Page 47 of The Texas Sterling Collection
I brushed my face with the soft end of Wyl’s braid. I loved the feel of his hair against my skin. “I’m glad you didn’t give up on me.”
“Me too, babe. I’m sorry for running away. On the drive back to Blackfield, I thought about what made me run and how unfair it was for me to let others control how I view myself. And after Walt helped me see what I wanted, I figured if I can’t be who I want to be, what’s the use in being anyone at all.” He sighed. “Then Dusty walked up to our table.”
I loved Wyl's recognition of how those past fears needed to be harnessed. “Let me help you deal with your memories of Dusty.” I let the braid fall and brushed my thumb across Wyl’s lower lip. “Soulmates depend on each other, which means always being there for support.”
Wyl sighed. “I never thought I would see Dusty again. His sudden appearance at the restaurant shocked me. His words today shouldn’t have hurt as they did. But his attitude reminded me of when he ended things with me. I couldn’t go through the devastation again, so I ran.”
“You did look like a tree was about to fall on you. And here I thought it was because you didn’t want to admit I was your boyfriend.”
“‘Boyfriend’ sounds adolescent. You’re much more than a boyfriend.” Wyl ran a finger across my eyebrow. “While I don’t think I’m ready forHe’s With Met-shirts, if anyone asks, I’ll tell them we are a couple.” Wyl sighed. “We are, aren’t we?”
I kissed his forehead. “Yeah, we are.”
“Good. And Dusty is in the past, so I can move on.” He sighed. “After Dusty treated me like shit in Germany, I figured he was out of my life for good.”
“We should follow up on the Italy thing. I found it odd when he brought it up.”
“I think so, too.” Wyl gazed at me. “I'll contact my old commander and share what Dusty said. He’ll do the investigating.”
“Sounds good.” I was relieved Wyl knew someone to call.
Wyl toyed with one of my shirt buttons again. “You tugging me into your arms made me feel needed. Can you always hold me when I fall? Your arms protected me and calmed me.”
I nuzzled Wyl’s ear. “You’re my big, strong, brave Marine. And I love holding you.” I gave Wyl a gentle kiss, then rubbed noses. “We could have done this in Kerrville, you know.”
“I’m sorry.” Wyl sighed. “I fucked up again.”
“Stop apologizing. I came for you, didn’t I?”
Wyl leaned up for a quick kiss. “We’re making a habit of going after each other.”
“I don’t go after things I don’t want.” I kissed Wyl’s forehead again.
Wyl leaned back. “I don’t either, which should tell you something.”
“More than you realize.” I tugged at Wyl’s chin and gave him a peck on the lips. “So, are you up to going back to Kerrville? We still have time to ravish each other for a couple of days.”
Wyl ran his fingers through my short, soft hair. “I want to go back to your place and be with you. How about we mess up your bed again?” Wyl pulled me into a deeper kiss.
I broke the kiss, panting. “Our place and our bed…”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
WYL
We returned the rental car to San Angelo. And with fingers laced together, we headed for Kerrville. “I don’t deserve you.” My grip on Rod’s hand tightened, needing contact with Rod to stay with me. “Dusty’s betrayal years ago left a mark on my emotions like a Sterling brand on cattle. I guess I never recovered. When he stood at our table in Kerrville, I experienced his betrayal all over again. Especially when he spewed his hate at us. I’m sorry I ran.”
“My biggest fear is losing you,” Rod said. “And I need to do everything I can to assure you.”
“When I felt the bed dip, you pulled me into your arms and saidI’ve got you, all my fears vanished. Thanks for coming after me and telling me you loved me. I needed to hear those words, especially after this day from hell.”
Rod pulled our joined hands to his lips and kissed mine. “I remember someone else coming and gettinghis manand dragging him kicking and screaming back to the ranch.” Rod glanced at me. “And for the record, you could have any man or woman you wanted. I’m not sure why you latched onto me, but I’m glad you did.”
“Okay…so I don’t hold a patent on doing stupid stuff. But today, I figured out how much you mean to me.” I brought Rod’s hand to my lips and kissed each knuckle. “Thank you for being mine.”
“To quote my favorite Marine rancher,Boy howdy!”
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