Page 13 of Wicked Cowboy
Carter
Last night I’d tossed and turned in my bed. Luckily I had to get up early and check on my horses and ensure everything was ready for the trainer. Henry had been pleasant and eaten his carrots and oats.
Soon I went to shower and start business. The water pelted me but I wasn’t unwound and I knew that Ridley was the source of my unease. She would tell me today if she accepted my proposal and I would find out what her demands might be.
If she said yes, I’d get to know her body intimately. Her kiss had rocked me to my core. I’d also get someone to watch over my father and help with Chelsea. It was all a win. If she said no, I wasn’t sure what I’d do next.
I turned off the water and finished dressing.
Years ago, I’d wondered what she tasted like and now I knew her kiss was sweeter than fine wine and I yearned for deep carnal knowledge.
Possessing her would fulfill a fantasy I’d tucked away in the back of my soul.
I returned to my office. Soft footsteps padded down the hall. My heart thumped.
With the door opened, I stilled and stood in my office and waited.
Part of me wished I had something for her in my office, like jewels, or flowers, or some small gesture to offer her to get her to accept. But as she flung open the door, her hair shimmered like she had brought light with her.
I stood there, unable to move for a few moments. Her hair flowed and her natural curves caught my attention.
Her lips were thin and her face white as she said, “Carter, I’m ready. Let’s talk.”
My heart stopped for a moment and I ignored how my fists were locked. “You look beautiful this morning.”
She tossed her hair behind her head like she was a superstar performing the halftime show at the Superbowl, then said, “The staff showed me where I could do my laundry, so I’m thankful.”
She’d never have to do laundry again if she chose this life, but as I waited for her answer, the tension in my body grew. “Please sit.”
She hugged her waist like she was uncomfortable and said, “Sit next to me or I’ll stand. For what we're talking about, the desk shouldn’t be in the way.”
If she saw my cock was stiff for her like I was a teenage boy again, she’d have leverage. I sat but positioned myself so she’d not see and folded my hands in front of my knees. “Very well.”
I had no right to want the graceful, kind woman. The blood on my hands meant I wasn’t the guy for romance.
Her face turned red as she said, “I’ve been working nonstop since I finished nursing school. I've had heavy student loans burdening me. Now I’ve been managing my life, but honestly, I never thought children or a husband were in my future.”
I scooted closer and lowered my voice when I said, “I’m not expecting this to be some love story like in the movies.”
She met my gaze and my skin jumped in attention when she said, “Me, either. I just wanted to start the conversation with some honesty.”
Our deal wasn’t about two people who fall in love and get married. That wasn’t ever in my future. Even if wanting her was something deep in my psyche I hadn’t known was there. This deal was probably more than I deserved, but I stilled. “Fair enough. I want to add that sex is a non-negotiable.”
She curled her hands around the back of her neck. “How do you see that working?”
A contract. And one where this wasn’t about mutual satisfaction. Contracts meant numbers, so I said, “At least weekly and you know I mean full intercourse.”
A small chuckle escaped her lips like I'd said something funny, but she nodded. “Okay.”
Our legs briefly touched though clothes had stifled my reaction from her touch. She wore black slacks and I had my jeans on so the barriers were full. “Don’t get me wrong, nightly would be better.”
She lifted her chin and a full giggle escaped. My own lips curved up as she said, “That’s quite an appetite you have.”
My gaze went up and down her body. Her breasts made my hands itch to feel how squishable she’d be. “For you… yes.”
She rolled her shoulders now like she needed a massage. “We don’t even know we work well together.”
I didn’t blink. “We will.”
