“Tell me.”
His lips brush mine again before he whispers, “Everything.”
My love for him swirls inside me. It’s not the same crush I’d held onto for decades. It’s not the infatuation and the daydreams. Being with Nash for real has allowed genuine feelings to grow. The type that never go away and nothing or no one can ever erase. “Make love to me,” I whisper.
For once, Nash takes his time removing our clothes and sinking inside me. Our pace is slow. Our connection is like nothing I’ve ever felt with anyone. I never want this moment to end. I never want to lose him.
We come together, his name on my lips and mine on his. Only when he’s cleaned us, pulling me into his chest, does he speak again. “I’m mad at you, Andromeda.”
A jaw-cracking yawn stretches my mouth wide. “Why?”
“I wanted to say, I love you first.” He kisses my knuckles, pulling the blankets up over us.
“But I—” Pushing up to my elbow, I’m ready to argue that my confession from a year ago doesn’t count as I glare down at him. But I stop when he flashes his teeth in an eye-crinkling smile. “It’s about time.”
Chapter 37
Nash
The last thing a distributor ever wants is for something to go wrong on rodeo night. This weekend has been an absolute catastrophe. In all the years I’ve assisted Pop, something like this has never happened. Never have I felt so weighed down by circumstances I couldn’t have controlled, yet will reflect on me regardless.
Anything that could go wrong, did.
At the gym this morning, some asshole didn’t secure his weights, and the thing went flying into my arm. River put me in a sling.
We found one of the horses lethargic in the stables, and the vet is still examining him.
Two of our bulls, which were shoe-ins for the professional tournaments, underperformed. Given my current luck, I’ll likely receive a call saying they’re no longer wanted.
My fucking arm is throbbing. The handful of Tylenol I popped is doing nothing to ease the pain. And the tension coiling my shoulders tight is only making it worse.
I’m worn out and on the edge of losing my shit as I wander back to the barn. Fortunately, the night is over, and I can just go the fuck home and sleep it off. But damn, this was not how I wanted to close out the season when everything in my life seems to be aligning.
“Rough night out there,” a voice calls from across the barn. My head pops up in search of the source.
“That’s putting it nicely,” I grunt in Reed’s direction. The guy is one of the best damn bull-fighters I’ve ever met. He’s quick on his feet and can anticipate not only the bull’s moves but also the riders and his counterparts.
For a guy who comes from wealthy northern roots and never stepped foot on a ranch before he came here, he’s a natural. We’ve grabbed a beer a few times with Gray and some of the other ranch hands, so I know all about him. If he keeps himself fit and young, he’ll have a nice, long career here.
But tonight, I’m hoping he doesn’t ask me to join them at the Thirsty Pony. I need my bed and my woman. That’s it.
He comes to a stop in front of me. His blue eyes are a colder version of mine with their faded hue. They remind me of ice and unforgiveness, yet he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. “If it’s any consolation,” he drops a palm to my good shoulder. “I heard a few bigwigs out there want to meet you. They were impressed with your professionalism.”
Usually, I’ll hang back for a few minutes, shake hands, and mingle as necessary. But not tonight. The performances and my pain had me too much on edge. The vet diagnosed our horse with an infection, so he will probably miss the rest of the season. There’s nothing left in me to give these people tonight.
“Nash! You in here? Nash!” Betty’s voice settles my soul as she comes waltzing around the corner.
“I’ll see you later,” Reed waves behind him.
“Bye,” Betty calls after him. “Hey, how’s the pain?” She runs her palm over my free arm, her eyes soft as they search mine. Why does her touch have this dual effect on me? She riles me up and calms me down. With her around, none of the bad shit matters. It’s just her and me.
“Hurts like hell, but I’m better now that you’re here.” She only rolls her eyes, swatting my chest as I curl away from her, chuckling. “Really, though.” I kiss her knuckles the way I often do. “I’m always better with you around.”
Her grin spreads so wide her eyes become slits in the overhead barn lights. “Me too. But I’m here on strict orders from your father.”
“My father?” I cock a brow.
“Mmhmm. I’m taking you home. He’ll be here in a few to wrap everything up.”
