Page 36 of My Billionaire Cowboy Protector

“He doesn’t want to eat much,” Robert said, “Although he will come to me and Sam. It probably helps that we always have an apple for him.”

“Likely. He’s stubborn, not stupid,” Taylor said. “He just wouldn’t go near Anthony because he knows the man is evil. Animals can sense such things.”

“That they can. How is Lane?”

“Dealing. I think it’s hard for him to grieve because he has to help his parents host all the well-wishers.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Give him my best,” Robert said.

Sucking in a deep breath, Taylor put her phone on silent and went back downstairs. She entered the living room in time to see Rachel put her arm around Lane. He leaned down and said something to her and she hastily pulled away. When Rachel turned around, she saw Taylor watching them. She shot Taylor a look that could melt concrete.

“Can I get you something to drink or anything else?” she asked Lane, who was leaning against the fireplace mantel.

“A bottle of water would be great,” Lane said.

Taylor didn’t notice the man walking into the kitchen behind her.

“Taylor Williams? What on Earth are you doing here?” a deep voice said.

She jumped, startled.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said.

“Jerome. Hello,” Taylor said.

He had been one of Carl’s poker, fishing, and hunting buddies.

“I thought that the Williams and Johnsons were mortal enemies,” Jerome said, picking up one of the sandwiches that had been laid out for guests.

“Love shows up in the strangest places, I guess,” Taylor explained. “I met Lane and I discovered that he wasn’t the big bad boogey man and fell in love.”

“I suppose so. Carl would want you to be happy,” Jerome said. “He thought the sun rose and set with you.”

“He was an amazing man and I’ll always love him, too,” Taylor said. “But there is love in my heart for a companion.”

“I wish you well,” Jerome said.

Taylor watched him leave, thinking that she didn’t lie to him. She had met Lane and discovered that he was wonderful, and she did love him.

That night, after everyone finally left, Lane and Taylor went back to their room. He grabbed a pillow and blanket for the chair. She looked at the king-sized bed and at the chair.

“Why don’t you sleep on the bed, too. There’s enough room for both of us. You just keep your hands and everything else to yourself.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Am I sure that you can share the bed or that you need to keep your body parts to yourself?” Taylor grinned.

“Yes.”

“Then, yes to both.”

“Thank goodness. That chair isn’t nearly as comfortable as I told you it was,” Lane said.

They went to sleep on their own sides of the bed, but somehow, in the middle of the night, they gravitated toward each other. When Taylor woke up, she was pressed up against Lane. His arm was wrapped around her, holding her close to him. Her head was tucked perfectly underneath his chin. For a minute, she laid still and enjoyed the sensation. For the first time since Carl died, she didn’t feel alone. It was as though Lane was touching her soul as much as he was touching her body. Time stood still and Taylor felt completely at peace.

Lane slowly woke up. He continued to hold her for a moment.

“That just feels so right,” he said.

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