Page 8 of Brand Me, Cowboy's Second Chance

I rush Alex out of my office with a vague wave and lock the door behind him. I don't know what kind of idiot would sit here and watch those boys circle her like vultures but it sure as hell ain’t me. Before I know it, I'm out the door and crossing the ranch. I don't even try to hide it. Hell, I want her to see me.

And she does.

From halfway across the property, her gaze locks with mine. She straightens, just slightly. The laughter in her expression doesn't fade, but something sharper flickers in her eyes. Is it heat, awareness, or maybe a memory of what happened last night?

Since I have her attention, I decide to make a show of it. I stroll across the dirt like I've got all the time in the world. Boots dusted with work. Sweat glistens on my neck. Every step is deliberate. She watches me come toward her and I like the feel of her eyes on me.

I stop just close enough that she has to tilt her chin up to keep eye contact. I can see the flecks of gold in her eyes. The heat between us sizzles and burns. And we're both pretending not to feel it.

I don't stop smiling as I call out, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Step aside, gentlemen. Next round's mine, Kai."

She tosses a wink over her shoulder, sass in every curve of her body. "We'll see, Kingridge."

Ten minutes later, Anny and I are in it again. We’re going head-to-head like nothing's changed. I sink my third beanbag in a row and can't help myself.

"Boom. That's how it's done, sweetheart." I flex for full effect, dragging a kiss across my bicep. "Welcome to the gun show."

"Shut the hell up and take your last turn," she fires back, but there's a laugh buried in her voice that she doesn't quite manage to hide.

God, that sound drives me wild.

"Don't choke now," I tease. "You're about to be real embarrassed."

“I never choke.” She rolls her eyes and steps up for her turn.

I swear time slows down just so I can watch her move. Her cutoff jeans hug every curve like they were sewn on her body. Her hips sway just enough to make my mouth go dry. My brain short-circuits for a second. I imagine her flat on the grass. I'd crawl up her body and cage her in with my arms. Those thick thighs would wrap around my waist while I?—-

"That's two," she calls, interrupting my spiral with a cocky little grin.

Shit.

Then she winds up again and sinks a third beanbag without even blinking. "Boom," she says, tossing a wink over her shoulder. "Are you nervous?"

I let out a low whistle. "Damn, Kai. Remind me never to play poker with you."

"Oh, sweetheart, if we were playing poker, you'd already be shirtless and down to your last shred of dignity."

"You tryin' to get me naked?" I shoot back, sauntering toward her, "Because all you gotta do is ask."

Her lips twitch. "Keep talkin' like that and I'll put you flat on your back right here in the grass---"

My grin widens. "Promise?"

We banter like old times. It's sharp and familiar. But there's something new in it, too. It's not just teasing anymore. It's a loaded promise I plan on delivering on. We’re four rounds in when I glance around to take in our audience, only to discover that we're alone. At some point, the ranch hands must have drifted back to work. I don't waste the opportunity.

I stride across the grass in three long steps. She tells me to get back behind the line, but I ignore her. Instead, I wrap my arms around her waist from behind and lift her clean off the ground. Anny shrieks and laughter bubbles out of her as her boots kick in the air.

"Fallon, put me down." She giggles, and it ignites me.

Instantly, I want to hear the sound again. I spin her once, just because I can. The feel of her body pressed against mine ignites something deep in my chest. The spark between us doesn't just catch, it explodes into something unstoppable.

I toss her gently down onto the sun-warmed grass. She lands with a grunt. It's half laugh and half daring me to try it again. I lower myself down, too. But before I can climb on top of her, she flips the script on me.

Anny grabs my shirt fast. She pulls me with her strength and momentum. In a blink, she's straddling me. I look up at her, stunned. She settles her weight over my hips the way she has a thousand times before. It makes my dick twitch.

Her hands press against my chest. The sensation grounds me and lights me up at the same time. My cock fully springs to life. I'm hard and eager beneath her. Anny's eyes flash with heat and mischief. Her breath hitches just the slightest bit.

Dammit.She feels it. I know she does.

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