Page 51 of When Sparks Fly

Colt

I’m minding my own damn business, grabbing a bite to eat after a really long fucking day, when I spot Maci come through the front door of the restaurant. I’m situated in a darker side room, able to see through the cutout window of the wall because of my height.

Her sweater hangs loose off one shoulder. My mouth waters. But then some asshole in a cowboy hat follows her through the door.

What the fuck?

When she told me she wasn’t interested in going out at the bar I was pissed, because she was fresh meat around here and really fucking hot. Even if she did insist on the damn condom. But I decided to let it go because I figured she was bummed we weren’t closer.

Now I see she’s a lying slut. If she thinks that boring ass cow-fucker can get her wet like me, she’s going to be sadly mistaken. She’ll come looking for a ride by the end of the week. And I’m gonna make her beg. I bet she’s sexy as fuck on her knees.

She’s scanning the place like she did when we were at the bar. Probably looking for her next ride. The brisket suddenly tastes dry in my mouth and I toss the piece in my hand back into the tray.

He shows her off like she’s a prized fucking cow as they head to a table. In or out of town, she’s way too wild for him. She looks bored as fuck already.

I toss my trash, throw the tray on top of the shelf, and head out to my bike on the side of the building. On my way out of the parking lot, I glance back, spotting the two of them through the window seated at a table. She never smiled at me like that. She’s laying that shit on thick.

I rev the bike and her eyes dart my way, so I toss her a wink as I pull onto Main. She’ll be on her knees in no time.

Chapter 22

Sutton

Maci is tense as hell after seeing Colt.

Dusk is being overtaken by the night as we turn by the bank onto the county road. Maci’s face is almost pressed against the truck window, presumably looking up at the few stars winking into existence. I let her be, aside from holding her hand as I drive.

“Where are we going?” Her voice breaks the silence about ten minutes later as we turn onto the farm-to-market road that leads past the ranch.

“You’ll see.” I grin at her and her lips purse. It’s a little thing she does when she’s frustrated or thinking things through.

I didn’t plan to bring her out to the ranch tonight, but I need to get her out of her head. Which I’m doing in a way that keeps her all to myself because I’m selfish.

I don’t consider myself to have a short fuse, but if I find that asshole hanging around, I’m going to take care of that problem right quick and in a hurry.

“This is where you kill me, right?” My eyes widen momentarily before I laugh. A flash of surprise crosses her face, replaced by a void of emotion. “I knew it. Charming cowboy, good dancer, too good to be true.”

Lifting our entangled hands to my mouth, I kiss the back of hers without thinking. Her eyes zero in on the action. “Believe me, if I wanted you dead, I’ve had plenty of opportunities before now.”

“Oh my God!” Her panicked voice is tinted with amusement. “You’ve even thought about it!”

She’s more animated than I’ve seen her and I’m enthralled. Even the first night we danced she was more subdued. It’s like she’s finally letting me see sparks from the fire hidden inside. My smile widens.

“I’ve thought about doing a lot of things to you,” I tell her honestly, “but taking you from this world is not one of them.” I rub a few circles on her hand with my thumb for good measure.

She’s undressing me with her eyes. “There’s that look again.” Equally hard to ignore is when she calls mesir.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her attitude turns petulant, and she faces back out the window. I like this playful side of her. I’m hopeful it’s not shock, but that she’s finally relaxing with me.

A minute later, we pull up to the ranch. The lights on the limestone pillars flanking the gate are lit up, casting a glow on the gate and cattle guard. Using my free hand, I press the button on my visor and the iron gate slowly swings open.

We aren’t going anywhere near The Big House tonight. Instead, I turn left at the first branch off the main driveway and head toward the furthest pasture. The caliche kicks up behind the tires, filling the air and coating the truck with a thin layer of cream-colored dust.

“Hang tight.” Throwing the truck in park, I jump out to open a gate for one of the pastures not in use.

Maci mutters, “And here’s my final resting place.” But when I shoot her a look, she’s grinning at me.That mouth.

The idea of anyone else getting to experience that perfect mouth is not something I’m willing to entertain. I know she plans to leave soon. For good. That doesn’t work for me.

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