Page 15 of Dirty Cowboy

I want to feel like a woman, but the way he says it makes me feel giddy, like a lovestruck teenager. Damn it. Any other day, I exude confidence. But with Eric, nothing is normal. My heart races, my skin tingles, and I suddenly become aware of every inch of my body, including the burning irritation from Grace’s damn glittery gems on my pussy.

As we pull into my neighborhood, I grab my phone and dial Grace.

She answers on the second ring. “Hey, where are you?”

“Eric’s giving me a ride home. Thanks for ditching me, by the way.”

“You’re welcome,” she chirps, way too pleased with herself.

I ignore her smugness, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. “Listen, you know the gems you glued today?”

“Which ones?” she asks, feigning innocence.

I grit my teeth. “The ones on the… kitty.”

Silence. Then she bursts out laughing. “You mean the ones on your vagina?” she shouts into the phone.

I cringe.Oh God.Ericdefinitelyheard that. A deep chuckle rumbles from the driver’s seat, confirming my humiliation.

Jaw clenched, I lower my voice. “Yeah. Those. What glue did you use?”

“It’ll come off with alcohol.”

“I don’t need a drink,” I grumble, misunderstanding.

“You don’tdrinkit, Emma. Yourubit.”

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “What exactly do I rub?”

“Yourpussy!” Grace yells, and I swear I hear Ericchokeon laughter.

I’m going to kill her.

“I’m getting you back for this, Grace Wagner.” I stab the end-call button and toss my phone into my purse like it personally betrayed me.

Eric pulls into my driveway and steps out, rounding the car just as I get out. His hand is outstretched, and I take it, trying to ignore the solid warmth of his palm.

Now what? Do I invite him in? Say thank you? Maybe a hug? At the very least, I should return his shirt before I handle mysparklyproblem.

I shuffle awkwardly, trying to subtly alleviate the itching without looking like I have a weird medical condition. Pressing my palm to the scanner, the door unlocks, and Eric follows me inside, a low chuckle vibrating in his chest.

I whirl around, almost smacking into him. “What’s so funny?”

His lips twitch. “I’m just enjoying the show.”

I cross my arms. “The pleasure’s all mine,” I sass, rolling my eyes. But he just smirks.

If things go well, maybe I won’t have to murder Grace after all.

“I could never get used to this,” he gestures toward the high-tech lock system.

“To locking doors? This isn’t Lords Valley.”

He shrugs. “We lock doors.Usually.When we remember. It’s been a long time since there’s been a crime in Lords Valley.”

I raise an eyebrow. “And yet, you’re here needing my brothers for a case?”

His face darkens, but before I can push, I change course. “Tea?” I offer. “I’d love to hear more about this case. Tristan’s taking me on, so I’ll be at the morning meeting.”

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