It was also the one thing in my life that I could use as an excuse to rest. To slow down for a moment before the craziness of ranch duties took over for the day. It’s something I cling to now, even when my thoughts run haywire.
Some smoke dope, I drink coffee.
It could always be worse.
My peace is interrupted at the sound of the side door leading to the patio area slamming shut. “Shit,” a soft voice mutters, the shake rattling the house.
“Needs to be replaced.”
Cove’s head turns to face me, her skin flushed as embarrassment paints her features. I hate how beautiful she looks. I could stare at her like this all day. The glow from the outdoor lights illuminates through the side door window panes. Even at this hour, she’s radiant.
“Didn’t expect it to be that heavy.” She laughs under her breath, and I hate how uncomfortable this feels. I should be angry with her, but right now, all I can think about is wanting to hold her again.
But I don’t say anything, just watch her closely.
“Bathroom?” She points down the hall.
I nod, not taking my eyes away. “First door on the left.”
Cove locates the bathroom, and the second I hear the door shut, I let out the suffocating breath I’ve been holding in. Cove is in my home. Something I only ever dreamed of happening one day.
But she’s not here as mine. And she’s my best friend’s daughter.
Suddenly, I need answers like I need fucking air.
My feet lead me to the bathroom door without reservation. I scan the living room in search of watching eyes, thankful to be alone. The glow underneath the door shines through the threshold, brightening the hallway that leads to four rooms around me. Before I can think better of it, I tap my knuckles against the door, and instantly the sink shuts off.
The door flies open, and Cove’s startled face comes into view.
How can she be so astoundingly stunning, yet frustrate the ever-loving shit out of me at the same time?
My hand meets the top of the door frame as I lean into her personal space. But I don’t move. Not yet, at least. “Why are you here?” I agonize.
“I was invited,” she states, reclaiming her confidence. It’s hot as fuck.
“Last I checked, this was my house.” I tick my tongue, a persistent act to keep my mind occupied. If not, I may reach for her.
Cove’s eyes fall closed, and for a moment, I’m afraid I made her cry. But when she opens them again, I’m met with molten hostility. “No problem,” she snaps. “I’ll just leave, then.”
She attempts to shove past me, but not a fucking chance am I letting her go yet. Not until I get my answers. With her arm in my grasp, I shove us into the confines of the tight powder room, shut the door behind us, and turnthe lock. We’re less than a breath away, neither of us making any effort to retreat.
The fact that she’s Nate’s daughter fucks with my thinking, leading me to press her against the stone countertop before taking as many steps back as humanly possible.
Distance is better. Figures, just hours ago, I wanted the exact opposite.
“Did you come here to fuck with me, Cove? Is that it? Felt bad for the pathetic cowboy desperate to see you again? Figured showing up here with another man was the easy way to let me down?”
She reaches for her clutch but doesn’t attempt to open it. Seems we both need a distraction. “I would never intentionally hurt you like that.”
“Your grand entrance tells me something very different. So, is it true?”
Cove lowers her head before lifting it again to look me in the eyes. “Is what true, Stetson?” Her tone is defeated despite her poised exterior.
I take one step closer, the air in the already cramped bathroom stifling. “Are you Nate’s daughter?”
“According to my genetics, yes.”
What the fuck is that supposed to mean?
