Page 17 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“You don’t think the cottage is okay?”

“You’ll rest easier here, and I will too. Bein’ on that big estate by yourself—”

“You’re right,” she murmured, interrupting him. “It’s nerve-racking. Storm or no storm, when I saw thatflashlight I almost had a heart attack.”

“Exactly. Tomorrow we’ll go back so you can get your car and the rest of your things.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Get a good night’s sleep, and tomorrow after we take care of the horses we can sit down and have a real talk about all this. But just so you know, Sheriff Cooper is no stranger to things like this. Not this exactly, but there was a drug dealin’ biker gang from Dallas here just a little while ago and he got the better of them. He knows who he can trust in the Dallas PD.”

“Really? A biker gang here in Smoky Hill?”

“Yep, and before that, Annie Baker was bein’ hunted down by her manager. You probably heard about it.”

“I did, it was all over the news.”

“Sheriff Cooper was involved with that whole thing as well, so don’t be so quick to dismiss him. And you should also know Annie’s husband Brody, along with Andy, Helen’s husband, know their way around trouble. Gettin’ people out of it, that is.”

“I had no idea.”

“You do now, and you’re not alone.”

“Cade, I feel so much better. Thank you. Maybe I’ll actually be able to sleep now.”

“Jack and Diane are sweethearts, but if anyone tries sneakin’ around this place at night they make more noise than a high-school band durin’’ rehearsal. Of course they sound a whole lot better,” he added with a grin.

In spite of her dread and fear, a smile crossed her lip.

“That’s better,” he said softly. “Darlin’, I’m sorry you’re scared and I’m sorry this happened, but I’m not sorry you’re here. I’ll take care of you no matter what. I promise.”

* **

Cade had been thinking the words and hadn’t meant to say them out loud. Though they’d slipped out before he knew it he wasn’t sorry. There was a look in her eye, one that seemed to be begging him to kiss her, and she wasn’t moving away. Her full breasts were pressed against his chest, almost as if inviting his touch, but just as he was about to lower his lips on hers, she threw her arms around his neck, pulled his head down and kissed him.

Though caught off guard he quickly slipped his hands into her hair, held it tightly, and fervently kissed her back. Her blatant carnal hunger fired his passion, and he knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her, perhaps even more.

“Sorry,” she whispered when they finally broke apart. “I don’t know what—”

Before she could finish his arm was around her waist jerking her against him and he was kissing her again, but taking his time, languidly sliding his lips over hers. Long moments passed, then he carried his lips to her neck, devouring her skin like a starving vampire.

“Ohh, Cade, I love that,” she panted as he gripped her hair and yanked her head to the side. “You’re making me…”

“What?” he demanded. “I’m makin’ you what?”

“Weak.”

“That’s okay, darlin’. I’m strong enough for both of us. But if you want me to stop just say the word,” he murmured, knowing she was feeling his hardness pressing against her.

“I don’t, not for a second.”

“Are you sure,” he whispered, resting his lips against her ear. “It’s okay if you do.”

“I’ve never felt like this, not ever,” she bleated. “But if you—”

Before she could finish his lips were back against hers demanding her response. She didn’t disappoint him. As she slipped her tongue into his mouth, he effortlessly swept her up, continuing the fiery kiss as he carried her into his bedroom. Quickly laying her down, he hastily removed her clothes, then urgently stripped and stretched out next to her.

“Damn, girl, you’re gorgeous,” he muttered, roaming his hands over her breasts.

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