Page 38 of Cowboy Under Siege

Though he only knew a portion of her story, he understood what that admission cost her. His muscles leaped, at the ready to close the gap between them. A frisson of energy rolled over him, but he forced himself to stand still. He couldn’t risk scaring her with his overprotective urges.

“We’re going to figure it all out.” He hoped his voice sounded soothing.

She took a sip of coffee almost as if it had become a prop—a way to keep her hands busy. “So you’re holding a meeting here.”

“Not exactly the purpose, but I’m sure there will be discussions.”

Her eyes fixed on his. “You should know I’m not used to being so social.”

“You seemed to get along just fine with the rodeo people.”

“It’s not only the idea of being with your colleagues.” She sucked in a breath and continued. “I don’t spend the night with men.”

But she’d spent the night withhim.

He shrugged it off. “You mean you cuddled up with your weighted blanket instead.”

Her smile was quick and lovelier than ever, making it impossible for him not to act.

In two steps he reached her. Her lips fell open in surprise—or anticipation. Hooking his arm around her middle, he pulled her flush against him. “I think you need more cuddle time.”

She giggled and shoved him away. “You better get used to treating me like your ward or you’ll be arguing with your brothers again.”

He bowed his head over her hair to drink in the scent. “My brothers have no room to talk. And you’re so damn hard to stay away from.”

A puff of air rushed past her lips. Her beautiful eyes were filled with all the haunting secrets collided with his for three…long…heartbeats.

Forcing himself back a step, he tried for a normal interaction for a change. “Can I fix you something to eat?”

She visibly composed herself and lifted the mug. “I don’t eat breakfast. This is all I need. What’s for lunch?”

“Burgers on the grill.”

“I’ll look forward to them. In the meantime, I’m going to hit the shower.” She raised her mug again in farewell.

He watched her walk away, hips swaying. Just knowing the treasure that lay between those thighs had his balls gripping.

Most women in her situation would become a basket case, but Trinny appeared to be in total control.

It was also a total ruse. He saw straight through her, right down to the way she tapped her pinky finger against the side of her thigh.

When she reached the hall, she tossed a backward glance his way. He gripped the edge of the granite counter so hard he wouldn’t be surprised if it snapped off in his hand.

Trinny wasn’t making this easy on him….and in his line of work, that was sayinga lot.

ChapterEight

After deciding on a bath instead of a shower and soaking in hot, fragrant water until it started to grow cold, Trinny felt marginally more herself. She wrapped her body in a thick, plush towel and another around her wet hair and was just searching through the basket filled with guest supplies when a rap on the door made her jump.

Please don’t let it be Jaren.

Please let it be Jaren.

Her core squeezed at the thought of him walking into the bathroom and finding her swathed in nothing but a towel.

She really had an obsession with Jaren, didn’t she? She found it far too difficult to stay away from him for even a few minutes.

A lurid image filled her head—Jaren pushing the door open and propelling her backward, his lips scorching hers as he lifted her onto the vanity and spread her legs.

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