“Having trouble with a horse.” He raised an eyebrow. “A female. Imagine that.”
Aftyn laughed. “We can be stubborn.”
“You’re all born that way.”
“Like men aren’t hardheaded.”
“We have nothing on you.”
“I could find twenty women who’d say different.” Her fingers traced idle patterns on his knee.
“And I could find twenty men who’d agree with me.”
She sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder, breathing in the warm scent of him. “Okay. Agree to disagree. I’m tired too.”
“The diner’s always been that way. I can’t remember ever walking in to find it empty.” He put his arm around her and pulled her close, her body fitting against his like it belonged there. “Damn. I have to take Ollie out.”
She pulled away reluctantly and he pushed to his feet with a soft grunt, shrugged into his coat, and settled his Stetson on his head.
“Come on, Ollie. Out for the night, buddy.”
The Goldie hadn’t moved from his spot at Aftyn’s feet, tail thumping lazily against the braided rug.
“I think he’s made his decision,” she said, scratching behind his ears.
“Ollie.” Cole’s voice firmed. “Now.”
The dog heaved a dramatic sigh that seemed to start at his tail and work forward, stood with deliberate slowness, stretched his front paws out, then padded to the door. Cole twisted the knob and they stepped out into the crisp night air carrying the scent of the diner, pine, and distant woodsmoke. He didn’t bother with a leash. Ollie trotted beside himlike a shadow, their footfalls falling into easy rhythm beneath a silver splash of stars as they walked through the alley.
Once Ollie finished his business, they trudged back up the stairs and Cole knocked. He heard the lock turn and the door swung open. Ollie darted inside, nails clicking against the hardwood. Cole wiped his boots on the mat, shook his head at the dog’s sudden enthusiasm, and hung up his coat and hat.
Aftyn locked the door and took his hand, leading him to the bedroom, hips swaying with each step. He followed, drinking in the sight of her.
“I wish I wasn’t so tired,” he said with a grin.
“I’m not that tired.” She smiled.
“Not sure I can move without falling asleep,” he drawled.
“No problem.” Her voice dropped. “I can move just fine.”
He groaned. “I’m sure you can.”
She held his gaze as she slowly peeled off her jeans and shirt and stood before him in scarlet lace, the bra and panties doing nothing to help his situation. He pulled off his shirt, toed off his boots, grabbed a condom from his wallet, and shoved his jeans and boxer briefs to the floor.
Aftyn tilted her head, hair cascading over one shoulder, eyes dropping deliberately. “You don’t look too tired now.”
“I think I got my second wind.” He tossed her the condom.
She crawled onto the bed toward him, all slow deliberate movement, and wrapped her arms around his waist from where he stood. Her lips found his chest, trailing open-mouthed kisses upward, tongue flicking overhis nipples until he hissed. She worked higher, grazing her teeth along his jaw, breath hot against his ear before she drew his earlobe into her mouth.
Cole grabbed her face and kissed her hard. When she pulled back she lay against the rumpled sheets, thighs parting, hips arching slightly, and patted the space beside her.
“Come here, cowboy.”
He didn’t need to be asked twice. He leaned over her, gripped the waistband of her panties, and peeled them slowly down her legs, fingers brushing the soft wet heat of her. Her scent was making it very hard to take his time.
When she sat up he unclasped her bra with one swift motion and tossed it aside, leaving her bare before him. Her nipples were hard and begging, but he ignored them for now. He joined her on the bed, and she immediately pushed him onto his back and moved over him, her mouth crashing into his.
