Page 41 of Destry

I grinned. “That’s why you like me.”

“I tolerate you.”

I leaned in close and let my lips brush over hers. “You do more than tolerate me.”

I kissed her and when I finally pulled back, she blinked up at me, lips still parted.

“Guess I need to prove my fucking point.”

She groaned, shoving at my chest, but she was laughing now.

I caught her wrists, keeping her right where I wanted her.

I flipped us so she was on her back. She gasped, laughing, but her hands slid over my shoulders, holding on.

“Let’s see how well you tolerate this.” I spread her thighs wider with mine. I kissed her hard, knowing it wouldn’t take much to have her singing my praises.

EPILOGUE

Five months and some change…

Savvy.

I was nervous as I tightened my grip on the reins. This was my second rodeo, and even though I’d been working my ass off for months, I still felt that familiar twist of nerves low in my stomach.

I sat tall in the saddle with my eyes locked on the barrels ahead.

Then, I saw him leaning against the fence, arms crossed, looking as unbothered as ever and my world settled. His hat was pulled low and that lazy smirk was in place but his eyes were locked on me, steady and sure like always.

He winked, and the tension in my chest eased. I smirked, shaking my head. Damn cowboy.

The announcer called my name and I nudged my horse forward with my heart pounding hard as I lined up at thestart. I took a breath and we shot forward with dirt flying and adrenaline surging through my veins as we approached the first barrel.

Too fast.

I felt it before we even reached the turn. My horse leaned into it too sharp, and I had to correct her mid-stride, throwing off our rhythm.

Damn it.

I pushed forward, moving cleanly through the second barrel but I could already feel the seconds slipping away. By the time I hit the last turn, I was frustrated and trying to salvage what I could. We crossed the finish, but I already knew the deal. Not great. Not terrible either but not what I wanted.

I pulled my horse to a stop with my breath heavy and disappointment sinking in. I worked too hard for this run to feel that sloppy.

I slid out of the saddle, already running through every little mistake in my head when I felt a presence behind me followed by that sexy teasing voice that had become a steady rhythm in my life.

"That was decent."

I turned to find Destry grinning at me with his hat tipped back so I could see his eyes.

I scowled and crossed my arms. “I know. I screwed up the first barrel.”

His grin expanded. “Yup.”

“You’re supposed to say something encouraging.”

He chuckled and stepped closer. “You looked sexy as fuck riding out there.”

“Not what I meant.”

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