Page 16 of Her Steamy Cowboy

Lindsay giggles as I scoop her up bridal style, carrying her effortlessly to the bathroom. She loops her arms around my neck, nuzzling my jaw. “Such a gentleman,” she sighs dreamily.

I lower us carefully into the steaming water, settling her back against my chest. Lindsay sighs contentedly, melting back into my embrace as I trace patterns on her flesh.

"This is nice," she murmurs sleepily. "I could stay here forever."

"Mmmm, me too," I agree, tightening my arms around her. "Although we might get a bit pruney."

Lindsay giggles. "A small price to pay for such bliss."

I reach for the bottle of shampoo on the ledge of the tub. "How about I wash your hair for you, sweetheart?" I offer. "Pamper you a bit."

Lindsay turns her head to look at me over her shoulder, her eyes soft with emotion. "You don't have to do that, Jace."

I press a kiss to her temple. "I know I don't have to. I want to. Let me take care of you, baby."

She bites her lip, then nods shyly. "Okay. Thank you."

I pour some shampoo into my palm and work it into a lather, then gently massage it into Lindsay's scalp. She sighs in pleasure, her eyes fluttering closed as my fingers work through her silky tresses.

As I wash her hair, a thought occurs to me. "You know, I never got to thank you earlier," I murmur.

She blinks up at me quizzically. "For what?"

I brush a sudsy lock from her forehead. "For trusting me enough to tell me about your dad. I know that must have been really hard for you."

Lindsay's gaze drops and she worries her lower lip between her teeth. "I wanted to tell you for so long," she admits quietly. "I hated keeping that part of my life a secret from you. I just... I didn't know how."

"Hey," I murmur, tilting her chin up gently to meet my eyes. "I get it, baby. And I'm honored that you felt safe enough to share that with me. It doesn't change anything about how I feel about you."

Her eyes search mine intently. "Really?"

"Really," I assure her firmly. "You're still my Lindsay. My beautiful, amazing, strong best friend. Nothing could ever change that."

A single tear slips down her cheek and I brush it away tenderly with my thumb. Lindsay turns fully in my arms, looping her arms around my neck as she presses her forehead to mine.

Suddenly, a thought occurs to me. I draw back slightly so I can see Lindsay's face clearly.

"I have an idea," I venture carefully. "What would you think about inviting your dad to the New Year's Eve party at the ranch?"

Lindsay's eyes widen in surprise. "You'd be okay with that?"

"Of course. He's your dad. I can only imagine how much you’ve missed him since he’s been away. This could be a chance for you to reconnect, to start building a relationship again."

She chews her lower lip. "I don't know, Jace. It might be too soon. I mean, he just got out and everything is still so new and raw..."

"I get that," I assure her gently. "But the ranch is a safe place for you. You'll be surrounded by people who love and support you. And I'll be right there by your side the whole time."

Lindsay searches my face, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You're really okay with this? Having my dad around?"

"Lindsay, I want you to be happy. I know how important your dad is to you, even with everything that's happened. If having him at the party will bring you joy, then that's all that matters to me."

A slow, hopeful smile spreads across her face. "You're amazing, you know that? I’m so lucky to have you.”

I press a soft kiss to her lips. "I'm the lucky one, sweetheart. I'm just grateful you're giving me a chance to be more than just your friend."

Lindsay winds her arms around my neck, pressing her bare chest flush against mine. "Definitely more than just friends," she agrees with a impish grin. "In fact, I think we need to do a lot more 'friendly' activities together. You know, to solidify this new aspect of our relationship."

I laugh, nipping playfully at her jaw. "Oh, I fully intend to engage in many, many 'friendly' activities with you, baby. In fact, I plan to be an extremely attentive friend from now on."

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