Page 17 of A Touch of Cowboy

“Text your sister and then follow me.”

So he did.

Chapter Seven

Avery’sbedroomwashersanctuary. Her home office was decorated with animals on the walls—a reminder of her optimism she might one day have children of her own. Her spare bedroom was a delicate pale blue. With a bed that saw little use. Her parents lived in town, and she had few out-of-town relatives, so no one to host.

She’d painted her bedroom a dove gray when she’d bought the place from Justin. Then hung white lace curtains and put a large, overstuffed chair by the window. On sunny days, when she wasn’t working, she’d laze in the sun like a cat and read. Oh, and nap, of course.

“I like it.” Will glanced around, likely noting the artwork.

She’d chosen local artisans as well as a few pieces by Indigenous artists that she liked.

His attention was riveted to a painting of a Canada goose. He leaned in closer. “This looks like a photograph.”

“That’s a Tessa Carlyle.” Avery grinned. “She does erotic paintings as well, but those are well out of my price range. She teaches art at the university.”

Will whistled. “She’s damn talented.”

Enough chitchat.With Rex hanging out on his bed in the spare room and down for the night, Avery was ready for action. She pointed to the washroom. “I’m going to get comfortable. There’s a washroom down the hall if you want, or you can wait—”

“Thanks, I gotta, you know…” His cheeks pinkened.

“Piss?” She supplied the word with no small amount of amusement.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She sidled over to him and pressed her body against his. “Considering all the wicked things we’re going to do tonight, I think a little vulgarity is in order. And no shyness, okay?” She fingered the neck of his jean shirt. “But you can always say no.”

His grin was whip-quick and wicked. “Oh, ma’am, I don’t intend to sayno.” With a light pat to her ass, he headed out of the room.

Scrambling over to the walk-in closet, she grabbed her silk robe, then went into the bathroom. Peeing was a priority—she’d had one glass of wine at the party and, of course, the hot chocolate. Then she brushed her hair and teeth, pinched her cheeks, and winked at the reflection in the mirror. It’d been a few months since she’d had company—she intended to make the most of tonight.

Even if I only have tonight.

Returning to her bedroom, she found the bed turned down and one naked cowboy on her bed.

His farmer’s tan had mostly faded, but she could see the delineation on his arm where his T-shirt covered the upper arm and shoulder. His erection curved up toward his belly.

She licked her lips.

He indicated the box of condoms she kept in the nightstand drawer. Then his cheeks pinkened. “I, uh, might’ve gone looking. Because I didn’t bring anything,” he added quickly. “And I’m mighty glad you’re prepared. I mean, I’m clean, but—”

“And I’m on the pill, but we’re still all about being careful.” Because condoms failed, and as much as she wanted a child, she also wanted a partner to share that joy with.

Will arched an eyebrow as he palmed his cock. “Why don’t you take that beautiful pink robe off and come and join me? It’s chilly here by myself.”

She loved his cheekiness. And his boldness. And comfort in his own skin. She’d thought there might be hesitancy—after all, he’d implied there hadn’t been anyone else since his wife died—but his wicked grin drew her in. She unbelted the robe and then slowly let it slip off her shoulders. It slid off her and puddled at her feet.

He whistled. “As stunning as the painting.”

Is being compared to a duck a good thing or not?

Better yet…does it matter?

Hell no.

She eased herself into bed.

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