Page 43 of Saddled in Secrets
It’s not a question, but he nods. “Did I scare you?”
“No, I’m getting used to you sneaking up on me.” The memory of him materializing in my backseat will haunt me for years to come. “But the horses are probably halfway back to Cloverleaf Meadows by now.”
Now he shakes his head. “I tied Bandit to a tree. Luna won’t ditch her boyfriend.”
“How do you know?”
“They’re herd mates and she’s loyal.”
My brown quirks. “Are you trying to imply something?”
“Wouldn’t mind if you came running to me.”
“Sorta did before you pounced from who knows where. Were you watching me look for you?” Not that I’ll admit to being worried.
“I’m very good at my job.” Colton grits out that last word like it tastes foul.
“Those talents don’t extend to games,” I chide. “You misunderstood the point, Cowboy.”
“Stalker,” he rasps.
I smile at his demand. “Such a stalker.”
He glares down at me. This close, I can see dark specks trying to invade his blue eyes. It reminds me of danger smothering light in shadows. How fitting.
But I’m beginning to suspect this tough guy has a gooey center. That’s totally my type, or who I picture myself truly falling for. My gaze sweeps across his features curiously. He’s still tan despite the cooler season, which isn’t fair. The attraction tugging at me isn’t either. Maybe if Colton’s nose wasn’t shoved so far up Brody’s ass, there could be more than stolen moments between us.
I settle for admiring him while he shamelessly stares at me in return. His cowboy hat is missing, exposing light brown hair that’s disheveled in a sexy style. I’m tempting to run my fingers through the short length and determine if there’s something soft about him. The scruff on his face looks coarse, much like the clench in his jaw. My palms choose that moment to wander. Chiseled slabs of muscle flex under my exploration. I trace the toned definition along his torso until he makes a strained noise as if he’s the one trapped. My hands drop flat to the grass.
“What’s my prize, Princess?” His voice is even gruffer than before.
I squish my lips to one side. “When did we decide you’re the winner?”
“From my perspective, it looks like I ended on top.” Colton glances down at me and a much more pleased sound rumbles from him.
“You’re really dominant, huh?”
“Would you prefer if I’m the one to surrender?”
The visual alone is comical, especially since he doesn’t budge. “Is that another joke?”
“Guess you bring out the funny side of me.” Yet his tone is completely deadpan.“Tell me what I win.”
I pull in another stilted breath. “What do you want?”
His stare burns into mine like a brand. “You.”
“Well, in case you didn’t notice, you’ve got me covered. I’m your helpless captive.”
“We both know that isn’t true.”
“Would you like me to pretend?” I bat my lashes, slipping into the role of a damsel in distress. “Oh, no. You caught me. How will I escape? It seems impossible.”
His answering groan is guttural and he shifts against me. “That’s right, Princess. I’ve got you right where I want you.”
It’s not far-fetched—I’m completely at his mercy. “Will you let me go if I surrender?”
“No.”
