Page 54 of Saddles and Snowstorms
“I can’t promise I’ll be any good at this,” he said finally. “In fact, I can pretty much guarantee I’ll mess up. A lot.”
I smiled, feeling something tight in my chest begin to unravel. “I’m not looking for perfect, Brooks. I’m just looking for real.”
He nodded slowly, then leaned forward until our foreheads touched. “Real, I can do. Just might need some patience from you.”
“I’ve got plenty,” I whispered, closing the distance between us to press my lips against his. “I work with animals, remember? Patience is my middle name.”
The kiss was gentle at first, almost hesitant, but quickly deepened as Brooks pulled me closer. Coffee forgotten, I found myself straddling his lap, the sheet falling away completely as his hands gripped my hips. The feel of his hardening length beneath me sent heat coursing through my veins.
“Thought we were supposed to be taking it slow,” he murmured against my neck, his stubble creating delicious friction against my skin.
“This is slow,” I gasped as his teeth grazed my collarbone. “For me, anyway.”
His deep chuckle vibrated through me. But just as I was hoping to take things a bit further and get one last good romp in, the sound of acar horn sounded outside. Both of us startled, looking up toward the window. Beau and Lucas had arrived a bit earlier than expected to dig my truck out of the snow.
Brooks let out a sigh, his forehead falling to rest against my shoulder. “Perfect timing,” he muttered.
“I should probably get dressed,” I said, reluctantly climbing off his lap. The loss of contact left me feeling strangely bereft. “They’ll be wondering where I am.”
Brooks caught my wrist as I moved to stand. “Hey,” he said, voice low. “I meant what I said. About trying. About that door in the wall.”
I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. “I know you did.”
“I’ll probably screw it up,” he warned again.
I leaned down and kissed him once more, slowly, thoroughly. “We both will. That’s how these things work.”
The horn blared again, longer this time. I reluctantly pulled away, searching the floor for my clothes. Brooks watched me dress, his eyes tracking every movement with an intensity that made my skin tingle.
“You know,” I said as I pulled my shirt over my head, “I make house calls for animals. Professional necessity.”
Brooks raised an eyebrow. “That so?”
“Mmhmm.” I nodded, stepping into my jeans. “Would be a shame if you needed me to stop out and check on your animals in the middle of the night.” I gave him a wink. “Anytime you need me.”
Brooks’ eyes darkened with lust. “Might need a lot of check-ups. These animals are mighty important to me.”
“I’ll be thorough,” I promised, buttoning my jeans. “Very thorough.”
The horn blared a third time, followed by a shout that sounded like Lucas. Brooks sighed and reached for his own clothes.
“Better go before they come looking for you,” he said, pulling on a worn t-shirt that stretched tight across his broad chest.
I nodded but couldn’t bring myself to move toward the door just yet. “So... I’ll see you? Soon?”
Brooks stood, wincing slightly as he put weight on his ankle, and crossed the small space between us. His hands came up to frame my face, thumbs brushing my cheekbones with a gentleness that made my heart ache.
“Count on it,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Go on now. Before I change my mind and keep you here.”
The thought was tempting—so tempting I almost told Lucas and Beau to go home. But I knew reality had to set in, eventually.
“Tonight?” I asked, hopeful.
Brooks hesitated, his dark eyes searching mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. Then, slowly, the corner of his mouth turned up.
“Tonight,” he agreed, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. “I’ve got to check the herd after all this snow, anyway. Might need a professional opinion on their condition.”
I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face. “Professional opinions are my specialty. But you need to stay off that foot still. In fact, I’d really like to have you come into the clinic so I can x-ray it just to make sure you’re alright.”
