Page 38 of Wicked Cowboy
I wished the pulsating he sent through me both stopped and continued to grow.
“You’re perfect, Ridley.”
“That’s not true.”
He reached for my skirt and unzipped it. “Take my word for it.”
I let him. I’d give him anything I had for more of him, but as I sat up and watched him strip his own shirt, I wiped a tear out of my eye. When he returned, he took my hands. “You just don’t see the truth about me.”
Huh? I raised my eyebrow and asked, “What’s that?”
He let me go and dropped his pants. “That I’m a real-life grim reaper and it’s good you’re here to protect Chelsea.”
He returned to the bed with me and tugged my bra strap down when I said, “You’re a hero and protect those you love.”
He froze and put his hands on the bed around me. “I lost everyone who ever gave a damn about me.”
He was rigid and tense.
I sat straighter and asked, “How?”
He stared at the wall like he was reliving a memory. “We were in the wrong sandbox. Were surrounded. When the shots fired down at us… I was the only one in a safe location.”
I can’t imagine how he felt. When people die in the ER, they came there for a reason and we did our best to help. My heart ached for him, but I lowered my lashes and said, “That’s horribly and traumatic. Did you get help for PTSD?”
He rolled his shoulders like he needed to relax. “Doesn’t change the fact I couldn’t save them.”
I massaged his muscles and the skin-to-skin where my breasts brushed against his back made me wish were meant to be and in love. I kissed his cheek. “Yet you’re here for your dad, took Chelsea in immediately, and you are surrounded by love.”
He turned and stared at my lips when he said, “I didn’t know you’d be free. I figured another guy must have married you already.”
All we'd done at that wedding was dance. Sure, I'd imagined a life with him, but that was fleeting. I’d had that picture on my phone because I’d know I'd never meet another man like him. My heart fluttered. “I… that’s sweet of you to even say when we both know we’re just a business deal, for Chelsea.”
And then he kissed me and I gave him everything I had. I was his for the taking, just as I’d dreamed we’d be.
Chapter 13
Carter
My body was sated though more of Ridley might keep me beside her forever.
Outside we had a red sky for the sunset, but inside, I was paralyzed. I wasn’t the kind of guy designed for marital bliss.
I couldn’t offer Ridley what she wanted. In another life, maybe, she’d be the love of my life. But I’d not take the risk.
Everyone who depended on me died. My father had been an exception since he needed a nurse and business was impersonal. Ridley though, if she and I ever fell in love for real, she’d be in danger.
I refused to let that happen to her. She was better off alone.
With a soft sigh, she sat up and her lips were curved up. Her glow only enhanced her.
She patted her belly, which was under the blue sheet and asked, “Are you hungry?”
“I can be.” I ran my hand over my head and wished the joy on Ridley’s face filled me too.
Yet I didn’t deserve happiness or joy.
My shoulders seemed heavy, but I said, “It’s after seven. My father and Chelsea are probably eating.”
