Page 22 of Brands

All while she giggles.

“Okay…?” I let that one draw out.

Please don’t ask what I think you’re going to ask.

Because I’m gonna have a hell of a time saying “no”.

“I don’t want to be anymore.” Her grip on my hand is fierce as she moves it closer to her thighs. A groan rumbles in my chest. “Libby, I can’t…”

She pushes my fingers between the heat of her legs. “Please? It’s my birthday though. I’ve never gotten off from anyone else before.”

I can’t believe I’m saying this. “I’m not giving you an orgasm. You’re drunk.”

She tilts her head and closes one blue eye to look at me. “You won’t, or youcan’t?”Her smirk practically glows against the dash.

“Hey now, I’m more than capable of making a woman come so hard she passes out—” I’m digging my own grave.

Reluctantly, I tug my hand from rubbing against the seam of her jeans, then drape it over her shoulders, pulling her close.

I even let myself press a light kiss against her temple. “I don’t want to hurt you, or ruin my friendship with your dad. You realize that would happen, right?”

Her silence weighs on me.

But then I hear the light snore.

Holy hell, crisis averted.

Chapter Eight

Libby

I learned a valuablelesson on my birthday.

It isnotfun to have to milk cows, or do any other kind of farm chores, with a hangover.

Am I that much of a lightweight I can’t handle three drinks?

“We should do that again. I had a blast.” Char’s cheeks hollow as she pulls at the straw of the smoothie I brought her.

“It was fun, but I don’t think I should have that much liquor again for a while. It’s been two weeks and I’m just starting to feel normal again.” I lean over to readjust Paisley’s crooked hair tie.

The toddler turns with a pouty lower lip and scowls at me before resuming playing with her toy horses.

I’m happy to see the one I got her for Christmas seems to be her new favorite. I’ll chalk that up to secret auntie pride. I wish I could have seen her unwrap it, but I opted to spend the holidayswith Dad

“Once the twins come, I don’t know how much free time I’ll have for a while.” Char runs her palm over her rounded belly. “Heck, I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to move around. I’m only going into my fifth month.” Her blue eyes widen and she shakes her head.

“You think hooking up with a guy as big as Dixon was gonna give you tiny babies?” I snort as I stand, gesturing for her empty cup. “You’re a professional breeder and you didn’t stop to think what would happen if you crossed a Clydesdale with a Shetland pony?” I drop our garbage into the can.

Char laughs, but then stops. “We’ve already talked about the possibility I’ll have to have a c-section. It’s kinda scary.” Her gaze shifts to a spot on the back of Paisley’s head.

“You’ll be fine. Your husband is a doctor after all.” Folding my leg under me, I plop down next to her again. “I kinda wish he could help Dad with his cancer stuff. He’s stressing hard about the bills that are starting to roll in.” The hem of my jeans becomes incredibly interesting as I pick at it. “I don’t want to sell the farm, but it’s starting to look like we’ll have to.”

Char’s palm covers my fidgeting. “Everything will work out. Maybe getting away from the dairy will be a good change? You might be able to go out and live life a little more?” Her lips turn up. “Not like I’m one to talk. I’ve always been a total home-body.”

“Right? I think that night at the bar was the first I’ve been off of a ranch—” I let my arm wave around my head. “—in ages.”

“Yes…” She shifts so she’s staring at me. “You never told me what happened after you left. You and Blue?” Her dark eyebrows wag suggestively.

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