Page 37 of Sheltered by the Lawman

Leading her through the crowd, he pressed his hand against the small of her back and they stopped near the corner of the stables.

“I hope this is okay. Kiersten invited me. I don’t remember ever having something as delicious as a fried cookie on a stick.” Monica brought the treat to her mouth and bit into it. She purred in delight. He’d never witnessed anything sexier. His balls tightened and he needed to get over this before he sat on the bull.

“It’s fine that you’re here. Just stay close to the family. You have a little powdered sugar on your lip.” Not thinking, just acting, he brought his thumb up to trace the plush curve of her lip. She stared at him, wide-eyed, and he leaned in to whisper, “I think you’ve drawn the attention of every red-blooded male in this place.”

Her cheeks flushed. “That wasn’t my intention.”

“I’m going to have to keep you close to me, otherwise one of these cowboys will get the idea of taking you away.”

He liked how her eyes sparkled. The arena lights seemed to suddenly become hotter.

“That won’t happen. I’d just have to tell them I don’t have a clue who I am and someone wants me dead.” She laughed and it made him grow hard. “That would spoil any attraction.”

The last thing he wanted to do was break this moment with her, but he was the first Cade to ride and if he didn’t get his head in the game, he was going to break his neck…and his dick. “We better get back to the family.” He took her hand and entwined their fingers, realizing just how perfect they fit together.

“Doesn’t she look like a cowgirl, Cull?” Wynn said when Monica and Cull approached.

“It doesn’t take long for the country to work its magic on even a city girl,” Cull said with a wink.

It seemed like Monica was getting along just fine with the other women. A part of him liked seeing her smile, enjoying herself, but another part warned him that not only did he need to protect her, but he also had to protect his family. Although it was easy to forget who she was, he couldn’t forget the danger she had on her back.

****

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She moistened her lips. “Yes.” Swirls of anticipation assaulted her stomach and her knees weakened. His voice was deeper, low and intriguing, vibrating her nipples. Would he kiss her? She wanted him too, more than she wanted her memory back, and yet she knew he wouldn’t because his brothers were close.

“Any new memories return?” He lifted a brow.

“No, nothing worth mentioning,” she said, her voice a little more than a whisper. He met her gaze with a calm, steady certainty. She took a deep breath.

“Stay close. You hear?” He tucked her hair behind her ear, making her squirm.

“I didn’t mean for you to have to babysit me.”

“It’s not babysitting. You’re not a baby and I’m not a sitter. I’m keeping watch over you.” He touched her shoulder lightly.

She lifted her chin, her mind searching for something. “I’ll stay close,” she promised.

“I have to go with the guys and get ready to ride. You and the ladies can stand along the rail and watch us. Okay?”

All she could do was nod.

“Great.” He laughed as if he was amused with her.

“Is riding a bull safe?” Her bottom lip trembled.

“Well, yes and no.” He touched her chin lightly. “I won’t really be able to answer for sure until eight seconds have passed.”

“Eight seconds? Why eight seconds?” Her brows scrunched.

“Eight seconds is the length of time I must stay on the back of the bull.”

“Eight seconds isn’t long…at least I don’t think so.”

There was that bemused grin again. “Yeah, not long at all.” Then he did exactly what she wanted him to do. He kissed her, but not on the lips as she’d hoped. It was on her cheek and then he strolled across the dirt toward another metal gate.

It took her a good five minutes to calm down. Her hands had been shaking and her panties were soaked, her cheeks burned with a combination of excitement and intrigue.

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