Page 48 of A Family With the Cowboy

Upset and confused by his wayward thoughts, he got back in his truck and drove home. A fling, that was all this was. There was no future. It was temporary. At least until this mad need for her had receded.

As he parked in front of the homestead, he called his mother. It would be nice to have Laura at the family lunch tomorrow.

“Good morning, Hayden. When I saw your truck in front of Laura’s house this morning, I was hoping you’d stop by for a coffee,” she said before he could say hello.

So she’d seen the truck. He was still trying to think what to say when she continued. “Shall I invite her for lunch for tomorrow, then?”

“Thank you, Mom, but please…”

“I know. You don’t want to get married again. You should think about that, though. You still have your whole life in front of you. It’s an awful long time to be alone. And what happens when someone else offers Laura a ring and a happily-ever-after? Have you picked up Luke yet?”

His head was spinning. Trust his mother to change subjects so rapidly. “No, he’s staying till lunchtime.”

“Why don’t I pick him up and he can stay with me tonight? He hasn’t been to visit his grandma in a while.”

Maybe a good idea. It would give him time to clear his head. “Thanks, Mom. I’ll come early.”

“Of course you will. See you tomorrow!”

Cussing a blue streak, he got out of the truck just as Willow came out of his house. “There you are. I’ve made coffee. You didn’t come home last night?” Her eyes were twinkling.

Hayden sighed. “Don’t tell me the damn gossip mill has been at it again.”

“Not that I’ve seen. Depends on where you’ve parked your truck, of course. You’ve been with Laura?”

He nodded. Everybody had probably seen his truck.

“And you’ve talked to Madeline and Walker?”

Of course she would know. “Yeah, I have.”

“You’re happy with Laura?”

“Yeah, but it’s…”

“Temporary?” Shaking her head, she touched his shoulder. “Listen to your heart, Hayden. Listen to your heart.” With a wave, she walked toward her truck.

The house was empty. Silent. It was strange not to have to worry about Luke today. His phone was in his hand before he thought too much about it. There were chores that had to be done, but he’d be free this afternoon.

Chapter Seventeen

Sunday lunch withArlene and her family was pure torture. Of course, it was lovely to see everyone, but by the time they’d finished dessert, Laura was convinced she’d burst into flames at any minute.

Molly was happy to sit on Cooper’s lap. Laura had wanted to leave her in the kitchen, but was assured they were used to animals sitting with Cooper during meals.

Luke was on her right, chatting nonstop about his visit to his friend yesterday, but it was the heat radiating from the body on her other side that was wreaking havoc with her senses. Hayden’s earthy, musky scent was enough to send her blood rushing through her veins. He also kept finding reasons to touch her, reminding her of the two nights she’d spent in his arms. She was ready to explode.

Yesterday morning, she’d still been pacing her kitchen, trying to figure out how having a fling was supposed to work, when Hayden had called again. He’d picked her up around lunchtime and she’d spent the rest of the day and night with him.

It was bittersweet. They’d hardly slept. Hayden had unleashed a wild woman, one she barely recognized. Up until now she’d never thought of herself as very sensual, but when she was with him she’d discovered feelings and emotions she’d never felt before.

They wouldn’t often be able to be together, she knew that. Both she and Hayden worked during the day, and in the evenings, he had a son to look after. She also couldn’t stay with Hayden when Luke was home. Nobody needed to tell her that. It would complicate things even more.

Being so close to him, but unable to touch him freely, was getting more difficult by the minute. The smirks on everyone’s faces weren’t helping, either.

A quick look around the table assured her everyone had finished eating. She got up, picking up her plate and Luke’s. “Thanks, Arlene. I’m doing the dishes today.”

“I knew there was a reason I liked you.” Becket grinned as he got up with his own plate.

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