Page 10 of Tangled Kisses
Universe, give me a damn break.
I wave a hand in the man’s general direction, refusing to meet his gaze. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.”
Now please, for the love of God, walk away.
Seems my blasé response isn’t good enough. He strolls over, cowboy boots stopping just inches from where I sit before he crouches down. Then, in a move that would get him slapped by any woman back east, he slides a finger beneath my chin, tilting my face until my eyes lock with his.
First thought?How dare he touch me?
Second thought, immediately on the heels of the first? Holy hell. Gorgeous doesn’t even cover it.
The man can’t be a day over thirty—tall, tan, and lean. He’s dressed casually in low-slung jeans and a cowboy hat tipped low over his brow, his chiseled, stubbled jaw and dimpled smile fully on display.
Meanwhile, I’m covered in dust and road grime. Perfect.
“You sure? ’Cause it kind of looks like your suitcase just took you down.”
“Sorry, what?” It’s the best answer I can manage considering the circumstances, and even that’s an effort.
He pushes the hat back on his head, which is a terrible idea for my already addled brain, because now I see his entire face. Unfair. That much beauty in one man should be illegal. A lock of dark brown hair falls forward into his bright blue eyes, only upping the ante of his sex appeal.
And that’s exactly the problem. Men this beautiful are dangerous. Vander was proof of that. Gorgeous smile, charming words, rotting core. This one is likely no different—and my heart can’t afford another charming asshole. Not now. Not ever.
“I asked if you were okay. You look a bit out of sorts.” His head tilts, with a hint of amusement tugging at his mouth. One forearm drapes over a bent knee, easy, unhurried—like he’s in no rush to move, like he’s oddly comfortable watching me squirm.
Snapping out of my lust-filled reverie, I shake my head, clearing away any lascivious images of this handsome stranger. “That’s an understatement. I’m a hot mess.”
He chokes back a laugh, his smile in full force. “Well, that was honest. First time here?”
“Is it obvious?”
“A bit, but don’t worry. Capri will show you around and introduce you to all the residents. You’ll feel right at home in no time. That’s our goal here at the Rockin’ Rodeo Ranch.”
Why does he sound like he’s selling me on the place? I’m here. It’s miles away from the tattered remnants of my former life. Trust me, I’m sold.
“Good to know.” I shoot Chowder a look as he cries at the car window. “Now you want out? Figures.”
“You brought your cat?” The man looks genuinely perplexed.
“You’d rather I leave him in New York? Piper said it was okay. Is Capri going to mind?” My chest squeezes at the thought of retracing every mile back across the country. Bratty or not, this furball and I are a package deal.
“Breathe, darlin’.” He extends a hand and hauls me to my feet before righting my suitcase like it weighs nothing. “Whatever keeps you calm, I guess. Everyone’s got their thing.”
“Thanks?” My tone lands somewhere between grateful and baffled. Odd thing to say.
His mouth quirks as he leans against my car. “You drove all the way from New York?”
“Flying wasn’t an option. Too much stuff, too much… baggage.” My eyes flick to the mountain of suitcases in my vehicle.
He nods toward them with a glint of amusement. “Looks like you packed for more than a weekend.”
“Three months’ worth.” I fold my arms, heat rising to my cheeks. “At least that’s the plan.”
His gaze lingers, unreadable beneath the brim of his hat. “And you know Piper?”
I plant my hands on my hips. “Why do I feel like I’m in the middle of the Inquisition?” To be fair, I’m not remotely intimidating—especially since I’m at least a head shorter than him, but my manners evaporated somewhere near Indiana. Right now, I want a shower, food, and a bed—not necessarily in that order. “Piper is my sister.”
Realization flashes across his face. He pulls the hat off his head, raking a hand through his hair. “You’re Reese?”
