Page 6 of The Convict Gets His Girl

He quickly opened the stall door and followed her. "Because I'm irresistible?"

She snorted. "Hardly worth writing home about, so no. We can't be seen together. I haven't talked with Hunter yet."

His heart sped up, and he grabbed her wrist, turning her to face him. "So you're going to tell him what, exactly? Are you going to give us a real chance?"

Her scowl deepened, but her body came closer into the protective curve of his arms. He didn't even tug on her wrist, she just stepped into him like she knew that's where she belonged.

Her hand rested on his chest above his heart, and his other hand slid to her waist.

"There's no point, Chase, not with me at college and you still in high school."

Her body language said one thing, but her words said another, confusing him.

"But you're still going to break up with him?" Chase asked, his voice full of ridiculous hope that he couldn't seem to stop himself from feeling. He yearned for her, had obsessed over her for too long. He never thought she'd take a chance on him. Compared to his oldest brother, he was nothing.

Her gaze softened as she tilted her head up. "Yeah." She sighed, her breath teasing his chin. She smelled of wildflowers and lavender, and it soothed the restless part deep inside.

"Thank God," he said, nuzzling his nose into her temple. "I won't ask you to date me or be exclusive, but there's not going to be anyone else for me. I'll finish high school—I have an appointment with the counselor in January to talk about skipping another grade and graduating early—then I'll go to A&M with you."

She pulled back, her frown now concerned for him. "Are you sure that's what you want? A&M is a big school, and tuition is expensive."

He nodded. "I know, but I've started playing the stock market with my savings, meager though it is, and I think I can make it work. Between that and scholarships and student loans?—"

"You don't have to, though. You already have the full ride to UT Denton."

He released her wrist and placed his hand over hers on his chest, kissing her temple. "I know, but you're worth it, my Jewel."

Her body relaxed into his, her sigh in his neck giving him goosebumps. "We can't keep doing this, Chase. It's not right."

"Then break up with him."

She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her lush body flush against his. His cock took notice as she leaned her head back and kissed his chin. "I know. I'm going to do it tomorrow after church."

"Then you'll be mine?" He hated how hopeful his tone was, but she was the first girl he'd ever been interested in, his first crush. He thought he'd get over it and move on to someone else once he hit high school, but none of the other girls had ever compared.

"No, Chase, I go back to school on Monday, remember? Christmas is over. Besides, you said we wouldn't be exclusive."

His arms automatically tightened around her, crushing her to his chest. He grumbled, "I know, I know, we need to give Hunter time to get over you, and I need to graduate. Once we're both out of Crimson Creek, we'll be able to be together."

She sighed and hugged him, her head resting against his shoulder. "I'm glad you're not the jealous type, because I don't know that I could've handled you being jealous along with Hunter."

He snorted, running his hand up and down her back. "I don't know why he's so worried about Kevin when he's clearly gay."

She giggled. "I know, right? It's so obvious, but I guess Hunter just doesn't know how to read the signs. It's sad, though, that his family didn't want him to come home for Christmas."

Chase nodded. "It was good of you to invite him here for the holiday. You're a good friend."

She groaned, "Not a good girlfriend, though. If I was, I wouldn't have slept with you while dating your brother."

He kissed along her jawline, his stomach in knots at her words. "I know, and we'll make it right somehow. But for tonight, I do believe you owe me a kiss."

She smiled, her eyes closed as she tilted her head up for his kisses. "Oh I do, do I?"

He hummed. "Yep, since we're standing under the mistletoe."

Her eyes flew open and searched, and when she saw it, she grinned. "How did that get up there? I swear it wasn't there a few hours ago when I did the rounds with Gemma and Dad."

He grinned and lowered his mouth to hers. "Oh, I know. I put it up there, knowing you'd be back to check the foals."

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