Page 88 of Knot Your Problem, Cowboy
After we say our farewell and hang up, I shower quickly and dress in work clothes—jeans that actually fit properly, thanks to Walker’s shopping trip, and a T-shirt covered in some cat fur. I feed my three orange rascals, let them out for the day, and head out toward the sanctuary.
Rounding the corner of the main barn at a good clip, I slam directly into what feels like a warm, muscle-covered wall.
“Oof!” The impact sends me stumbling backward.
Strong hands catch my waist, steadying me. “Whoa there, gorgeous. Where’s the fire?”
Walker. Because of course it’s Walker, looking unfairly good in a gray Henley that clings to every ridge of muscle. His hair is slightly mussed, and is that a hint of stubble? My fingers itch to touch it.
“No fire,” I manage. “Just heading to work.”
His hands are still on my waist. I should probably mention that. Or step back. Instead, I’m focusing on how his thumbs are making little circles against my sides through the thin fabric of my shirt.
“Missed you,” he murmurs, voice dropping to that point where my knees weaken. “Been hiding from us?”
“Nope. Working. Very different things.”
“Uh-huh.” His gaze tracks over my face slowly,lingering on my mouth. “You know you’ve got a…” He reaches up, thumb brushing the corner of my lips. “Toothpaste.”
I did not have toothpaste there, the sneaky bastard. I wipe frantically at the corner of my mouth, nevertheless.
“Thanks,” I breathe, very aware we’re still standing too close.
“You’ve been working hard. You should take it easy sometimes. All work and no play makes Sophia a dull girl.”
“I’m playing,” I protest. “With cats. Very safe, noncomplicated cats.”
His grin is slow and devastating. “We’re not that complicated.”
“You’re the definition of chaos. You’re like… a calculus problem wrapped in a crossword puzzle dressed up as a cowboy.”
“That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” His hands finally drop from my waist, and I pretend I’m not disappointed. “Have dinner with us tonight? Main house, six o’clock. Just food and conversation, Scout’s honor.”
“Were you actually a Scout?”
“Nope. But the invitation stands.”
I should say no. Should maintain this distance that’s been keeping me marginally sane. But his eyes are so warm, and he smells so good, and my dream from this morning is still fresh in my mind…
“Okay,” I hear myself say. “But just dinner.”
His smile could power the entire state. “Yep,” he agrees, but the heat in his stare suggests he’s thinking about dessert.
18
SOPHIA
The rest of the day crawls by. Every time I check the clock, it’s moved approximately thirty seconds. By five thirty, I’ve changed outfits three times, finally settling on denim shorts that showcase my legs and a button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to my elbows. Casual but cute. My flip-flops complete theI definitely didn’t spend an hour getting readylook.
Standing outside their door at six on the dot, I feel stupidly nervous. It’s just dinner. With three men who feature prominently in my morning orgasm dreams. Totally normal.
Cash opens the door, and my mouth immediately goes dry. He’s wearing dark blue jeans that fit him perfectly and a black button-down that has his blue eyes practically glowing. His hair is damp and pushed back, and dear God, he smells amazing.
“There’s our girl,” Cash grins as he pulls the front door wider, stepping aside. “Come on in, sugar.”
The smell crashes into me first, something rich and savory, warm bread and herbs.
I enter the home, the creak of old wood beneath my flip-flops grounding me. I quickly take them off near the door and continue barefoot. The ranch house is massive with wide hallways, vaulted ceilings, and antique rugs underfoot, but there’s a lived-in comfort to it.
