Page 80 of Buckled in Barbwire

The martini made by another man mocks me. “Are his better than mine?”

She grins, a snarky brow arching. “I wouldn’t have guessed that your ego is this fragile.”

My hand grabs hers to press against my chest, sliding down along pearl snaps and the ridges in my abdomen. “There’s nothing soft about me, wife.”

Paisley studies the descent of our linked fingers like it’s a map to the promised land. “Mhmm, my mistake. You’re very… solid.”

“Makes it easy to sweep you off your feet.” I release her palm, drifting my fingers along her upturned jaw. “Allow me to regain your trust.”

“Who says you had it to begin with?”

“Then give me a chance to earn it.”

Paisley’s hand clamps onto my shirt but doesn’t push back or release me. “Another chance? You must think I’m very gullible.”

“More like understanding. This is new for me. I’m bound to fuck up. It’s an uncharted course, but you’ll be my compass. Be patient with me and I’ll make it worth your while.” I sweep some hair off her shoulder, fascinated by the goose bumps that pebble over her skin. “No more fighting.”

Her lashes flutter shut while she savors my touch. “That seems like all we do.”

A low hum agrees with her. We did at first, but now my sights are set on redemption. “That means there’s something worth salvaging.”

“Maybe…” Her breath hitches when I dip down until my face is almost nestled in the crook of her neck. “This feels familiar.”

I inhale vanilla and sunshine. My favorite indulgences. “You still smell like mine.”

Just then, a recognizable glint ropes my focus. Her purse hangs from a hook under the counter, beckoning to me. The unmistakable sparkle of diamonds is trapped in an open pocket. I pluck the rings free from her hiding place before straightening. Paisley blinks from her stupor and narrows her eyes on me.

“Will you buckle yourself in barbwire with me, wife?” My determination positions the custom set at her fingertip.

She tortures her bottom lip over the tough decision. “Are you actually asking?”

“Yes. I’m going to nurture what I didn’t bother to nourish before. It will be different now. I want all of you, Twinkles.”

“Then I’ll consider it.” She smiles, but then jabs a finger into my chest. “But I’m not gonna forgive you overnight. A few gentle touches and semi-sweet words won’t cut it.”

“It’s a start.” I return the bands to where they belong, kissing her knuckle in the process.

Paisley sighs, expelling what I assume is leftover frustration. “What now?”

My attention swings over her shoulder to what sits in the far corner. “How about a solo competition to rekindle your crush?”

My boots are about to wear a hole in the mat surrounding Bucky. I whirl to pace in the opposite direction as Brody gets himself situated on the mechanical bull. He’s a calm and collected cowboy up there—exactly how I remember. I can’t look at him for too long or I’ll get flustered. Again. The only one getting hot and bothered in this situation is me.

I wring my hands while fighting a fever. “Don’t you need to sign a waiver or something?”

Whenever I’ve hopped on that thing, there was a stack of papers for me to complete first. It’s a bit of a pain but I’m sure a lawsuit is worse.

Brody grunts. “Nah, the owner is a family friend. We have unlimited access.”

“Of course you do,” I deadpan. “This entire town is in your pocket.”

His shrug doesn’t deny it. “I don’t abuse that power unlessnecessary.”

“Like snagging a marriage license in a day?”

“Exactly.” He winks before tucking his hat lower on his head. “Okay, I’m ready.”

It’s only then I realize that he expects me to manage the controls. A peek at the console provides relief I didn’t plan to need. Labels and instructions are listed to make this a job for anyone who can read.

---