Page 54 of Never Fear (Whiskey Ridge)
“We didn’t expect her to show so soon,” Booker clarified. I caught him glancing at us in the rearview mirror. Austin’s now-very-apparent boner didn’t seem to mind.
I blew a bubble with my gum and popped it. “I could have gone a few weeks without meeting her. The lady’s weird.”
“I don’t want to say this and act like you haven’t been to work in ages.” Brynne looked around the headrest at me. “And don’t think I’m replacing you because you’re my best friend for life.” Her eyes narrowed before she went on “But she’s kind of grown on me.”
My chewing ceased for a moment. “Marv’s daughter isgrowing on you?”
“Ever since that first day, she hasn’t been as weird,” Brynne added like that made it any better.
“How was she weird?” Austin interrupted, skeptical as always.
I set a hand on his thigh, patting it reassuringly as I tried to ignore the clear indent of his cock through his dark jeans. “Don’t be jealous, cowboy. It’s not cute.”
His knee bumped mine. “I have nothing to be jealous of.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I’d kill anyone who dared think they had a shot with you.”
My mouth popped open, gum almost toppling out. Austin’s eyes tracked the movement, and I swear his pupils dilated.
“Booker,” I said a little too loudly, pulling myself out of my incredulous state, “please put a choke collar on your dog.”
Booker simply glanced in the rearview mirror before moving his focus back to the road. I’d be tired of Austin’s shit already, too. Hell, I was tired of it weeks ago.
Brynne went on to fill me in on everything I’d missed since I came home to recover—which was surprisingly a lot, given that nothing really happened in Whiskey Ridge—like how Booker was teaching her to rope and do a bunch of other things I couldn’t even begin to comprehend.
The ranch life was not for me.
As Booker pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store, Austin leaned closer, his breath tickling the shell of my ear. Goosebumps erupted over my neck as he murmured, “The only one allowed to put a leash on me is you, kitten.” Then he grabbed my elbow—which was still jabbing him in the ribs—and easily moved it to a more comfortable position. “Unless you’d like the situation to be reversed.”
I looked down and faced him, forehead nearly touching his. “Careful, Austin. I may lock you in a cage and never let you leave.”
“Being your prisoner would be my greatest honor,” he practically purred.
The idea shot tingles down my spine, lighting my core on fire. My thighs pressed together and his eyes tracked the movement. Someone must’ve cranked the heater, because suddenly, I was sweating.
The truck shifting into park pulled me from my crazed trance, and I didn’t waste time as I shoved open the door, unbuckled my seat belt, and practically fell to the asphalt. The late fall air was pure bliss on my flaming cheeks.
Since when did I get flustered so fucking easily?
“I made a list,” Brynne announced as Booker beeped the locks on the truck. She passed a paper to Booker, pointing to something on it. “You and Austin are to grab the blue lines. McKenna and I will grab the pink stuff.”
“Brynne, baby.” Booker looked down at her with love shining in his eyes. I was thoroughly convinced the man had no emotions until he met her. “We’re not splitting up.”
Her eyes narrowed up at him. Anyone else, and they’d cower and agree. But Brynne was his kryptonite, and he’d accepted that fact, given he seemed to be the one seceding. “Fine,” he huffed. “Austin and I will grab the appetizer.” Brynne gleamed. “But that’s it.”
She reached up to land a quick peck on his cheek. “I love you.”
To my left, Austin crossed his arms.
“Can’t get everything you want in life, cowboy.” I patted his shoulder, starting to walk toward the entrance.
“I already have it.” He sidled up next to me, matching my stride.
“That’s hard to believe.” I eyed him from head to toe. “Usually people who have everything they’ve ever wished for are…more cheerful. Less irritating.”
His hand coasted over my lower back as he reached ahead of me to open the door. I didn’t bother slowing as I passed through.
