Page 34 of Montana's Bravest

There’s a whole world of answers to that question, but they can wait. “Truth? Helena’s running low on guys who’ve got a clue about treating a lady right. And you’re so damn handsome.”

He catches the dodge but lets it pass, playing along. “So, I’ve got looks?”

“You could give those Manhattan billboards a run for their money.”

Shifting closer, he draws me in, his arm a band of certainty around me. “And you trust me?”

“That’s a silly question, Samuel Kelleher.” I give his ass a good smack. The feeling of his flesh bouncing against my palm gets me hot again. Call me greedy, but I haven’t had enough of him.

I get up, hop on his belly, and place my hands on his impossibly hard shoulders.

“What are you doing?” he says.

“I want another one.”

“Jesus, Cass… are you testing me?” He wrestles me, and with one swing, I’m back lying under his magnificent package. With a smile that is a mix of sweetness and devilishness, he locks me in position.

Clearly, missionary is his favorite, and I don’t blame him. He’s got the muscle, the control, and the moves to serve it on a silver plate. And as for me, I won’t complain.

Sam groans when he senses my wetness. “I guess I’ll have to learn to keep up with my cowgirl.”

Not many men can pull this off. But I know he’s still got it in him.

With flame in his eyes, once again he introduces his member.

Hell yes, he’s still got it.

11

SAM

I rouse to a buzzing sound behind me. I keep my eyes shut, wishing I could dismiss it as a trick of slumber. My arms, fiercely clinging to the comfort they cradle, argue there’s nothing beyond the warmth of the body they enfold.

Yet, I’m wired for a sharper truth, attuned to the clarity of danger—alarms and cries that can’t be ignored.

Eyelids snap open, every fiber on high alert.

The sight that meets me is a tranquil contrast—Cassidy’s nape, a soft curve where her hair, knotted in haste, spills loose strands against her skin, an image so sexy and inviting.

I reluctantly unwrap my hands that have been cupping her breasts all night. My palms rub against the tender nipples in the process, prompting her to moan.

“Sorry, Cass,” I murmur, my lips hovering over the side of her neck. Then I answer the phone, “Yeah.”

Without my arms covering her chest, Cass shivers, so I pull the blanket over her.

Mark is on the line. “Sorry to call you so early, pal,” he says. “We’ve got a case straight from the Bellingham PD. A fourteen-year-old boy went missing yesterday. They suspect he’s been taken to the North Cascades.”

“Okay. I’m on my way.”

Cass stretches and turns to me. “Sam… everything’s okay?”

I think Mark hears her voice. “I can go solo if it’s going to ruin your love life,” my partner quips.

Mark is capable of doing solo assignments, but there’s no way I’ll let him go alone, especially if it involves scouring the North Cascades National Park.

I kiss Cass’ hand as she reaches out to me. We may not have started a relationship, but the imminent separation strains me. These morning goodbyes aren’t only for today. There will be many occasions where I’ll have to leave her at a moment’s notice, and more likely than not, we will stay apart for days, even weeks.

“I’ll meet you in the office,” I assure Mark.

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