Page 46 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

Chapter Twelve

Taylor sat on the couchsnuggled against Colt’s chest. His arm around her felt comforting and safe. They were both quiet, each thinking their own thoughts, but it felt okay that way.

She couldn’t bear to think about what might be happening to JJ. Only Colt’s strong arms, his body, and the security it offered stood between her and abject terror. Her best hope was that the young woman, Jen, had seemed like a kind person. Surely she would be good to JJ if she was allowed.

That was what scared her, though. Jeb was an awful, hateful person. Would he do the right thing for her baby? Would he make sure that Jen had what she needed to take good care of JJ? A cold shiver ran through Taylor.

Colt’s arm tightened around her. “Are you okay?”

“I’m just worried about JJ. I’m scared about what’s happening to him right now. I can’t get it out of my head.” Her voice was shaking, and she swallowed hard to bring herself back under control. It did no good to get upset.

“I can’t even imagine how you’re coping with this.” He placed a soft kiss on her temple. “Just hang in there. We’ll get through this, and we’ll get him back.”

She closed her eyes, letting his words sink into her heart. Thank God she had him and his strength. She couldn’t even imagine going through this without him by her side. She took his hand. “Colt, thank you for everything. It means so much to me that you’re going through this with me.”

He squeezed her fingers. “Honey, I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

She closed her eyes then, and made her mind be still. She let his strong energy seep into her, let it calm her and give her courage. Soon she became drowsy, and she said softly, “Will you stay with me again tonight?”

He placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. “Of course. Are you ready for bed?”

She sighed deeply. “I think so.”

“You go on, then. I’ll be in shortly.”

She’d showered that morning and was too exhausted to go through that routine again, so after brushing her teeth, she slipped into a sleep shirt and crawled into bed. After a moment, she slid to the other side of the bed, making room for Colt. She closed her eyes and let herself relax, something that was much easier now that she knew he would soon be with her.

She turned on her side to face the door and wondered if he enjoyed sleeping in her bed. What did he think of her? How did he really feel about her? She swallowed. Did he want to make love to her when he held her in his arms in this bed? Did shewanthim to make love to her?

A thrill of sensual excitement rippled through her. A part of her wanted that, and yet another part of her wanted to keep what was between them simple and sweet. At least until JJ was returned to them.

JJ... How could she be thinking these thoughts when her baby was somewhere with an animal like Jeb? She shivered and let out an anxious breath. No, those things would have to wait until she had her tiny boy back safe and sound.

The door opened, and Colt came in wearing a pair of athletic shorts. As he slipped into the bed, she inhaled his clean scent. He’d showered before coming to bed, and the freshness smelled amazing..

He reached for her. “Come here, honey. Turn over so I can hold you.”

She scooted next to him and then turned and pressed her back to his broad chest. He slipped his arms around her and pulled her close.

“That’s better,” he said quietly and brushed her hair back from her cheek. “You sleep now, and don’t you worry about anything. We’re going to get JJ back, and our baby is going to be just fine.”

Her heart thumped hard in her chest. What had he said? “Our baby?” God, what a precious man he was. She moved, snuggling herself more closely against him. She couldn’t get enough of him.

He sucked in a breath and tightened his arms around her. She realized that she was pressed against the hardening length of him. Damn, she hadn’t meant to do that. She held perfectly still. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be a tease. You’re just such a good man, and I love it when you hold me.”

He chuckled hoarsely. “I understand. That part of me has a mind of its own. Just ignore it.”

She laughed softly and brought his fingers to her lips. “Thank you for understanding, Colt.”

He kissed her hair. “Goodnight, honey. Wake me if you have bad dreams.”

But she wouldn’t. Not tonight. Not in her strong cowboy’s arms.

***

The next morning, Coltanswered the knock at the door. It was Agent Evans, who had called earlier to see if he might come out and interview them again. “Come in,” Colt said. “I’ll tell Taylor you’ve arrived. Please have a seat.”

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