Page 14 of Big Gruff Cowboy

She’s just like me. That’s what I realized about Lizzy when we were working in my library. She’s spent her whole life hiding behind books, same as I have. Together, we’ll heal and raise little bookworms of our own. But they won’t feel the need to hide from the world. They won’t be afraid that love is conditional or believe they have to earn their way. No, our kids will know all the love in the world.

I reach for the device that’s been charging for the past few hours. I sent a text message to Tank yesterday, and he gave me a list of supplies to shop for. He even called me later and walked me through what to do.

I flick on the head shaver and take a steadying breath. I still hate the buzzing sound. They held me down and shaved my head. Sometimes in my dreams, I still feel the razor nicking my skin. Out loud, I say, “It’s hair.”

The first swipe is the toughest, but I grit my teeth and remember why I’m doing this. That’s all it takes to get me going again.

When it’s finally done and the last clump has fallen to the floor, I inspect myself in the mirror. There are still a few small scars from the abuse, but they aren’t as visible as I’d thought they’d be.

“You’re not a kid anymore,” I remind myself.

With that realization, I release the tension in my shoulders. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or says. All that matters is being there for my girl.

Lizzy

When Noah finally steps into the bookstore, I sigh in relief. I kept thinking that maybe he wouldn’t show up at all. Maybe he’d decide I was more trouble than I’m worth.

But he’s here now, stepping through the door with another bouquet of daisies for me.

He’s got a look in his eyes, like a hungry mountain cat. It makes me want to be his dinner, and I clench my thighs together.

“You look beautiful, Lizzy.” His voice warms me as he holds out the bouquet.

I accept the flowers, frowning at the sudden change in his appearance. “Your beard is gone.”

His beard was so full and bushy. It’s weird to see him without it, but I can’t deny I love seeing that firm jawline of his. Would he clench it and scowl down at me as he shoved deep inside my body?

I put the flower vase on the counter. Mr. Darcy is in the backroom, but I’ll have to watch him later. He loves knocking my tea mugs off this counter. Something tells me a full vase will just be too much temptation for my playful kitty.

I turn back to the handsome cowboy. “Why did you shave? You didn’t have to do that for our date.”

“I did it so you’re not alone. You’ll never go through anything alone now that you have me,” he says as he removes his Stetson to reveal his bald head. Shock fills me. He did this for me? He shaved all of his thick, beautiful hair.

Even though I hate it when someone reaches for my bald head, I do it to him. I can’t help wanting to feel him here.

He leans down and lets me touch it, not flinching when I stroke his skin. There are tiny scars here, and I have a million questions. But I don’t voice any of them. I can’t believe he did this. I can’t believe he shaved his head for me.

“Noah, this was…” my voice trails off as tears fill my eyes.

He quickly snaps his head away, panic flashing in his gaze.

Before he can say anything, I throw myself into his arms. I wrap mine around his middle and squeeze him tight.

“Thank you,” I whisper against the fabric of his flannel shirt.

He relaxes in my hold. “You’re my girl.”

With those three words, he steals the last part of my heart. It’s official. My heart belongs to Noah Maple, and it always will.

We stand intertwined for a few long minutes before he finally says, “Come on. I don’t want to be late for the date.”

I step back away from him, missing the warmth of his body. He’s always so warm and when he wraps his arms around me, I feel safe and anchored. Like I’ve found my rock, the one person I can always lean on.

“Am I dressed for the occasion?”

I’m wearing my usual long flowing skirt with a T-shirt that has a different pun about books on it. I paired it with my favorite red sneakers. I wasn’t sure if I should dress up for the date. Courage doesn’t really have any fancy restaurants. Not that it matters to me. The only thing I want to do tonight is spend time with the handsome, bald man who shaved his head for me.

“You look perfect, like always,” he answers, his gaze raking over me. How does he heat my body temperature with just a look?

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