Page 16 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

“Steve, a man just went to prison up in Motley County following her testimony at his rape trial. It may have something to do with that.” Steve knew that, too, of course, but again, Colt didn’t want Taylor knowing that he’d been looking into her background.

“Hmm. Did you get the phone number of the call? I could check that out, see if we can come up with a name.”

“Hang on a second and I’ll get it.” He told Taylor what he needed, and a moment later, he read the caller’s number back to the sheriff. It was a good thing that the guy hadn’t withheld his number. It was a pretty easy thing to do.

“OK, got it. I’ll get back with you when I find out something. You take care in the meantime.”

Colt walked over to the two women, and Shannon said, “How about some coffee all around?”

“I’ll get it,” Taylor said. “I tell you what, one of the things I’m most looking forward to is drinking coffee with caffeine in it again.” Then she said, “Grrr, make that after I finish breastfeeding.”

He followed her into the kitchen and watched her pop a pod into the coffee maker. Soon they were all three seated at the table sipping steaming liquid from their cups. He said, “I’m thinking whoever that was on the phone may not know where you live. I’m hoping that, anyway.”

He’d never seen anyone actually shudder before, but that’s what Taylor did. “God, I hope he doesn’t know where I live.”

She pulled out another chair and put her legs on it. She’d taken her shoes off at the door, and he could see that her feet were quite swollen.

“Would you let me rub your feet, Taylor? I know they must hurt something awful.” She’d seemed frightened since the voicemail came in despite the air of bravado that she was putting on, probably for her aunt’s sake. He’d do anything right now to drive that fear away, and maybe rubbing her feet would give her that comfort.

Her eyes widened, and she bit her lip as she met his gaze. After a few seconds, she said, “Thank you, Colt. My feet are killing me.” She wiggled her toes.

He moved his chair and put her feet in his lap. He heard a slight gasp, but when he looked up, she wouldn’t meet his gaze. Hands gentle, he began to rub the soles of her feet with his thumbs while his fingers softly massaged the tops of them.

A soft moan escaped her, and she leaned her head back against the chair.

Shannon quietly got up and left the room.

In silence he continued rubbing, gentling her soul as well as comforting her body. Her eyes closed, and her breathing slowed.

The corner of his mouth lifted. He’d driven the fear from her and given her peace. Her chin slowly dropped to her chest, and she slept. He caressed her arch, running the tips of his thumbs across the beautiful curve. Not many women had pretty feet, but Taylor did, even swollen as they were.

A little after midnight, Taylor woke, groggy and confused to find herself sitting in the kitchen with her feet in his lap. Then she wiggled her toes again. “Well, they sure feel better. Thanks, Colt.” She grimaced. “I guess my torturer never showed up, huh?”

He smiled. “Nope. All quiet on the home front. I’ll get going so you can get some shut eye in your own bed.”

She stood up as he rose to his feet. Without speaking, she slipped her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest, hugging him for the longest time. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. Lord, she felt good. So sweet. So trusting.

When she drew back, she said, “Thanks for everything, Colt.” She gave him a crooked smile. “You’re my savior.”

He grinned. “I’m hardly that, but you’re welcome.”

As he drove home, he wondered—was she ready to begin a relationship? Maybe not, but tonight had drawn them closer in a special way. He smiled and rested his hand on the steering wheel. He could wait. He had all the time in the world to wait.

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