Page 7 of Catching the Cowgirl

“That was…” I trail off, not having a word for it. I expect Mr. Smarty Pants to have one, but he remains silent. “So, ah?—”

“You're right.”

“Oh, I like the sound of that.” I laugh. “What am I right about?”

“Maybe there is true love.” Even as he utters those words, his expression of uncertainty takes over.

“You could be good for a girl’s ego. One kiss, and I’ve got you thinking about true love.” I wiggle my brows at him, trying to make light of it all. Inside, my emotions are running rampant.

I think Luka might be able to run hot and cold. In fact, a few moments alone with his thoughts could undo everything that has transpired in the last five minutes between us. I need to remember that. He could really break my heart. I was cursing at him a few hours ago, and I have just now given him my first kiss. This man is dangerous.

“Tell me what you wanted to say before. About the first day we met.” I smile now, thinking about it. "You mentioned that you weren't through with me. What did you mean?”

“Exactly as I said. I’m not done with you.”

"Yeah, I got that. Done with me for what?”

“I have no fucking clue, kitten.”

“You know, before today, I wasn’t sure you could even curse. I was sure you had a stick up your ass.”

“I typically don’t.” He shakes his head. “But you bring it out of me. Make me do things that are out of character.” Once again, I’m not sure if he’s happy about that or upset.

“Me?” I pretend to be offended.

“Hey, what are you guys doing?” I hear Paisley shout. Luka quickly steps back away from me.

“I was showing him the sunflowers.” I point over my shoulder.

“Come back up. We need to talk about bridesmaid dresses.”

I hop off the fence. “I’m coming.” I flick a glance over toward Luka. Is he embarrassed about the possibility of being caught with me?

“You coming up?”

“Yeah.” He grabs my wrist again. “Who is Patrick Bateman?” he asks, once again surprising me. I burst into a fit of laughter.

I don’t think I’m done with Luka Woods either.

4

LUKA

Who came up with such a barbaric idea? I don't think I’ve heard of anything dumber in my life. I can’t believe Jackson would be okay with this. I have seen the man in action. He is very possessive of my sister.

“Does the Backwoods Brew have cameras?” I’m sitting in Jackson’s office. I came over for a final fitting for our suits. That’s when I learned about this bachelorette party June planned for Paisley.

I have lingered around because I couldn't do the one and only thing I wanted to do in this damn town. See June. Over the past few days, I’ve spent as much time with her as she’s let me. I’m addicted. I can’t get enough of her. The more I have, the more I want. It’s insane. I have no clue what the hell is wrong with me. She’s all I can think about.

To be honest, most of the time I spend with her is more me following her around and listening to her carry on. She’s unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed before. June can’t make it out of anywhere in this town without someone stopping to talk to her. There is a pull to her from everyone around her. I can’t help but be jealous sometimes when she has to give other people attention. It’s utterly ridiculous, but I have no control over it.

One morning, we went to breakfast at the diner in town. There was no one in there who didn't know her. I did not wish to part ways, so I agreed to accompany her when she suggested it. I was like a lost puppy, following her around.

First, she stopped by the library, where she was dropping off a donation of books. She then went to the police station to check on the older woman who handles dispatch. Apparently, she’d been out sick. June wanted to take her lunch. It was one thing after another. I don’t think June knows how to sit still.

“Does it really matter?” Jackson pushes back from his desk, getting up to make himself a drink. He holds up a glass in a silent ask if I want one. I shake my head no. This is not the time for that. I need to maintain a clear head tonight.

“No.” I stand. “Do you mind?” I don’t wait for an answer. I’m already clicking away on his computer before he can finish pouring his drink.

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