Page 12 of Tangled Kisses
Then, out of nowhere, his hand lifts. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, fingertips grazing the curve of it, and a shiver darts down my spine.
“Trust me,” he murmurs, “you’re beautiful—even now.”
The words lodge in my chest, unsettling and warm all at once.Even now.
In dust-coated sweats. With my hair sticking out in wild directions. Glasses sliding down my nose. Not a stitch of makeup to hide behind—unless you count the fine layer of road dust painting every inch of me.
And yet he keeps staring. Even with his hat tipped low, his gaze drifts back to me, lingering like he finds something worth admiring.
Plenty of men have gawked at me over the years, but never like this—never when I’m dressed like roadkill with prescription lenses.
I like this twist.
Hell, I like this man, even if he’s a total stranger.
He straightens, a slight grimace tugging at his face as his attention shifts beyond me. Turning, I watch a top-of-the-line Mercedes rolling up the drive. Out steps a middle-aged woman wrapped in silk and dripping jewelry.
What an odd getup for a ranch.
Chowder’s new best friend—aka the hunk of burning love—tips his hat in farewell. “I have to go, but let me know if you need any help settling in. I’m handy with heavy boxes and furniture.”
“That’s a very kind offer. Thank you.”
Do I focus my gaze on his ass as he walks away?
Damn right I do. And it’s not just the view—it’s the saunter. That easy roll of his hips makes me tingle.
Handsome and nice. A killer combination.
The woman greets him with open arms, pressing her body flush against his. For a second I assume she’s his girlfriend, but the stiffness in his shoulders tells another story.
Probably one of those women who want the cowpoke experience while draped in furs and jewels.
Either way, his smile doesn’t reach his eyes as he offers her his arm and disappears inside.
Back to reality, Reese.
Myreality.
Chapter Four
Reese
Grabbing Chowder’s carrier, I head for the front door, pausing in the vestibule. Should I ring the bell or walk in? Apparently, they’re expecting me, but it seems rude to barge in uninvited.
“Screw it,” I mutter, pressing the bell.
Within moments, my sister opens the door, an excited squeal bursting out of her. “Reese! You’re here! And… you’re filthy. Did you walk here?”
I roll my eyes and push a dusty hank of hair from my face. “My suitcase decided to launch itself like a missile. Knocked me flat on my ass.”
“Sure. Likely story.” Piper steps aside, motioning me in. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up before you meet Capri.”
“Good idea. Can’t imagine meeting anyone else looking like this.”
“Who else have you met?”
“This cowboy outside. He’s apparently a cat whisperer, because Chowder loved him immediately.”
