Page 21 of Running to the Cowboy

He snorts a laugh, which makes me smile against his shoulder. I feel so guilty for wanting to kiss him there. To kiss him everywhere.

When he kissed me before, I didn’t know what to do with my hands.

But I know now. I know exactly what I want.

I circle my arms around Wylie’s rib cage and bring him in tighter to me. Go ahead and drag me to hell, but I can’t keep fighting this.

Wiley groans as I press my breasts against his chest.

“Olivia.”

“Wylie.”

“You keep touching me like that, we’re going to have a problem.”

“What kind of a problem?”

“I’m going to want to kiss you again.”

“I’m not going to sue you over it, boss.”

“Yeah, but then I’ll want you under me.”

A shiver of anticipation runs through me.

“I still don’t see the problem.”

He sighs a full-body sigh, then pulls back a little bit and presses his forehead to mine. “You’re still healing.”

I don’t know if he means from my literal injury, or from emotional scars of almost being forced to marry a disgusting polygamist.

All I know for sure is Wylie does not want to hurt me. That’s first and foremost. I’m tough, and I don’t care about my injury, which seems to be healing just fine. But I’d never forgive myself if messing around with him caused me to bleed again. Wylie would beat himself up.

“Then we can just cuddle,” I offer. And with a smile, I add, “Here. In Curly’s room. Because that’s way less sexy.”

Wylie laughs loudly, and I shush him. “Ennis’s room is right next door. You don’t want him to know you’re in here.”

“Hell. My brothers will likely congratulate me if anything.”

I move out of the way, allowing Wylie to slip under the covers with me. “Congratulate you for what?”

He rests his strong hand on my waist as I roll to my side and hike my legs up in a semi-fetal position. Wylie is careful not to put pressure on my bandage.

“For showing you how I feel about you.”

I let those words settle on me. Charlie hops up on the bed, turns twice, then plops down by my shins at the foot of the mattress.

“Want me to send him to my room?” Wylie asks.

“No way,” I think.

A dog and a cowboy in my bed. This feels right. And good. And safe.

Sleep falls over me again, and this time, it’s restful.

Chapter Ten

Wylie

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