Page 128 of Dirty Cowboy

The energy in the pub shifts, curiosity rippling through the crowd as heads turn, whispers circling like wildfire. I roll my shoulders back and let the music take over, swaying my hips to the beat.

Emma’s eyes go wide, and just like that, the pink flush creeps up her neck, coloring her cheeks. She covers her mouth with her hand, trying—and failing—to suppress a smile.

That’s it. That’s the reaction I wanted.

I move to the buttons of my shirt, popping them open one by one. The fabric parts, revealing my chest, and the moment my ridiculous secret is exposed, Emma loses it.

She bursts out laughing.

A full, breathless, stomach-clutching laugh, that lights up the entire damn room.

The crowd gasps, then the laughter spreads. But I don’t care about them. I only care about her.

I throw in an exaggerated hip thrust, just for good measure, and her laughter turns into something breathless and uncontrollable. She shakes her head, her eyes bright with disbelief and delight.

God, she’s beautiful.

Her laughter breaks through every wall I’ve ever built, every doubt, and every fear. I’d make a fool of myself a thousand times over if it meant seeing that look on her face for the rest of my life.

The pub erupts into cheers as I let the shirt slip off my shoulders and drop to the floor. The neon lights catch on the glitter-covered horse pasties decorating my nipples, and Emma doubles over, gripping the edge of the table as she wheezes.

Success.

Her eyes meet mine, and in them, I see everything I’ve ever wanted.

I move closer, my bare chest catching the flickering candlelight, the heat between us humming like an unspoken promise. Shania’s tune drapes over the room, guiding each deliberate step until nothing exists between us but the soft scent of her perfume.

I jump from the stage and drop to my knees in front of her, taking her hands in mine, the warmth of her skin grounding me.

Emma lifts an eyebrow, her lips quirking. “Should I expect your crotch bedazzled as well?”

A deep chuckle rumbles through me. “I’m sorry, but I draw the line at the pasties.”

Her laughter is soft and teasing, but beneath it, I see the shimmer of emotion in her eyes. Vulnerability, hope, something fragile and strong, all at once.

I swallow hard, my voice thick as I finally say the words I should have said long ago.

“I know I have a lot to make up for, but I want you to know that I’m all in. No more pretending, no more holding back. You… You are it for me, Emma Silver.”

Her breath hitches, her chest rising and falling in an uneven rhythm.

For a moment, we just exist like this—me on my knees, her eyes locked onto mine, and the weight of everything unsaid pressing in around us. Then, she lifts a hand, brushing her fingers along my cheek, her touch so gentle it nearly undoes me.

“Eric,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “You’re absolutely crazy.”

I grin, pressing a soft kiss to the inside of her wrist. “Only for you.”

The pub falls silent, the world narrowing to the space between us. Everyone is watching and waiting, but I don’t care. The only thing that matters is her.

I clear my throat. “Emma Silver, loving you is not just something I do—it’s who I am.” My voice is steady but thick with emotion

She exhales sharply, her lips parting as I hold her gaze.

“You are the pulse in my veins, the calm in my chaos, the dream I never want to wake up from.” I tighten my hold on her hands, my entire soul pouring out. “My heart belongs to you completely. Not just for today or tomorrow, but for every moment of forever. Emma Silver, I love you with every fiber in my body.”

Tears glisten in her eyes, her lips trembling as she swallows thickly.

And then, she gives me everything.

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