Page 56 of Brands

I let my fingers fall into his hot palm until we’re off the porch, then I settle close enough so I can drape my arm behind his waist, tucking my fingers into the tight rear pocket of his jeans.

“I’ve always wanted to do that.” I check off another mental box on my list.

“What’s that?” He wraps my shoulders, tucking me against his side.

“Put my hand down the back of some cowboy’s tight Wranglers.” I tilt my head so he can see my smile.

“I think we’ll put that in the ‘daily’ column.” His mouth touches my forehead tenderly, then he lifts me into his truck.

My phone chimes as he walks around to the driver’s seat.

Char: He definitely doesn’t look at you like he wants to leave. That boy is lovesick!

Her text makes my belly tighten and my heart beat faster.

I hope she’s right.

Chapter Nineteen

Blue

“What kind of pizzado you want? I’ll call it into Hilltop and we can pick it up on the way home.” I had big ideas of taking her all the way to town for dinner, but I’d rather get her back to my house.

The overwhelming need to hold her naked body against mine is winning, even if I know that’s as far as it’s going to go for tonight.

There’ll be plenty of time to explore when she isn’t sore anymore.

“Hmm, Canadian bacon and pineapple.” She purses her lips and watches me.

“Huh, I knew you were a wildcard.” I flash her a smile and dig out my phone.

Her fingers work up the inner seam of my jeans. “I bet you thought I’d say ‘sausage’?”

When she laughs, it sends a tingle of electricity up my spine.

“I just know how many times your dad and I caught a pizza at Val’s. He is a staunch pepperoni man.” I cast her a sideways glance.

“Yep, so is Devon. It’s exactly why I made myself like something different. Otherwise, I’d never get more than one slice.” Her blue eyes roll.

Not only is she scrappy, she’s clever as hell.

“I’ve gotten good at cooking shit they don’t like,” she laughs. “I mean, I make stuff for them too, but sometimes it’s nice to know I’ll have leftovers the next day.” She tilts her chin. “Ya know?”

For some reason, I can’t picture Clay in the kitchen. What would he do without Libby there?

I have this insane urge to move her in, just so she can get the break she deserves. Except I don’t think she wants it.

While I’m on the phone with Val, it vibrates with a notification

Mason: You and Lib? Better not fuck that one up, she’ll shoot your ass!

Seconds later, another appears.

Dixon: Char told me about you and Libby? You know I’m going to have to kick your ass when you break her heart.

Oof. Do I really have that bad of a reputation?

“Is everything okay? Your jaw muscle looks like it’s gonna pop out of the skin.” Her warm finger reaches up to poke at my cheek.

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