Page 104 of Space Cowgirl: Houston, All Systems Go
Holt lowers his window, and the security guy waves him through.
I’m so engrossed in my vengeance viewing that I miss the bus parked next to the barn. But no sooner do I step out of the truck than I’m made aware of who else is here.
“Miss Starr! Miss Starr!”
Surprised, I look up in time to brace for an onslaught of hugs and pats on the back.
I find myself blinking, trying to clear the dust that must’ve started my eyes watering. “Boys?” I clear my throat. “What’re you doing here?”
The ragtag band of boys from Holt’s charity program has me surrounded. All of them smiling. All of them wearing NASA T-shirts.
“All right, now.” Holt rounds the truck. “Give the lady some breathing room.”
“Holt invited us!” TJ’s arms stay wrapped around my waist. “We’re going to have a barbecue and campout with s’mores and everything!”
“Really?”
Holt shrugs, a sheepish look on his face. “Yeah, I uh, thought it would be a nice homecoming present.” Before I can respond, he points in the direction of the pond. “Who wants to swim before the barbecue?”
“Me!” “Me!” “I do!” All the kids scramble across the drive, kicking up dust, laughing as they run.
I lean against the truck, arms across my chest. “Homecoming?”
Holt lifts his hat and runs his hand through his hair. “You know, since you’re home now. Here. At the ranch.”
My cowboy blushes like a virgin bride, and I couldn’t find him sexier.
“Home at the ranch.” I nod, a smile stretching across my face. “Yeah, I could get used to that.”
Holt’s own smile takes a devilish turn. He takes two steps forward, bracketing his arms on either side of me before kissing me long and hard. “Fuck yeah you will, space cowgirl.”
