Caroline bent, giving him the full view. “You’ve inspected it very thoroughly. I’ll be walking funny tonight.”
He grabbed her by the waist, swinging her back to his front.
“Did I hurt you?”
“Never. It felt nice to forget about everything and feel something,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “Shower with me.”
He kissed her shoulder and murmured, “Your wish is my command.”
Two hours later
Jameson helpedCaroline from the truck, letting her body slide down close to him.
“We didn’t discuss if we wanted to keep this between us,” Jameson said, nervously glancing toward Julio and Rebecca’s house. People chatting and laughing drifted from the backyard.
Taking his hand, Caroline said, “I’ve made my choice and I don’t care who knows.”
He let out the breath he held unknowingly. Jameson kissed her head and walked toward the backyard, proudly holding her hand in his.
They entered the backyard, and Rebecca excused herself to say hello.
“Hi, you two. We thought you might’ve changed your minds,” she greeted.
“No. We got a little detained,” Caroline said, her cheeks turning pink.
“Dinner’s on the table over there,” she said, “Help yourself and take a seat where you can find them. Julio’s speaking with Spider, by the patio. I believe Garrett and Matthew joined him.”
“Do you mind if I introduce myself?” Jameson turned and asked her.
“Take your time. I see Rachel and Delaney sitting at a table. I’ll join them until you’re done,” she assured him.
Jameson leaned in, placing a possessive kiss on her forehead. “I won’t take long.”
Walking toward the patio, he saw Garrett give him a chin lift and a wink, knowing he saw him with Caroline. He couldn’t help the grin spreading across his face.
Taking the steps two at a time, he approached the group.
“Ah, here’s Jameson,” Julio said, introducing him to the new guy. “Jameson, meet Spider.”
The two men shook hands.
“How did you get your call sign?” he asked.
Spider grinned. “I have an uncanny way of slipping into places without anyone knowing. I blend in,” he explained.
“He’s the equivalent of Serenity Mountain’s Shadow,” Matthew chimed in.
“I’m sure we can use your skillset here, man,” Jameson said. “Welcome to the team.”
“Thanks. It’s good to finally settle down,” Spider said, scanning the crowd of cowboys and their dates. His eyes landed on Caroline, staring at her.
“I see you’ve spotted my girlfriend, Caroline. Did you bring a date?” Jameson wasted no time in setting the record straight.
Spider smirked at him. “No. My wife died a few years back, and she reminds me of her.”
“I’m sorry to hear it,” Jameson apologized.
“No worries, man. She’s beautiful. I’d be overprotective, too,” Spider brushed it off.
