Page 49 of Dirty Cowboy

“And you’ve seen him?Recently?”

Misty shifts. “He picked up his mail this morning.”

I bolt upright. “This morning? And you didn’t think toleadwith that?”

She shrugs. “I didn’t know it was important.”

I gape at her.

“Everyone’s seen him,” she says, unconcerned. “They just avoid him. He owns the property north of Eric’s house. He’ll be back when he’s ready to collect the money once he sells his land.”

She pops the last bite of croissant into her mouth and checks her watch. “I should get back to work. You know your way home?”

“Yes,” I say, my mind spinning. “Can I keep the file?”

“Sure. It’s not like there’s much in there. Just don’t tell the Sheriff.”

I tuck the folder under my arm, giving her a quick hug before heading back to my bike.

The twenty-minute ride home is a blur. My thoughts tangle with each push of the pedals, my mind circling the same question over and over.

Whoelseknows the truth about John Huntz?

As I near Eric’s house, my pulse spikes. An unfamiliar, mud-spattered bicycle leans against the porch and a chill prickles at the base of my neck. I hurry through the door, kicking off Annabelle’s sneakers, tossing Misty’s folder onto the front bench.

I step into the family room?—

And freeze.

Eric is sprawled on the couch,snoring.

Wearing nothing but a towel. He is all muscle, and tan with a glistening ladder of abs.

“Oh my God.”

The words slip out before I can stop them.

Eric jerks awake, and his eyes snap open as the towel drops to the floor.

“Eric! Your dick is out. That’stwicein under a day.”

Emma’s voice cuts through the air, sharp and amused, as my brain struggles to catch up.

My lips curve into a lazy grin, eyelids heavy, as her gaze drags over my body. She stands in the middle of my home like she belongs here, like she’salwaysbelonged here. Her chamomile scent curls into my senses, messing with my already fried brain.

The girl I once knew is long gone.

The woman standing in front of me? She’s all grown up, wrapped in a checkered shirt and slim jeans that fit like a second skin. She moves with an ease that clashes with the ruggedness of this place, her casual elegance making her stand out even more.

And damn, if she doesn’t look good doing it.

Heat rushes through me like a molten river, all of it heading south. I rake a hand through my damp hair, trying to get my bearings. Shower. Towel.Fuck.

I glance down, but the towel is gone.

“So you did see me?” I mumble.

Emma snickers as my brain finally catches up. I scramble for the fabric, dragging it over my rapidly hardening cock.

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