Page 50 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

Colt stopped beforethey got to Memphis at a little town called Midway. He pulled over at a small motel and paid for a single room with a double bed. Sensing Taylor’s hesitancy as she prepared for bed, he gave her some privacy and headed for the vending machines.

When he returned to the room fifteen minutes later, she was snuggled under the covers. He went in and took a quick shower. When he emerged from the bathroom, he had on his usual pair of shorts. She’d eaten one of the candy bars he’d brought back to the room. “Ready for lights out?”

She nodded and pulled the covers up to her chin.

He flipped off the overhead lights, then sat on the edge of the bed. She turned toward him, her eyes sleepy in the soft light from the bedside lamp. He brushed a lock of hair from her cheek. “We’ll sleep in a bit in the morning and then have breakfast. How does that sound?”

She yawned and covered her mouth. “Fabulous. Just wake me when you do, okay?”

He smiled. “You got it.”

He turned off the lamp and slid into bed beside her. She scooted close to him, and he slipped his arm around her waist. It amazed him how wonderful she felt and how comfortable he was holding her in his arms.

Her hand caressed his chest and she said softly, “Good night, Colt. I’ll see you in the morning.”

His arms tightened around her, and he resisted the urge to kiss her forehead. “Good night. Sleep well.” He wanted to say and do so much more. His feelings for her had grown and matured into something much stronger than friendship. But now wasn’t the time to bring that up. Her thoughts, her whole focus, were on finding her baby and bringing him home.

And that was as it should be. When she held JJ in her arms again, when all danger had passed, when they were back at home in Texas, then he would tell her everything that was in his heart. But until that time, this would have to be enough.

***

Taylor thrilled atthe feel of Colt’s hard chest muscles under her hand. He was so strong and yet so gentle. Everything about him drew her in. His strength and his courage, his tenderness and his kindness. He was the perfect man—everything she’d ever dreamed of. Sleeping with him had filled one of her deepest needs. In his arms was the safety that she’d craved all her life and never had. Snuggled against him, she found peace and security and a sense of well-being for the first time.

She’d never known that she could feel this way. Waking up wrapped in his arms gave her a kind of joy that was unique and powerful. She’d begun to feel like a new version of herself, stronger, happier, and more courageous. It was as if her entire worldview had shifted.

Somehow, she knew that whatever they found when they got to Cumberland, Colt would deal with it. Together they would find JJ and bring him home.

She slid her arm around his waist and scooted closer, loving the feeling of his strong body against hers.

He ran his hand up and down her back sleepily and sighed deeply.

She smiled and breathed in his masculine scent of woodsy aftershave and spicy deodorant, loving his fresh scent after his shower. Tonight, as she did every night when he held her in his arms, she would sleep deeply and well. In her mind she said softly, “Good night, my love.”

***

Following his GPS instructions, Colt easily found the Cumberland police station. As he pulled up out front and parked, Taylor reached for his hand, a mixture of hope and anxiety in her eyes. He squeezed her fingers in reassurance. “Let’s go see what we can find out.”

It was after five, and when they went inside there was no one at the front desk.

Colt called out, “Hello?”

A moment later, a man in his fifties walked into the room. “Can I help you?”

Colt thrust out his hand. “I’m Colt Meadows, a deputy from Horsehead, Texas. I’m here about the Joshua James Benson kidnapping. Are you familiar with it?”

The man nodded. “Chief John Hensley. I’ve been working with the FBI and also with the Harlan County Sheriff on the kidnapping.” His glance strayed to Taylor.

She reached out her hand. “I’m Taylor Benson, JJ’s mother.”

The chief frowned as he shook her hand. “Ma’am, I’m not sure if this is a good place for you to be right now. You should be home. Law enforcement will handle this. And if the kidnappers call your cell, you need to be where it’s calm and safe.”

Taylor scowled. “Chief Hensley, if you’ve been briefed on the kidnapping, then you know that there won’t be a ransom demand. These men have no use for me. They plan on keeping my son. There will be no phone call.”

The chief tried again. “We have three law enforcement agencies working this kidnapping. Everything’s in good hands. I’m sorry, but having a family member this close to the investigation is not a good idea.”

“Chief Hensley, I assure you, I’m in firm control of my emotions. I’m licensed to carry in Texas and well able to help in the search.” Taylor’s voice had a dangerous edge. “You don’t know me, and I can assure you I am more than up to the task.”

“I can vouch for her, Chief. She won’t be a problem,” Colt said firmly, irritated with the Chief’s attitude and trying not to show it.

---