Page 40 of Home to the Cowboy

Daisy’s bark penetrated his lust-filled mind and he lifted his head. With a groan, he got up. “Daisy. Give me a minute to take her out.”

By the time he got back, June had turned on her side and was sleeping. Slipping beside her on the bed, he gathered her close. She’d been sick. They still had time.

*

When Dylan was finally ready to leave late on Tuesday morning, it was nearly lunchtime. June’s phone bleeped as they walked to the front door.

“It’s Ellie. She probably wants to know how I’m feeling.” As she read Ellie’s text, she smiled. “I’m invited for dinner tomorrow night. Great. I had to cancel Sunday night and haven’t had a chance to talk to Becket yet.”

Just then Dylan’s phone also bleeped. “Well,” he grinned, “I’m invited as well. I’ll pick you up.”

“It’s silly for you to come all this way, I’ll meet you there.”

“May I please pick you up?”

Rolling her eyes, she laughed. “Those baby blues are not always going to work, but okay, thanks.”

“What about tonight? We can go for a pizza …?”

“I have book club tonight.”

He frowned. “But what about us?”

Smiling, she slipped her arms around his body. “Tuesday nights are for book club. You should know that by now.”

Sighing, he gathered her close. “I’m going to miss you.”

“You’ll see me tomorrow night.” She smiled as she dropped her arms. “Drive safely.”

“Damn it, woman …” Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her again.

Within seconds she knew this wasn’t going to be just a kiss. The urgency in his touch, the way his hands molded her body had only one message—he wanted to be a part of her again before he left.

They’d already showered, but she’d just hastily put on shorts and a T-shirt to see him off. Within minutes, his jeans were unbuckled, and her shorts were pooling at her feet. It was quick and electrifying and only took a few seconds before gasping and laughing, they fell against each other.

Pulling up his jeans, Dylan shook his head. “Damn, June, you’re killing me!” Whistling, he called Daisy. With a bark, she jumped off one of the couches in the living room.

“Let me get her things …” June said as she pulled on her shorts.

Dylan opened the door. “Leave it here, we’ll be back.”

As June watched them from the front door, she became aware of cars driving past. Oh, dear. By nightfall, the rest of Marietta would probably know about Dylan’s truck parked in front of this house overnight.

Hugging herself, she walked back to her room to get dressed, her body still humming. She was happy and even though whatever this was between them was only going to be for a short while, she was keeping this bubble in the air for as long as possible.

*

As June walked toward Ellie’s shop from her car on Tuesday evening, her phone rang. It was Abby. She really hadn’t wanted to talk to her friend, because she knew Abby. If she got so much as a whiff that June hadn’t been feeling well, she’d be here tomorrow.

“Hi Abs, I’m on my way to a book club meeting.”

“Seriously?”

“Oh, yes. We’re reading Shirley. You okay?”

“I’m fine, what about you?”

Sighing, June stopped. “I met someone, but,” she said, touching the necklace Dylan had given her and added quickly, “we’re just having fun. He’s made it clear he’s not interested in anything more.”