Page 41 of The Cowboy Complication

She looked like her normal, sweet self as she came his way. There was a hint of shyness in her expression. Like she thought maybe things were different between them now.

“Good morning.” He handed off the coffee he’d made before leaving his house. “You get home brew this morning.”

There was a flash of relief in her eyes as she took the travel mug. “I love home brew.” Taking a sip, she let out a little sigh. “You make pretty good coffee, Officer Staks.”

He stared at her, that sigh shooting straight where it didn’t need to be. Poking the bear he’d locked in a cage before setting out to pick her up.

It hadn’t been difficult to convince himself it would be just another normal day, but they weren’t even thirty seconds in and he was already in trouble. Already those photos she sent were floating around his brain, daring him to see them the way he wanted to instead of the way Isla meant them.

“Thanks.” He took his spot in the passenger seat, trying to get comfortable while she got situated behind the wheel. Then they were off, heading to Billings to find her a heavy coat for working outside.

Hopefully she had it on the next time she decided to send him pictures. Otherwise there’s no telling what he might do, and that scared the shit out of him. Terrified him in a way nothing had before in his life. He’d faced down armed men and walked into every sort of dangerous situation a person could think up.

But the threat of losing Isla—not having her in his life—put them all to shame.

They reached the farm supply store that carried the best selection of women’s outerwear around, and Isla spent an hour picking through the options, eventually settling on a simple zip-up coat in camel colored canvas. They also got her a pair of overalls for the extra cold days and a set of insulated work gloves.

A stop for lunch was followed by a little maneuverability practice at a park he’d found online. It took her a few tries to get the hang of it, but once she did, Isla was able to whip his huge truck through the cones without a problem.

Which was a problem.

“I think you might be ready to take your test.”

He hated how much he dreaded her not needing him to get around. It wasn’t about her relying on him—though he could admit he liked being someone she could rely on—as much as it was about knowing there would always be a reason to see her. An excuse to spend time together without seeming like he was overstepping or trying to dominate every spare minute she had.

Isla’s eyes snapped his way. “You think?” She rubbed both palms down the fronts of her legs, sliding them against the fabric of her jeans. “I guess I don’t need a car to have my license, huh?”

That’s right. She didn’t have a car yet. She’d still need help getting around.

She’d still need him.

“Nope. Not a requirement.”

She took a deep breath. “I guess I’ll get it scheduled then.” Her eyes came to his. “Do you think you’d have time to take me? I’d feel better if you’re the one there.”

That soothed a little of the concern still irritating his insides. Made him less worried their time together would evaporate if she didn’t need him around. “I always have time for you.” And if it wasn’t there, he’d make it. Lord knew he’d taken over enough shifts for everyone else. He had plenty of favors to cash in.

Isla beamed at him, her smile easing the last of his lingering fear. “You’re the best.” She leaned across the console and pressed her lips against his cheek in a soft kiss. “Thank you for being so great.”

He wasn’t nearly as great as she believed, because the feel of her mouth on his skin was enough to have some of his parts proving what an ass he actually was.

He’d been single for a while, which was no big deal. Whatwasturning out to be a big deal was his abstinence from taking matters into his own hands. It’d been at least two weeks. Maybe longer. And it was starting to become a problem. The bigger problem was, he couldn’t actually jack off. Not when his mind was only interested in thinking about one particular person when he tried to do it.

“Yup.” He turned to the windshield, keeping his eyes away from her, breathing deep as he willed his dick to calm the fuck down. To act right.

To not ruin this good thing he had going.

Isla drove them back to Moss Creek, passing her apartment so they could go check on the chicks and the horses. The day had warmed up a little, so she left her coat and other items in the truck as they worked side-by-side, changing out bedding and water and refilling food and giving attention and treats. He hadn’t had anyone to help with the chores that came with a place like his since his parents moved to Florida. Even then their help was different from Isla’s. His parents were his parents.

Isla was more like his… partner. And the different was really fucking with his head. At least it was the upper one causing issues this time.

Once everyone was taken care of, they went inside and washed their hands. Isla was drying hers off when she turned to him, brows pinched together. “Are you actually off work today?”

“I am.” He grinned, feeling better after the physical activity. “I almost don’t know what to do with myself.”

“I could probably be convinced to curl up on your fancy couch and watch a movie.” She wiggled her brows at him. “If you have decent snacks.”

“So let me get this straight.” He leaned back against the counter, crossing both arms over his chest. “First you use me for my chickens. Then you make my horses like you best. Now you want to take over my couch and eat all my snacks?”

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