Page 47 of The Cowboy's Baby Dare

I don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but the way I’m feeling about Josh beats every other crush or relationship I’ve ever had. It’s like I’m tumbling headfirst into a new world, and I wouldn’t be able to slow my momentum if I tried.

“He’s amazing,” I say, hoping that’s enough of an answer for now.

My parents’ house comes into view, their cars in the driveway. It’s still super early, and since it’s Saturday, there’s a good chance they aren’t even up yet.

“I should go,” I tell Riley. “I’ll text you later.”

“Okay! And Erin? I’m really happy for you.”

“Thank you.” Grinning ear to ear, I end the call and park the car, then just stare at the house.

I’m really not looking forward to walking in there and having my parents question where I was all night. Even though I’m a grown adult, the thought of looking at them and admitting that I spent the night at a man’s house is mortifying.

Which means there’s only one thing to do.

Gently and quietly closing my car door, I jog around the side yard and to the back windows. If I’m lucky, my parents never even noticed I didn’t come home last night. For all they know, I’ve been sleeping soundly in my room this whole time.

Holding my breath, I jiggle the downstairs’ bathroom window. To my luck, it’s unlocked.

In the most undignified manner possible, I clamber onto the windowsill and hoist myself through the window. I knock over a potted plant in the process and nearly bite the dust twice, but at least I manage to get into the house.

And my parents are none the wiser.

Muff is, though.

The little dog, standing in the doorway, barks maniacally at me.

“Muff,” I hiss. “Be quiet. Settle.”

The dog keeps barking, and I hurry up and close the bathroom door on it, then clean up the evidence of my break-in.

“Muff?” my mom calls from another part of the house.

Her footsteps reach the bathroom door, which Muff is still barking at. “Erin?”

“Yep,” I say, trying to sound as chill as possible. “It’s me. I’m in here.”

“Why is Muff barking at you?”

“Don’t know.” I strip out of my dress and grab my bathrobe, which, luckily, is hanging on the back of the door.

I open the door, my heart racing from the close call. My mom looks at me suspiciously. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just woke up early for a shower. I guess Muff is getting older and is confused.”

“Oh. Well, I’m going to make coffee.”

“Okay.” I smile politely.

Without another glance at me, Mom heads to the kitchen, Muff at her heels. I let out a sigh of relief and close the door. As I’m about to step into the shower, a chime goes off from my phone. It’s Josh — a text message that sends me swooning.

Hey, beautiful. Thinking about you already.

A wave of heat spreads through me as I read the text over and over again. My mind begins to drift as I get lost in imagining what it would be like to wake up next to him every morning, our bodies entwined and his hands caressing my body.

I quickly finish my shower and get ready for the day, my mind filled with thoughts of Josh and our night together. I’m nervous as I walk into the kitchen, but I’m happy to find that my parents are acting completely normal — just like any other morning.

“Good morning, sweetie.” My dad pours himself a cup of coffee. “Sleep well?”

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