"Crazy cowboy?"I mutter, narrowing my eyes at her.She's definitely itching for another lesson.
She ignores me, naturally.I'm not even mad though.She's focused on her friend, worry evident in her expression.Fuck, she's the sweetest little thing.I think she'd crawl through hell for her friends if they asked it of her.It kills me to know no one has been taking care of her the same way.I'm guessing she hasn't even told me half of what her mother put her through…stillputs her through.I doubt she's told her friends the whole truth either.
"You, sweetie," she says to her friend, her voice soft and full of concern."I wanted to tell you before you saw them yourself."
How anyone can look at this incredible woman and see anything less than perfection is beyond me.She's been in my life for a matter of weeks, and she's already the best part of it.If her mother doesn't appreciate her for the treasure she is, I will.I'll worship at her feet, remind her every fucking day that she's exactly who she needs to be.
"You and Palmer in the hot tub," she says and then pauses to listen."I just texted you the link."She listens again, frowning."I still can't get out because of the storm yesterday, but I'll hike the whole way back if you need me, okay?"
My brows rise toward my hairline.Hell no.She isn't hiking anywhere.I don't know how long she was in the woods before she wandered onto my property yesterday, but she won't be venturing back out into them anytime soon.Much longer out there, and I'm not entirely sure she would have survived.My pretty baby was not built for the outdoors.She was soaked and injured before Hamburger's mean ass ever got to her.If she needs to go, I'll be taking her.She can comfort her friend, and I'll wait patiently in her room.Until I've got my ring on her finger, she won't be leaving my sight.
She hangs up a moment later, dropping her phone beside her.
"Poor Mina," she sighs."Why can't they ever just let people have their privacy?"
"Because they suck," I say, climbing to my feet."Do you need to go back to the resort, princess?"
"No.Not yet, anyway," she says, leaning her head back against the couch to look up at me."The other girls are there.She'll call if she needs me."
"Good," I grunt, prowling toward her."Then I have plans for you."
"Sex isn't plans, Cord," she says, laughing quietly when I lift her into my arms.
"I'm not talking about sex, smart ass.I'm putting your sexy ass in the tub to soak.While you do that, I'm cooking dinner.Then we're going to cuddle by the fire and you're going to tell me all about this book you're writing about me."I brush my lips against hers, nipping gently."And if you're really good, then I'll let you choke on my cock before you remind me how good you sound screaming my name."
"Cord," she moans, stealing another little piece of my heart.
ChapterNine
CASSIA
"Why aren't you back at the resort?"Rhys demands, his voice rife with suspicion.
"Because it snowed?"I ask, clutching the phone to my ear and scowling out the kitchen window.He's so nosy!I swear, having a detective as an older brother is incredibly annoying.It's like his bullshit radar never misses.He can smell a lie before I even tell it.
"Two days ago, Cassia," he says."It snowed two days ago."
"I've been doing research for my new book."
He snorts his disbelief.
"I have.This ranch breeds red Angus," I say, a little smug about it."They're coming into calving season, so there's a lot of work to do.I've been learning the ropes."This is only partially untrue.Cord let me follow him around most of the day today.At least until I distracted him in the hay barn and Jace almost caught him with his hand down my pants.
Apparently, Hamburger is on the lam again.Cord sent me inside so he could go track the bull down a few hours ago.It's after dark and he still isn't back.I'm starting to worry that something happened to him or that crazy bull.I haven't heard from him at all since he left.Calling Rhys to distract myself might have been a mistake though.He's not helping calm me down any.He's just driving me nuts.
"Right," he says."You've always been a piss poor liar, Cassia.What's his name?"
"Who's name?"
"Whichever Decker brother has you all twisted up in knots.Is it Cord or Camden?"
"How do you know their…never mind," I mumble.Of course he knows their names.He probably knows their entire life histories at this point.I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't already called the local Sheriff to grill him too.Have I mentioned that having a cop for a brother is lame?I think about denying that either of the brothers is involved in my decision to stay at the ranch, but quickly decide against it."His name is Cord."
Rhys sighs."Is he good to you?"
"So good," I whisper.Cord has been nothing but amazing to me since I got here.Last night, he was incredible.I've never been pampered before, but he spoiled me.After I soaked in a bubble bath, he fed me steak and baked potatoes, then we cuddled by the fire and talked for hours.Eventually, he stripped me naked and gave me another "lesson".This one involved his hands and mouth all over my body…and me riding his face while I sucked him off.I don't even remember falling asleep, or him carrying me to bed.But I woke up this morning with his face between my thighs."Rhys, I think…" I trail off and swallow hard."IknowI'm in love with him."
Rhys is completely silent for a long moment, absorbing, and then he sighs."I figured that was the case, baby sister," he says."You wouldn't still be there if you didn't love him."
