Page 10 of Rugged Hero

The men erupt in loud protests and good-natured ribbing. Moses rolls his eyes, but I catch an amused glint in them.

“Never a dull moment with this bunch,” he says, smiling as he shakes his head.

“I’m starting to see that. I like them.”

“Good.” Moses drops a quick kiss on my temple.

“This is all a bit overwhelming. But in an exciting way, you know?”

He nods, studying my expression closely. “We can leave anytime if it gets to be too much. Just say the word.”

“No, no. I want to stay,” I assure him quickly, touched by his concern. “I’m glad you brought me tonight. It’s important to you, and I want to share this with you.”

Something deep and meaningful kindles in his ocean eyes. “You’re important to me,” he says gruffly. “More than anything.”

Happiness surges through my heart, and tears prick the backs of my eyes. I stretch up and softly kiss his lips. “You’re important to me, too, Moses Butcher. Very much.”

His answering smile is tender, and my core flames with need when I see the naked desire in his eyes.

“Bridget, mind if I steal you away for a few minutes?” Jessica appears at my elbow, her brown eyes sparkling with friendly warmth.

I glance up at Moses questioningly, and he nods, gently squeezing my shoulders before releasing me.

“Sure, that sounds great,” I reply with a smile.

Jessica leads me to a table where Teresa and Marian are already seated, watching the competition with avid interest. The men have clustered around Nathan, offering rowdy encouragement as he prepares for his turn.

Marian grins at me as I slide into an empty chair. “So, how’s the big date going? From the looks of things, I’d say pretty darn well.”

A warm blush stains my cheeks, but I can’t contain my answering smile. “It’s wonderful,” I confess happily. “Moses is...he’s really special.”

“He seems to think you’re special too,” Teresa observes, her gaze drifting across the room to where Moses stands with his friends. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so focused on one person before.”

Curiosity prickles through me, and I lean forward intently. “How long have you all known him?”

Teresa shrugs. “It’s been about a year since he started working with Waylon. But honestly, none of us know him all that well. He mostly keeps to himself.”

“Somehow, that’s not surprising.” I smile, hoping that he lets me in—really lets me in—like I hope he will.

Every time we’re together, my heart expands a little more. Could I be as lucky as I hope I am?

CHAPTER 6

MOSES

If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve got it bad for that yoga instructor,” Reggie says, punching my shoulder lightly.

I tear my gaze away from Bridget, her radiant smile and animated gestures as she chats with the other women making my pulse race.

“She’s the one you were telling us about, right? She’s a knockout. If I was a single man...”

I shoot him a sharp glare. “You don’t want to finish that sentence.”

Reggie laughs and holds up his hands. “Relax, I was joking. You know I only have eyes for my Marian.” He glances fondly over at his fiery-haired fiancée.

I nod, but my attention is drawn right back to Bridget like a magnet. The way her face lights up, those lush lips curved in a dazzling smile, her voluptuous figure... God, what I wouldn’t give to have her alone right now, to press my mouth to hers and let my hands roam her soft curves.

As if sensing that I’m watching her, Bridget glances my way. Our eyes lock, and she flashes me a smile that makes my cock tighten with lust. Incredible. Smart, caring, drop-dead gorgeous…She’s a perfect woman. The more time I spend with Bridget, the more I discover to admire about her.

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