Page 77 of Buck Wild Orc Cowboy
“He’s a good youngling,” Sel said softly. “Anyone would be proud to claim him.”
Would Sel? My son needed someone like this orc in his life.
“He’s been through so much. I still don’t know how he turned out so sweet and kind.”
“You,” Sel said. “He’s kind and sweet because you are.”
My throat went tight. I turned to face him. Dusk painted everything in golds and blues. The lines of strength on his face,his tusks, and that ever-present warmth in his eyes. He was more beautiful than anyone I’d ever seen.
“You’re good with him,” I said. “You never talk down to him. You listen.”
“He deserves that.”
We fell into step beside each other, walking slowly along the sorhox fence. Most of the creatures inside lay in the grass, a few still grazing with their tails swishing. One let out a low, contented sigh, and Sel smiled.
“I like this time of night,” he said.
“Me too. It’s like the world exhales.”
He nodded, his gaze trained ahead. “Today was a good day.”
“Despite your burn?”
“That’s a little thing when compared to this.” His arm swept out to encompass the world.
“You deserve good days.” Every single one should be perfect.
He looked down at me, and whatever was between us stretched taut. His eyes dipped to my mouth and back to my eyes again, and I knew if I asked, he would kiss me. Right here. Right now. But I didn’t want only that. Not anymore.
“I’ve been thinking.” I stopped and leaned against the fence. “About how you’ve been sleeping in the hayloft.”
Sel blinked, straightening. “I like being nearby in case you or Max needed anything.”
“I know.” My heart was galloping now, but I didn’t back down. If there was ever a time to speak of something like this, it was now. “And I’ve appreciated that more than I can say. But…”
His eyes searched mine. “But?”
“I think you need to sleep in your own bed.”
A long pause followed. His expression didn’t change right away. Then a flicker of confusion flashed through his eyes, followed by disappointment. “Of course. We can find you andMax a new place to stay. It doesn’t need to be at the hotel or anything?—”
“No.” I stepped right up to him, close enough to feel his breath stir against my cheek. “That’s not what I meant.”
He froze.
“I mean you need to sleep in your bed with me. If you, um, want something like that.”
He stared at me, stunned, before realization dawned like the sun rising over this incredibly gorgeous valley. His features shifted from caution to joy.
“You’re sure?” he rasped, his heart in his voice.
“I want this, Sel. I want you. Not just as someone who protects us or makes us laugh or bakes the best orc pastries on the planet. I want you in my life. In my bed. In my heart.” My voice trembled. “If you’ll have me.”
He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. He just reached out, taking my hand.
And then he dropped to his knees in front of me.
Chapter 28
