Page 35 of Perfect Cowboy

There’s no chance in hell I’m letting that happen.

“I’m not staying here with you,” I reply. “I’d rather sleep in my truck.”

If it comes down to it, that’s exactly what I’ll do and just hope that another passing vehicle doesn’t smoke me.

Savanna was right. I should have just sent a cop to save Ashley.

Tears pour down her cheeks, and she doesn’t even try to hide them. “At least let me make you some food. You can take it with you if you’re really going to insist on leaving.”

“No, I’m fine,” I reply, despite my rumbling stomach, “And I’m definitely leaving.”

“Gavin,pleasestay,” she begs. “It’s too dangerous out there.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

Chapter 10

Ashley

Shockgluesmyfeetto the floor, and Gavin is already opening the door to his truck before I’m able to chase after him.

No matter how much he hates me, he can’t leave now.

I wrap my hand around his wrist and he spins to face me. I can barely make out his features under the winter gear, but the anger lighting his shockingly blue eyes is clearly visible.

“Ashley, it’s freezing outside. You didn’t even put on a coat.”

He’s right and I’m already shaking out of control, but there was no time to waste when he chose to be so reckless.

“You can’t leave,” I say.

“Yes, I can. Now get back inside.”

“No!”

“Ashley, get inside the fucking cabin right now. You’re going to freeze to death.”

“I won’t! Not without you!”

“You’re not going to be able to find your way back if you stay out here much longer,” Gavin yells. “Go insideright now.”

“No!”

I slam the door of the truck and start tugging on his arm, desperately trying to make him follow me back inside where it’s safe.

“Ashley! Stop it! Let me go!”

“Gavin! No! I won’t!”

“Fuck’s sake.”

He wraps an arm around my waist and half-drags, half-carries me back to the cabin, kicking the door shut behind us.

It’s deliciously warm inside and the loud, steady thrum of the generator is strangely comforting instead of annoying.

The sound means power and safety.

Thanks to Gavin.

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