Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 73664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
We watch in silence as he drives off.
Miles heads to my car, opens the door and drops into the seat. He grunts because his knees don’t fit under the steering wheel. Reaching down, he uses the lever and pushes the seat back. “If there isn’t any hydrolock, this should start right up. Good thing it’s an older model and not electronic based.”
He tries the ignition and it does start. Miles looks to me and winks.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. A little detailing and it’ll be as good as new,” he calls. “Although if you let me spend a little time with this baby, I’ll have it all tricked out.”
Chance tosses Austin the keys to his big truck.
“I’ll ride with Miles…if I can fit.” He gives me a smile and a wink and then folds himself into my passenger seat.
Miles does a U-turn and heads back to the ranch.
“Do they remind you of two clowns in a circus car?” Austin asks as he pulls me into his side.
We’re left alone in the middle of the road along with the roar of the swollen creek.
Austin pulls me close. Holds me tightly, almost too tightly, but I don’t care.
We’re soggy and he’s remarkably warm and perfect. He kisses the top of my head.
“Woman, you scared ten years off my life. Fuck.”
“I’m sorry. I—”
“Don’t be sorry. You didn’t do anything wrong. Except leave my side. I think the best thing is to never let you out of my sight. Or my hold.”
I nuzzle his damp shirt. “I think that’s a good idea.”
“Your dad doesn’t hate me.”
There is a mixture of surprise and wonder in his voice, the same that I feel.
“I know. I think we should celebrate.”
“I’m game. How?” he asks.
“A shower,” I reply. With his body heat warming my front, the rest of me is starting to chill.
Austin laughs and I feel it through our joined chests.
“Perfect idea.”
“Especially since I’m not to leave your hold.”
He pushes me back just enough so he can lean down. Our eyes meet. “Got something in mind?”
I smile. “So many things.”
“Will we have enough hot water for all of them?”
32
AUSTIN
* * *
Thirty minutes later, our wet clothes are a soggy pile on my bathroom floor. Steam billows from the hot water. I’ve got my hands in Carly’s long hair, working the shampoo into a thick lather.
I have her where I want her. With me and safe. I see every inch of her, know she’s not hurt, doesn’t even have a bruise—only the scars, the scars that make her who she is. The dirt and tiny pebbles that clung to her clothes and body washed down the drain.
My dick is long and hard and aches to be in her, but it’s not his turn. I need to tend to my woman.
Then I’ll sink into her and make sure she knows she’s mine.
“Did you hear more about your mom?” she asks.
If there’s one sentence that stalls my need to claim her, it’s that one. Talking about my mother and the fact that she fell. And that I’m not there with her.
I still feel torn, pulled between those I love.
Carly’s whole and safe, and the dead body can’t get any deader.
“The surgery was successful. Usually, it’s an outpatient procedure, which is a little insane, but she’ll spend the night and then go to rehab.”
She turns in my arms and I tip her head back beneath the spray. Her eyes are closed as I rinse the suds.
“You want to be there.”
I look down at her, the water droplets sliding down her cheeks. Her full mouth. I can’t resist. I kiss her gently and then finish rinsing the last of the shampoo from her hair.
“I do. But when you meet her, you’ll understand. She’s stubborn. Muleheaded. She doesn’t want someone looming over her or being coddled.”
She reaches up, wipes her hair, and then turns from the spray. “Sounds familiar.”
“Mmm,” I say, looking over every inch of her perfection.
“You can go back,” she prompts.
“With Miles and Chance in tow. And you, because I’m not leaving you behind to get into any other mischief.”
She sputters and then laughs. “Then maybe she can come here. Visit or stay awhile. You said she can’t be a pilot any longer.”
I can’t help but smile at her thoughtful spirit. “I’m sure she’ll like the idea, but even if she’s grounded, she won’t want to leave the business for long. She’s a real taskmaster.”
Carly reaches up and cups my neck with her hand. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
Mom will love Carly, no question. Her idea’s a good one, having Mom come here to the ranch.
“I’ll bring up the idea with her. Later.”
My hands begin to roam, and I reach to shut off the water.
I snag Carly’s hand and pull her from the shower. I don’t waste time drying either of us off and tug her all the way to my bed.