Page 34 of Buckled in Barbwire

This buckskin mare is—or was—Marion’s favorite. I feel connected to the wonderful woman whenever I’m nearEcho. It’s another phenomenon entirely when I’m in the saddle, soaring astride her back. Or maybe I’m extra sensitive after recent events.

I stretch my arms out and tip my face to the sky. “Miss you, lady.”

Slow applause startles me from the serene moment. Brody saunters to the arena gate in his lethal prowl that immediately sets me on edge. I force my stiff posture to relax and dismount in a fluid motion, putting us on even ground. Or that’s my intention. His smirk disarms my attempt at a confident approach. A clump of dirt almost trips me while I become captivated by that uncharacteristic expression.

But then Echo bumps my elbow with her nose and the nudge gets me back on track. For the assist, I smooth a hand along her bronze face. My chin lifts as I pin Brody with a much-deserved glare.

“Hey, boss.”

Brody tips the brim of his hat. “Twinkles.”

I lean against the buckskin mare for moral support. “Miss me?”

His eyes flash, the green sparking into flames. “Hard not to after that delightful care package you sent me.”

Laughter bubbles up my throat just picturing him opening the gift. “Same day delivery for a direct impact.”

“If you wanted to surprise me, I could offer more fulfilling suggestions.” The gritty rasp in his tone curls my toes.

I avert my gaze before accidentally stumbling into his provocation. “You got what you deserved.”

“Message received,” he rumbles. “And now I get to return the favor.”

The swoop in my belly is completely uncalled for. “How might you do that?”

Brody slips through the fence and moves to stand within my personal bubble. I almost retreat, but refuse to give him the satisfaction. A hint of his crisp scent teases my nostrils and I inhale discreetly for another whiff. The wiggle on his lips reveals that I failed at subtlety.

I flash back to when he initially tried scaring me off the compound. The scales have tipped back and forth since then. It would appear that we’re developing somewhat of a pattern. I find myself wondering what direction this confrontation will slide.

Brody’s intense stare blazes a trail straight to my lower belly. “I’ll start by thanking you.” The response is staggering.

“Thank me?” My mind goes blank and I forget what we’re talking about. “For what?”

“Your glitter bomb gave me a fresh outlook. The Bag of Dicks provided an insightful reflection on my behavior too.”

I blink at him and his shocking admission. He tilts his head while studying my reaction. The mid-morning sun catches a few sparkles in his stubble. A giggle springs free before I realize what I’m seeing.

His scowl tries to dull my joy. “Is my revelation amusing?”

My smile stretches wider while I point at the decorated spot. “You’re still bright and shiny.”

“Clings worse than a needy girlfriend.” He scrubs at his jaw. “Speaking of, ready to fake date me yet?”

Disbelief clogs my throat and I scoff. But it backfires into a wretched gasp. I choke, begin coughing, and fold myself in half to recover. “Not even a little bit,” I croak.

Brody pats my back like a concerned humanitarian. “Do you want more money? I’ll give you a raise.”

I straighten in a hurry. It’s like destiny is set on me starring in a reenactment ofPretty Woman. “I don’t need your riches, boss.”

“But you could be dripping in diamonds instead of rhinestones.”

The sun chooses that moment to reflect my encrusted belt. “I’d choose being buckled in barbwire over getting into bed with you.”

“Are you sure?” His voice is silk sliding across bare flesh. “I’ve never had any complaints.”

A tremble threatens to quake my knees. “Positive.”

“That’s a shame.”

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