Page 65 of Caught By A Cowboy

“Which is more than can be said about whoever did this,” I say my thoughts out loud as I look at the bruise on her cheek.

“Hey, you heard what that doctor said, you need to keep that temper of yours under control.”

“And what would you know about my temper?” I question her.

“My girl talks to me. A lot, and I know far more about you than just the fact you have a temper.” Her smile says everything and I shake my head as I raise Maddison’s knuckles and brush them with my lips.

“Jace.” I stand up again when I hear her voice. It’s weak and comes out all groggy but I know I heard it.

“Mads. Shit, are you okay?” I wanna touch her all over but I’m scared of hurting her

“Do I look okay?” She manages a weak smile and I quickly grab some water from the table beside me so I can bring it to her lips.

“You look beautiful, and the baby’s fine,” I tell her because I know how scared she will have been.

“I know he’s fine. He’s kicking on my bladder again.” She brings the hand I'm not clinging to up to touch the back of her head, and moans in pain.

“Maddison, you need to tell me who did this.” I lean over her and stroke her face. I can’t bear looking at the marks he’s left on her. It’s all evidence that I let her down. I should have been there to protect her. Kendra shakes her head at me in warning and for the greater good, I manage to back down.

“Jace, right now, I just want you to hold me, and tell me we’re safe.” A tear slips over her cheek and immediately tamps down all my rage.

“Okay, baby, I can do that.” I slide onto the bed beside her, carefully placing one arm above her head while I cradle her stomach with the other.

“I’m here now, and you're both safe,” I assure her, placing my lips on top of her head and kissing her. “But I’ll warn ya, I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

MADDISON

ONE WEEK LATER

“Idefinitely think the hottest out of them all is Kyle, but then Tyler’s got that edgy darkness about him,” Kendra explains as she hands me an iced tea.

“Eww, they’re my brothers! You could have picked any of the guys from the bunkhouse, why them?” Taylor screws up her face in disgust

“Any, except for Carter.” Isabel looks at her accusingly and when she immediately turns red we all burst out laughing.

“Me and Carter are just friends, it’s always been that way,” she tells us defensively. “And how about you, Madam Mayor? If you could choose anyone from the bunkhouse who would yours be?” Taylor turns the question on Isabel.

“I’m married.” She holds up her ring finger as a reminder.

“It’s just a bit of fun. Come on, who would it be?” I encourage her.

“None of them.” She shakes her head.

“Oh, come on, there has to be someone you think is hot out there. How about we extend the radius into town? Sawyer’s kind of hot.” Kendra has been here for less than a week and alreadyshe’s enthralled with this little town. She was only meant to stay here a few days after I got discharged from hospital but she’s showing no signs of leaving.

“Well, it wouldn’t be a cowboy, that's for sure.”

“And what is wrong with cowboys?” I shuffle up on my elbows so I can place my drink on the table and Kendra, under instruction from Jace, doesn’t let me make it all the way. She takes it off me and places it down while waiting for Isabel's response.

“Nothing at all, they’re just not my type.”

“Not classy enough for you?” Taylor pokes fun at her.

“It’s true I prefer my men to be a little more sophisticated, like…” She stops herself before she gives anything away.

“So there is someone.” Kendra rubs her hands together excitedly.

“There’s notsomeonebut I guess, if you're forcing me to participate in this game, I’d pick Dr West.”

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