Page 77 of Saddle Storm

Max considers it for all of a second. “You got snacks?”

“Course we got snacks,” Dallas confirms. “But we gotta check with your mom first.”

“Oh, that’s awfully sweet, but I don’t know. I need to get this kid in a bath and changed.” I scan his muddy clothes. “And I have no way of picking him up later.”

“Picking him up?” Dallas jerks. “We’re watching scary movies and camping out in the living room.”

My jaw nearly drops. “A sleepover?” Max doesn’t do sleepovers. I’ve never trusted anyone enough to allow it.

Dallas holds up his hands. “It’s no big deal, just a minor hostage situation.”

I huff a laugh. “A hostage situation?”

“That’s right. You come to dinner tomorrow night and pick him up safe and sound.” He grins shamelessly.

“Maybe an extra cavity or two.” Ginger winks at Max.

“I’m in,” Max cheers.

I hesitate.

“Don’t let these guys bully you into anything, Storm,” Silas mutters, wrapping an arm around my shoulders protectively.

Connor puts a hand on Silas’s good shoulder, his voice low. “No pressure, but didn’t you say something about an arm you wanted to work out?”

“Dad,” Silas winces.

I exhale a laugh which surprises me and apparently Silas too as he watches me.

Dallas sucks in a breath. “Kids, get in the truck.”

I make a move toward my kid, but Dallas shoos me away with a hushed voice. “Don’t worry, we’ll get him washed up and in some clean clothes, what do you take me for, Dalton?”

I relent with a breath. “Thanks, Dallas.”

Dallas points at Mr. Thorne. “Dad, stop being weird.”

The man points to his youngest son. “He started it.”

We barely get the door shut behind us before I’m laughing and gasping at the same time. Ginger gave us a cart for the ride back to my cottage, but it barely kept us dry with the rain coming down so hard.

I pause at the door, suddenly conscious of the mess I’m making of the indoor rug and floorboards. Muddy boots, water dripping from my hair, clothes plastered to my skin.

The cottage is quiet, welcoming. Almost like it’s been waiting for us. I turn, still catching my breath, and he’s already looking at me like he’s wanted me like this all day. Alone. A look that lands beneath my belly and stays there.

Silas steps into my space, hands coming to my waist like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Goosebumps run through me as he pulls me in, the kiss lands hard, urgent, and I moan into his mouth. He’s warm somehow, despite being wet. Like his body just radiates heat whenever I need it.

And I need it.

I shiver as I gasp for air, fingers fumbling to find the hem of his shirt.

Smiling, he lifts his arms and I push the damn thing up his body, then pause when my eyes land on his bare chest. Good God, he’s gorgeous. Impeccable. Abs of freaking steel and a chest too—

Silas’s chuckle is muffled as he tears off the rest of his shirt.

I cover my mouth with a laugh. “I’m sorry.”

His smile is infectious. “It’s all right. I didn’t suffocate.” He tosses his shirt down and is back in mission-mode as his hands and mouth find their way back to me.