Page 88 of Guarded Hearts

“It makes me want to get back to the ranch.”

She smiled and reached for the packing tape he’d just used to seal another box containing her high heels.

He carried the box over to the pile stacked at the door. “Just how many shoes do you own, Layne?”

“One hundred and sixty-one pairs.”

“And you need these why?”

“I like having options.”

His eyes hooded. “The only option I can see in your future is your feet in the air and my cock buried in you.”

A laugh burst out of her, but her insides warmed at the dirty promise. He stepped up behind her and closed his hands on her hips. The steel of his erection against her ass made her wish she’d hired a moving company rather than come to New York City and pack it all herself.

She finished gliding the tape dispenser along the box, sealing it. Then tossed it aside on the bed to turn into Carson’s arms.

“Have I told you how glad I am that you came with me?” She closed her hands on his bulging shoulders.

He didn’t get a chance to answer because at that moment, Oaks walked into the bedroom. His brother threw up his hand as if to shield his vision.

“Can’t you two save the lovey-dovey stuff for when you get home?”

Layne issued a giggle and broke away from her lover, but Carson reached for her hand, drawing her close to his side. Ever since she finished reading those letters, he had been glued to her. She couldn’t figure out if he thought she needed the reassurance that he wasn’t going anywhere—or if he needed the connection.

Either way, she welcomed every moment she spent with him.

Carson tipped his jaw toward the pile of boxes. “You can make yourself useful and carry those down to the moving van.”

His brother ran a skeptical eye over the stack. “More shoes?”

Carson traded a look with him.

“All right, you two—no more judging my shoe collection.” She folded her arms. “How many weapons do you guys own? I’d bet they costa lotmore than my shoes.”

“I thought your woman was cultured, bro. Doesn’t she know that a lady never asks about a man’s guns?”

She rolled her eyes and returned to her closet, coming out with an armful of leather boots.

“I see we have our work cut out for us.” With a resigned sigh, Oaks hefted two boxes into his arms and walked out the door.

Once they were alone, Carson snaked out an arm, hooking her around the waist. He hauled her up against his strong body. He brushed her hair aside and lowered his lips to the spot on her neck that drove her crazy every time he kissed it.

She released a coo of want. “I wonder what it would take to get rid of your brother.”

“When he comes back, I’ll hand him some cash for a hooker.”

She tossed her head on a laugh. “I’m pretty sure that none of the Malones ever have to pay for sex.”

“Oh, you’ll pay, doll.” He bit down on her neck, making her writhe. When he sucked lightly, she issued a roughened cry.

She raked her fingers through his hair and closed her eyes on the sensation of his tongue smoothing over her flesh.

“We’d better keep packing. We can’t stay parked out front for-ev-er.” Her words hitched as he nibbled on her earlobe.

“Hmm. You’re right. Forget about the shoes. Where’s your lingerie drawer?” He released her.

Another laugh bubbled out. When he crossed to her dresser and reached for the top drawer, she jumped in front of it, barring him.

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