Page 60 of The Cowboy Complication

He carefully worked her panties and leggings back into place, gently reassembling her outfit before standing and pulling her up along with him. “You ready for breakfast?”

Was he seriously going to service her—sexually—without asking for anything in return? “What about you?”

“What about me?” Cooper acted like he didn’t know what she was getting at as he moved her back toward the kitchen.

“Don’t you want me to…” Isla licked her lips, because honestly, she’d been looking forward to the opportunity to get her hands—and mouth—on him. “Help you decide what you like best?”

“I know what I like best.” Cooper didn’t slow down. Just kept walking, the press of his hand on her back ensuring she kept walking too.

She waited for him to elaborate, but when he didn’t, she asked, “What do you like best?”

“Making sure you eat breakfast.” He pulled out a chair and tipped her into it. “Juice or coffee?”

This was… not a good sign.

She thought a face-to-face—or more aptly, a crotch-to-face—type of interaction would force Cooper to deal with the immediate aftermath instead of having time to reset.

Apparently not.

“Coffee, please.” She stifled a sigh, forcing on a smile as he turned to her with a steaming mug, setting it in front of her before going to work heating up her breakfast.

Whatever was holding Cooper back had him in a death grip. Had him locked down to the point he could flip like a switch. And it was starting to seem like she’d have to throw a breaker to stop it.

Cooper made up their plates then sat down beside her like he did most mornings, falling right into their normal conversation about what she had planned for her day and what shifts he was working.

And she didn’t really hear any of it. Her mind was too busy trying to figure out how in the heck to handle the man currently acting like he hadn’t just put his mouth on her and dished out the best orgasm she’d ever had.

Reciprocation was off the table. He’d shut that right down.

She’d sent him naughty photos. Done naughty things with him over video chat. Now they’d even done them in person, and still Cooper was jumping ship to plow forward in the dinghy of denial, paddling for friendship shore.

She hated to admit it. But she needed help.

Breakfast finished and the chicks checked on, she left Cooper to go about his day and set out for Grady and Evelyn’s. Hopefully Griselda was still in town so she could ask her grandpa’s girlfriend for advice on how to seduce a man who obviously wanted you but refused to make the leap.

Life was weird.

After parking in her normal spot beside the barn, Isla went in and got to work clearing away the morning dishes while Evelyn took care of Hudson. Friday was laundry day, so she dug into that, starting a load of whites before going to scrub the first-floor bathroom. She was three loads in before her grandfather and Griselda finally rolled in, looking a little flushed and windblown.

Or—now that she knew all she did—possibly mattress matted.

Gross.

“There’s my sweet granddaughter.” Her grandpa gave her a tight hug, squeezing her a few seconds before letting go. “How’s it feel to be out on the road and free as a bird?”

“Fine.” Isla pushed on a smile even though earning her driver’s license was the least of the things she wanted to talk about right now.

“Wonderful.” He gave her cheek a gentle pat. “I’ve got some errands to run so I’m going to leave my sweetheart in your care.”

Perfect. “I’m happy to keep her entertained while you’re gone.”

“Of course you are.” He booped her on the nose. “You girls are two peas in a pod.”

She and Griselda? Two peas in a pod?

“You’re both so determined and hard working and smart.” He turned to Griselda. “And so very lovely.”

Aww. That was kinda sweet.

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