@ropesandchainsexciteme
Hmm, does that mean you’re opposed to me pulling it?
Heat crawls up my spine. I sneak a look at Sam and see that he’s still on his phone. A sudden, gripping fear spikes in my veins that he could be Ropes.
I clear my throat. “Um, who are you texting?”
He doesn’t look at me. “Duke. He’s coming over to help me brand the steers.”
A sigh escapes my lips. Silly thought.
“Who are you texting?” he asks.
I lift my chin. “Ben. He’s taking me out again this week, andyouare not to interfere.”
He chuckles. “Is that right?”
A spark of anger ignites in my chest. I stab at my food. “I’ve been trapped in this house with you all week long. Whoever wrote the letter isn’t going to do anything to me in broad daylight.”
He grabsmyhalf-full glass of water that’s sitting on the counter, lifts it to his lips, and gulps it down. I watch his Adam’s apple bob until he finishes it and places it back on the counter.
Drinking my water shouldn’t be that hot. I need help.
“I told your brother I wouldn’t let you leave this ranch without me. If you do, you’re gonna get my ass kicked.”
I sigh dramatically. “Now there’s an idea.”
The corner of his mouth quirks up marginally. The conversation I had with Ropes about kicking Sam’s ass has me picturing it. Unfortunately, based on the size of Sam and the biceps bulging out of his shirt, Ropes had better be a big guy with experience fighting.
One can only hope.
“I have to work the cows in the far back pasture today, so you’ll need to come with us.”
“Sorry, I’m busy.” I look back down at my phone and start furiously texting Rosie about how unjust and unfair my captivity at Moonlight Ranch has become.
“Listen.”
I jolt when I hear his voice directly in my ear and feel his warm breath on my cheek.
“I know you’re mad at me, but there’s no reason to throw a temper tantrum.” His body heat is so near that I shiver. “If youkeep acting up, I’ll have to bend you over my knee and fix your attitude the old-fashioned way, John Wayne–style.”
Goose bumps pepper my skin as he stands up straighter and walks out the back door. My jaw gapes at his retreating ass, highlighted by his worn-out Wrangler jeans.
“I know you’re mad at me,”he said.
Oh, it’s on. Sam doesn’t know it yet, but he just started a war. I am mad at him, but I’m mostly embarrassed that I want him and heknowsit. He struts around his ranch, looking all moody and sexy in his jeans and boots with sweat dripping all over, playing with his stupid rope all damn day.
He needs to feel the heat I’m feeling. He needs to feel therejectionI’m feeling.
I march up the stairs and throw open the closet door. I have just the thing to wear to watch them work cows, and when he sees me in it, Sam Seymour will know exactly how it feels to be me.
It’s a warm day,and I’m getting a tan in all kinds of fun places as I strut out toward the arena where the guys are gathering. Sam’s warning for menot to dress like thataround his ranch hands brings a sadistic smile to my lips.
The top I changed into has a corset bodice that emphasizes my breasts. It’s a pale pink cotton fabric, dipping down into a V and giving me cleavage that nothing besides padding and contoured boning can give.
It stops just above my navel, leaving my stomach exposed. It has loose, off-the-shoulder sleeves with cute little pink bows oneach side. I paired it with the shortest denim miniskirt I own that leaves very little to the imagination. My best features are my small waist and round ass, and they’re both looking fantastic. To complete the look, I put on my pink cowboy hat with a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses. My hair is in big waves around my shoulders, and the muted peachy lipstick I dabbed on makes my plump lips stand out.
My white cowgirl boots kick up dust as I near the arena. A few of the ranch hands have already started to turn and gawk at me. I brought my big tumbler with cherry decals on it, filled with Diet Cherry Coke, and tucked my e-reader under my arm.
