Page 3 of In Full Bloom

“The other rule is that it’s a one-time deal. No repeats, no do-overs, especially no feelings.”

“Man, someone did the dirty on you, huh?” It’s the sort of line that should make me bristle, but the way he says it I know he doesn’t mean to be a jerk.

Besides, he’s not wrong.

“Yeah, this hellhole town and cocky-ass cowboys like you.”

He leans back and surveys me. His eyes track down my body, taking in my blonde hair falling over my shoulder, the tight white knitted sweater, and jeans that I know hug my ass like they’re a match made in heaven.

“I can live by those rules,” he says, leaning in to speak into my ear. “I don’t have a lot of time for prissy city princesses either, so as good as you look in those jeans, a one-time deal suits me fine.”

I place my hand on his shoulder and push himback so I can look him directly in the eyes. I can’t quite tell what colour they are in the dim bar lights but they’re fringed with dark lashes.

He stares at me, a cocky smirk curving his lips. I can’t wait to feel them on my skin.

“You’re toeing the line,” I say, warning in my voice but also curiosity about how he’s going to play this out.

“You sounded like you wanted a cocky-ass cowboy. I can do that for you, princess.”

Oh god. I want to melt at his feet.

“I’m going to the bathroom. Finish your drink … slowly.” I drag out the word. “Maybe I’ll see you outside.” I stand and slide the strap of my bag over my shoulder, turning for the corridor at the back of the room.

His hand catches my wrist. “What’s your name?” His voice is hoarse, eyes bright. He licks his lips. I want him to lick me.

I trail my fingers up his arm and across his shoulder as I lean in to him. I’m almost certain he shivers and I love the rush of power that gives me.

“Maybe if you’re real good, you’ll find out.”

2

DALLAS

Holy fucking shit.

I am in way over my head right now.

When I saw the blonde sitting at the bar I just thought I’d say hello. But something in the way she reacted to me approaching made me want to go back for more. I’m convinced there was a flash of pain in her eyes, followed by fire. I’m not sure which one drew me in more.

If she’d told me to go away and leave her alone, I would have. I was fully expecting it.

Instead, she propositioned me and now I think I’m heading off to have a one-night stand—with a girl whose name I don’t even know.

It’s a terrible idea. One of my worst.

But it’s been a long, long day and I needed to get out of the house. It’s also been a long, long time since I spent any time with a woman that looked at me as if she wanted to eat me—despite her obvious disdain for me. It shouldn’t, but that open scorn makes it even hotter that she wants to take this elsewhere.

She called me a cocky-ass cowboy, which I’m sure isn’t an accurate description, but if that’s who she needs me to be, I can play the part.

I didn’t miss the way the fire flared in her eyes when I called her a prissy city princess either. Again, it shouldn’t be such a turn on, but it most definitely is.

I finish my beer and slide the bottle towards Ray, the bartender, shaking my head when he asks if I want another.

On my way out, I stop by the table of local guys who’d adopted me for the night. Despite me telling this girl I’m not into the idea of people drinking alone I’d been planning to do just that, but when I arrived, I found a group of other young farmers taking up a corner table. They insisted I join them.

“I’ll catch you guys later,” I say.

Max gives me a wolfish grin. “Have a good night.” He winks at me and I roll my eyes.

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