LOGINGeorgia dodged dancers on her way back to the booth.Stephanie stirred the ice cubes in her glass and watched her approach. “Jamie had to bail. Issues with her sister.”At least she wouldn’t have to break the news to Jamie that Tell had left.“I saw you talking to Jamie’s mystery guy.”“So you didn’t know the hot cowboy Jamie was going on about…was Tell McKay?”Stephanie’s eyes became enormous behind her purple glasses. “Seriously? Jamie never said his name.” She groaned. “Then again, she did say she wasn’t the type to kiss and tell.”Georgia choked on her vodka tonic.“I shouldn’t be surprised. That’s how karma works.”“Karma? What are you talking about?”“You. Running into Tell McKay. He always had a crush on you. But you were too busy being Deck’s girlfriend to notice.”Wrong. She had noticed. But it wasn’t like she could’ve acted on it. Deck had been insanely jealous, and enough bad blood had lingered between Deck and Tell in rodeo club that she hadn’t wanted to add to it.“Tell w
His lips nibbled down her jawline to the column of her throat. “My brother was only staying with me temporarily. So it’d just be you and me. I’ll be the only one to hear you moan when I do this.” Tell parted his lips and sucked on the sweep of skin where her neck met her shoulder.“God. You’re good at that.” She bared her entire throat.“At what?”“Seducing me with your mouth and the words flowing from it.”He chuckled against her neck. “So is that a yes, pretty—”“Jamie?”Tell froze. He recognized that smoky voice. Soft, sweet, unbelievably sexy. Been a while since he’d heard it. He lifted his head, but kept his face shadowed beneath the brim of his hat.“Can’t you see I’m a little busy?” Jamie said crossly.“I wouldn’t bother you, but Stephanie told me to tell you that your sister has called your cell about ten times. She thinks you oughta call her back in case it’s an emergency.”Jamie stepped away from him, warning, “Don’t go anywhere.”“I’ll be right here, waitin’ on you.” As soo
“All right.” Cutter was a good judge of character, so she’d take his word on that.“That’s my girl.” He smiled her way, then they stepped off the back patio together.As they crossed the lawn, Brea clung to his hand. She’d always been shy around new people, men especially. Thankfully, every one of his teammates smiled as they approached. Josiah, whose voice told her he wasn’t from around here, seemed nice. Zyron and Trees both had Southern gentlemen’s manners, though charm rolled off Zy’s tongue while Trees seemed content to let his pal do the talking.No denying each of them was fit, sharp, interesting, and attractive. But none sparked her interest. Honestly, that was all right. Like Cutter had said, there was more to life than getting married. Still, she couldn’t lie. She’d looked forward to being some man’s wife since she was a little girl. Her friends had all left Sunset to pursue their ambitions of becoming doctors or actresses or teachers. And that was lovely—for them. Even if i
Finally, he had her cornered. He intended to tear down every last damn obstacle between him and her.Right now.For months, she’d succumbed to fears, buried her head in the sand, even lied. He’d tried to be understanding and patient. He’d made mistakes, but damn it, he’d put her first, given her space, been the good guy.Fuck that. Now that he’d fought his way here, she would see the real him.One-Mile slammed the door of his Jeep and turned all his focus on the modest white cottage with its vintage blue door. As he marched up the long concrete driveway, his heart pounded. He had a nasty idea how Brea’s father would respond when he explained why he’d come. The man would slam the door in his face; no maybe about that. After all, he was the bad boy from a broken home who had defiled Reverend Bell’s pretty, perfect daughter with unholy glee.But One-Mile refused to let Brea go again. He’d make her father listen…somehow. Since punching the guy in the face was out of the question, he’d hav
“Seems longer, doesn’t it?” “Mmm-hmm.” Ben peered into her eyes. “I’m here whenever you’re ready to take that next step. I’m a patient man.” “Except for when you’re not.” He smirked. “Well, there is that.”Ainsley pecked him on the lips. “I want to be with you too, Ben. And I know in my heart we will be together, sooner rather than later. But we have a few serious, major things to discuss before that day comes.” Ben didn’t like how she’d dropped her gaze. Instead of commanding her to look at him, he tipped her chin up and saw uneasiness swimming in her eyes. “Give me an example of a major thing.” “Like…you’re a dog person and I’m a cat person.” “Well, that is a deal breaker. Who ever heard of cats and dogs living together in harmony?” Ben chuckled and smooched her nose. “Try again.”“I don’t know anything about ranching.” “I don’t know anything about banking, so that one’s a wash too.” “I’m older than you.” “So?”“So?” she repeated. “I’m the older, clichéd divorced woman.” “I
Ben tugged Ainsley upright and took her mouth in a savage kiss. He owned each breath, each exhalation, each tongue tangling thrust. And when he thought his head might explode, he broke his lips free from hers. “That little taste isn’t enough.”“Ben—”“God, woman, I’m dyin’ for you, but not until we talk this through. All of it.”“You and that blasted talking.” She nuzzled his cheek. “Okay. But let’s talk fast. Rielle told me what happened. You should know…I had words with her.”“What kind of words?”“Words that made it plain I wouldn’t stand for her hurting you.” Ainsley’s fingers were gently scraping against three days worth of beard growth on his face. “I know you, Ben. Her betrayal of your friendship hurt worse than Gavin buying the land.”This woman saw so much, she knew him so much better than he’d imagined.“Been a rough week for you. I cut you loose. You were let down by your brother and your friend.” She paused. “And you resigned from the Rawhide Club.”“News travels fast. Lay
The two watched as the last pail was brought up and the tub brimmed with water. Steam rose in rapid puffs, and Keeley’s eyes rolled back in her head as she imagined getting in.“Well, I’ll leave you to it, lass. Gannon will be outside, so call if you need anything.”Keeley’s cheeks burned. “Gannon! I
“Turn around,” he ordered.She blinked in confusion and looked behind her. She was on the bed. What did he mean?“On your hands and knees. Face away from me,” he said.Even as she went to do his bidding, he helped her get awkwardly on her knees as she turned to face the wall. He urged her backward, eas
He laughed bitterly. “Yeah, I was just a dumb kid. I must have misunderstood.” He peeled her off his body and stood. He’d lock himself in the men’s room for a while until he got himself under control. Surely she wouldn’t follow him there.Aggie shoved him back down on the bench. His back hit the fall
She ran her hands up his back and he shuddered, gasping softly. She’d discovered his most sensitive erogenous zone, but either she didn’t notice his reaction or didn’t care. She clung to his shoulders, vocalizing her pleasure in the back of her throat.After a few minutes, he said, “I think it’s time







