Page 21 of One Hot Summer

I smile. “You don't have to thank me. Being here, with you and Collin... it's given me a sense of purpose again. Of belonging.”

He brushes a strand of hair from my face. “You do belong here. With us.”

My arms wind around his broad shoulders. “I’ve been so afraid. Afraid to let anyone in again.”

Carson's hand traces soothing circles on my back. “I know, I've been scared too. After Sarah left... I didn't think I could trust anyone with my heart again. Let alone Collin’s.”

I pull back, meeting his piercing blue eyes. “Collin's an amazing kid. You've done a wonderful job with him.”

A soft smile plays on Carson's lips. “He adores you, you know.”

“I adore him too. Both of you.”

Carson's hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear. “We're quite the pair, aren't we?” he chuckles. “Two broken hearts finding each other, yet again.”

I lean into his touch, savoring the gentleness of this usually gruff cowboy. “Maybe that's why we fit so well together. We understand each other's scars.”

“You've awakened something in me, Kelsie. Something I thought had died along with my marriage.”

I tilt my head to meet his gaze. “What happens now?”

Chapter Fourteen

Carson

Her words light my whole world. Anything can happen. That’s the beauty of us. There is no pressure to rush. As long as she wants to test this out, I’m willing to do it. Hell, there are so many things I’d do just to make her happy that she doesn’t even realize.

She might have an ex-husband who took her for granted, in some of the worst ways, but I’ll spend every waking moment making her my priority. Making sure her needs are met and she has a smile on her face.

“Earth to Carson?”

I shake my head. “Sorry, I’m just so fucking happy to be here with you right now. I’m not exactly thinking with my head anymore.”

She laughs and her eyes run down the length of my body to my cock.Oh, darlin’. Don’t do that or we won’t be leaving this barn with our clothes on.

“What did you have in mind?” She licks her lips and the short sundress she has on and is riding up her thigh the farther she leans forward. It rises up just enough to see the red lace panties she has on.

My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of her. The soft curves of her body, the way her hair falls in waves around her shoulders, the mischievous glint in her eyes. It's almost too much to bear.

“Darlin', you're playin' with fire.”

She smirks, clearly enjoying the effect she has on me. “Maybe I like getting burned.”

My fingers itch to touch her, to trace the outline of those red lace panties peeking out from under her dress. But I hold back, savoring the delicious tension. “We should probably head back,” I say, though every fiber of my being screams to stay right here with her.

She pouts playfully, inching closer. “Do we have to?” Her hand lands on my thigh, igniting a fire beneath my skin.

I swallow hard, fighting to maintain control. “Sweetheart, if we don't leave now, I can't be held responsible for what might happen next.”

Her eyes darken with desire. “Promise?”

In that moment, I know I'm lost. There's no resisting her, no denying the pull between us. With a low growl, I close the distance and capture her lips with mine, pouring all my pent-up longing into the kiss.

Her lips are soft and yielding against mine, tasting of sweet tea and desire. I cup her face in my hands, relishing the warmth of her skin as our kiss deepens. She sighs into my mouth, her fingers tangling in my hair, pulling me closer.

I trail kisses down her neck, savoring the rapid pulse beneath my lips. “You're so beautiful,” I murmur against her collarbone.

She arches into me, her body molding perfectly to mine. “Carson,” she breathes, my name a prayer on her lips.

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