Page 35 of Wyoming Cowboy Undercover

Brian unhooked his holstered weapon from his hip and handed it to Rocco. “I’ll leave you to it. If you don’t make headway, Becca will want to give it a go.”

“Yeah, I figured.”

“I understand that it might be difficult, especially after whatever you two just went through,” Brian said, gesturing to the bathroom, “but you can’t go easy on her. You’ve got to push hard for answers.Tonight.We only have two days left.”

No one needed to remind him what he was already painfully aware of—that they were almost out of time. “I got it covered.”

“Nash wants to see you first thing in the morning. And so that you know, I’ll be at USD all day tomorrow with Charlie. I won’t let anything happen to her.”

That went without saying. Rocco not only trusted Brian with his life, but Charlie’s as well.

Brian clasped a hand on his shoulder and gave him a sympathetic look before leaving.

The water stopped running in the bathroom. A minute later, Mercy opened the door and steam wafted around her. She stepped out, wearing a tee and black leggings. He couldn’t help but notice that she didn’t have a bra on.

Get a grip. You’re more than a man. You’re an ATF agent.

“You should eat,” he said, diverting his gaze. “I’m going to clean up.” He hurried past her into the bathroom and closed the door.

Hanging from the shower rod were her bra and panties. The sight of them was a jarring reminder that she wore nothing under her clothes.

With a firm shake of his head, he snapped himself out of it and started the water.

If he could’ve eaten while he showered, he would have. He zipped through cleaning up, soaking up the warmth from the hot water, and threw on a T-shirt, boxer briefs and sweatpants.

In the bedroom, Mercy had placed a spare blanket on the floor and set out the food like a picnic. She sat cross-legged, waiting for him.

“I told you to eat. I know you’re hungry.”

“I’ve always eaten with my family.”

She looked so fragile, fresh-faced with pink cheeks and a gentle smile.

To call her vulnerable was an understatement. All of this was new to her, from wearing anything besides white to eating outside her commune. He would have given anything to wait until the morning to tell her the truth, but Brian was right.

He sat beside her. “Do you want half of my burger?” He wasn’t sure offering it was being nice or offensive.

Frowning, she shook her head. “Just because I’m not on the compound doesn’t mean I want to eat meat.”

What did it mean, then? She wasn’t ready to give up the ways of her commune, but she was out beyond the compound with him for a reason. “Do you want to say your blessing?”

“Yes.” She took his hand. “Thank you for the gift of this meal to sustain us. May it nourish our bodies and fuel our ability to make this a better world. And thank you for keeping Rocco safe.”

Not only had she included him, but she’d cut the blessing short, leaving out the bits that had secretly made him uncomfortable.

He stared down at her small hand resting on his. Soaked in how good it felt. Too good. He looked up and met her blue eyes. Neither of them said a word. The moment stretched out, thinning until it snapped. Then it was over.

She tried the soup first and next tasted the sandwich while he dug into his burger and fries. He had to force himself not to inhale the food and slow down. Even taking his time, he finished before she’d gotten to the second half of her sandwich.

“Why did you leave with me?” he asked, needing to know what this was about for her. Whatever she needed—time, freedom, space, a new life—he wanted to make sure she got it.

Putting her sandwich down, she shrugged. “I wanted to make sure you got away safely and...” Her voice trailed off as she shifted, facing him. She cupped his cheeks in both hands, brushing his goatee with her thumbs. “I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.”

The scent of her—clean and sweet—tempted him to draw closer.

But she was the one to move in. She swallowed hard, then slid her hands into his damp hair. Pulled his head toward hers, taking his mouth in a tentative kiss—a ghosting of lips that sent his heart instantly throbbing.

He longed to curl his arms around her, sinking into the feel of her. To drag her against him, lie her down on the bed and plunder. He longed to touch her soft skin and find out if she smelled so good all over. Longed to see her eyes grow dark with desire and heavy with satisfaction.

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