Page 42 of Rogue Cowboy
“You’re a million miles away, baby,” Cole whispered in her ear, startling her even as he grounded her.
“Only six years,” she said, looking at him.And then finally grabbing her wits, she responded to Tucker.
“I once saw a body lotion in LA in a boutique on Melrose that had glitter that changed color with body heat.”Riley spoke her response out loud.It had also changed scents with arousal, but she kept that part of the memory to herself.
“Did you now?”Both Cole and Tucker spoke at the same time.
“Jinx, cowboy,” Tucker said playfully.“You know what that means.”
“Nope, but I think I’m about to find out,” he said, his gaze never leaving Riley’s.
Flag in the mountain.Riley’s heart leapt.She felt claimed in a way that should have terrified her.Or pissed her off like his public declaration of courting.
“Let’s walk around.”Riley tucked her arm through Cole’s and turned back toward town.“See a few things before we turn the horses in for the night and get ready for the barbecue.”
She felt like she’d claimed him back.Now how could she find the courage to follow through?
The question dogged her as they walked back along the sidewalk, dodging tourists, neighbors and rodeo competitors.The excited buzz felt electric.The band for tonight was a true country western, and in the early part of the evening, they’d encourage the families to join in the dancing by calling out the steps to some popular country and line dances.The band was doing a sound check, and as volunteers finished setting up the folding tables and chairs, the crews for the barbecues were setting up their grills, and merchants with specialty drinks, food and crafts were setting up their tents.
Soon the fragrance of cooking meat—burgers, chicken and wurst—would fill the air.Riley’s stomach growled in anticipation.It had been a long time since she’d felt a true appetite.
Nothing like a sexy man to stimulate my appetite.
Her thought shocked her.She didn’t want to start something she couldn’t finish.
So finish it.
That thought made her mouth dry.But she was tired of hiding.Time to take a step back into her life.
*
Cole stood outsideone of the Wilders’ tricked-out horse trailers, trying not to think about Riley slicking on some lotion that would sparkle.He liked Riley’s natural look but couldn’t help wondering where she’d be applying the sparkly lotion.Would it have a scent?Did she ever try the lotion that changed color with body heat?He preferred her natural scent—warm skin, a touch of citrus combined with sweet—like honeysuckle, but he was man enough to be curious.
In LA she’d also smelled like the ocean.He was trying not to pin too much hope on the fact that she had enlisted the help of her glamorous friend for tonight.
Taking it slow had become his mantra, but damn, the glimpses of the girl he’d fallen so hard for years ago teased and tempted.
And then Riley opened the trailer door.She paused on the top step and looked at him, a little uncertain, but as he tried to remember how to breathe, she smiled.
“You clean up good, Cole,” she said.“But you always look good.Better than good.”
“Look who’s talking.”His words were utterly inadequate.
“Scoot, you two.”Tucker poked her head out the door, curling iron in hand.“It takes some of us longer.”
“Ha,” Riley said and hopped off the step, nearly into Cole’s arms.
He kissed her cheek and slid an arm around her waist.
“Let’s get out into the last of the sun.I want to see this glitter.”
Riley looked at him shyly, then she stepped into the sun, spread her arms and struck a pose.“Too much?”
“You look sensational,” he told her.“I love this.”With a finger he traced the gauzy, off-the-shoulder blouse.
“Me too.I saw it today, but thought it was a bit too…too…you know, like false advertising, but so pretty.”
“You’re safe with me, Riley.Wear what you want.”
