relish the rest of the time we have together tonight.

Instead, I take her to the dance floor and enjoy a slow dance with her. I’ve been to a couple weddings in my time, but I never thought about one of my own. I thought if the day ever came, it would be transactional. A courthouse or something of that nature. I wouldn't want that with June because I know she wouldn’t want that. She wants the fairy tale, and I find that I’m wanting to give that to her.

“Come on.” She takes my hand, leading me out of the tent. “I saw my brother and Paisley slip out. I think we can do the same. Can we go to your place?” I’ve been staying at a rental my assistant had found for me. I know what June is offering me, but there is no way I’ll take her to bed and then leave. I already told her our first time wouldn’t be rushed. It will be, after all, the first time for both of us. Though I don’t think she is fully aware of that.

What if I just kidnapped her? She almost let me do it once. I could whisk her away back to the city on my plane.

“I have to leave.”

June stops walking. Her body language changes immediately.

“I don’t want to, but it’s important.”

“Okay.” June looks down at the ground, attempting to hide from me.

“Come with me.”

“What?” She jerks her head back up.

“Come with me.” I say it again. “I’m not above begging.”

“I ah?—”

"I know it's a big ask, but I don't want to leave, and there isn't much choice." Not if I want to be able to live with myself. Then again, I’m not sure I can live without her.

“Is it like some super secret thingy?” She tilts her head to the side, giving me a playful smile.

“Something like that.” I cup her cheek. “Come with me. I have a plane. You can come back whenever, but I want you to stay with me. Once I finish, we will both return.”

“Okay.” She responds without hesitation.

My kitten always surprises me.

7

JUNE

When lips brush against mine, I smile. I reach out for Luka, wanting to pull him closer. “Kitten.” He says this against my lips. “I’m going to pick you up.”

“What?” I open my eyes, having forgotten where I was. “I fell asleep.” I yawn, and Luka scoops me up into his arms.

This all feels like a dream. I’m still in a bit of shock that I agreed so quickly. But I knew I had no other choice. I can’t help the pull that I feel toward Luka, and I want to continue to explore it. Plus, maybe this is exactly what I need: to get away for a bit and experience life somewhere else.

The last thing I remember is getting on the plane. I lay down on one of the long sofa benches while Luka had to take a phone call. Then it was lights out for me.

“You had a big day at your brother's wedding. I’m sure you were exhausted.”

I must have been. I rest my head on his shoulder as he exits the plane, carrying me down the stairs. Owen is already standing outside of the SUV, holding open the back door for us. Luka places me inside. I don’t get to put my seat belt on; he’s already doing it for me.

“Do you live in the city?” I ask around another yawn, leaning into Luka when he slips in beside me. He wraps his arm around me.

“I have homes in a few cities.”

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