Charlie sets her glass down and rises from her seat. I watch with bated breath as she slinks over and lowers herself onto my lap. My hands instinctively grip her hips as she settles against me, her ass pressing against my growing erection.
“What the hell are you doing?” My voice comes out hoarse.
She flashes me a grin as she winds an arm around my neck. “I’ve always had a weakness for hot ranchers and older men. Why not get a two-for-one deal with you?” I swear the world tilts when she takes my cowboy hat and puts it on her head. “Don’t worry, I’m not looking for anything serious like a marriage proposal. Just a casual hookup with no strings to take the edge off.”
“Like a one-night stand?”
She grins. “Bingo.”
It’s reckless to consider spending a night with Charlie. I already want her far more than I should, and we’ve never even kissed. If I allow myself to touch her even once, there’s a good chance I may never recover.
Still, the idea of getting a taste of her takes root anyway. Whether it’s the four beers I’ve had or watching my brother finally marry the woman he’s pined after for years, every line I’ve drawn where she’s considered is starting to blur.
Charlie slowly runs her fingers through the hair at the nape of my neck. “So what’s it going to be? Should I call the taxi to take me home?”
Fuck, her boldness turns me on more than it should. I love that she’s confident enough in her desires to ask for what she wants without reservation. And if we cross this line tonight, there’s no question she’ll go right back to giving me hell tomorrow and pretending none of this ever happened.
I look around the yard again and notice we’re now the last guests still outside.
The cleanup crew has arrived and is starting to break down tables and chairs. Since the wedding was held at the ranch, Ma and Birdie’s mom had rented most of the furniture and linens to make teardown easier. Probably a good thing, too. Otherwise,my family would be out here asking why the hell Charlie’s in my lap when our default setting is constant bickering.
I turn back to look at Charlie. “Don’t call the taxi.”
“What exactly are you saying?”
I tug the brim of my hat lower on her head. “Spend the night with me.”
The corners of her mouth lift in amusement. “Heath Halstead, are you propositioning me for a one-night stand?”
I let out a low chuckle. “Yeah, hellcat. I am.”
“How presumptuous of you.” She downs the rest of her vodka soda and stands, holding out her hand. “Better bring your A-game, or I’ll have to spread a rumor that you have performance issues. Your fragile ego wouldn’t survive it.”
“Careful what you wish for. I don’t do half measures,” I growl.
The only way I’m justifying this is by telling myself it’s a one-and-done arrangement. I’ll do my damnedest to get her out of my system and move on after it’s over. Even as the thought crosses my mind, I know it’s bullshit. I’ve spent years trying to stop wanting her, but once I get her in my bed, I already know one time won’t be enough.
Sleeping With The “Enemy”
“This doesn’t mean I like you,” I gasp against Heath’s mouth.
He breaks the kiss just long enough to reply. “The feeling’s mutual, hellcat.”
He carries me down the hallway in his strong arms with my legs wrapped around his waist, his kisses deep and demanding. Damn him for knowing exactly how to use that skilled tongue of his. He drags it across my lower lip before slipping back inside, exploring in slow, sinful strokes that leave me whimpering.
“Glad we’re on the same page,” I pant breathlessly. “Wouldn’t want you getting the wrong idea about us.”
Heath’s lips curve into a smirk. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
He doesn’t give me a chance to respond before claiming my mouth again. His hands greedily roam over my ass, kneading the soft flesh.
Okay, so there was no miracle, and I’m doing the incredibly stupid thing I tried to resist. But damn, a girl has limited defenses against a brooding cowboy in Wranglers and a black Stetson. Don’t get me started on that button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showcasing those muscular forearms that should be considered a public hazard. They’re all I could think about on the drive here and during the ceremony.
It didn’t do me any favors that he couldn’t stop devouring me with his eyes at the table earlier or keep his hands off me before he even realized what he was doing. It’s euphoric knowing I have that effect on him, and I’m looking forward to seeing how else I can make him lose control.
When we finally reach Heath’s bedroom, he sets me next to the bed, and I barely have time to take in my surroundings before he spins me around.
“Not wasting any time, are we?” I tease.
