Page 62 of Cowboy Dragon's Rose

I’m curled up in one of the oversized loungers, damp towel wrapped around me, the last of the sun-drenched breeze skimming over my arms.

Someone passes around a bowl of grapes and melon, and there’s a tray of empty sandwich plates nearby.

I think I saw Rosie sneak off with the last brownie, which seems like a fair trade for how adorable she is.

The chatter is soft, distant.

Then the women start to move—first Avery, stretching with a groan and patting her bump like it’s a sleepy roommate.

Jez follows her, muttering something about needing lemon for the next batch of iced tea.

Penny rises last, brushing off her shorts.

“You coming?” she asks me.

I nod and slide to my feet, padding barefoot across the warm stone.

Zeke’s back in the water, arms draped on the edge, head tipped back toward the sky—and yet I feel him watching me.

That silent heat, the way his gaze makes my skin tighten and my pulse skip.

I like it.

Too much.

He winks and I feel my blush burn my cheeks, but I don’t wink back. I’m too giggly to make it look cool like he does.

I duck into the house after the girls, following the sounds of clinking glass and the scent of cut citrus.

Jez is already pouring sugar into the tea pitcher like she’s trying to summon the South, and Avery’s cutting strawberries.

I grab a knife and start in on the peaches.

Penny’s quiet for a second, then glances over her shoulder at me.

“So,” she says casually. “You and Zeke. Getting kinda serious, huh?”

I pause, peach juice slick on my fingers. I don’t look at her right away.

“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “I mean, it’s Memorial Day Weekend. Summer fun, and all that stuff.”

“Is that right?” she asks, but I can tell she doesn’t believe me.

Hell. I don’t even believe me.

“I mean, we’re both consenting adults. And with the way you’re all blissfully paired up, it’s practically contagious once you get on the ranch. Or maybe it’s just the climate.”

Penny doesn’t interrupt.

And I know I’m talking too much, but I can’t help it.

“I like him. A lot. He’s, I mean, Zeke is different,” I continue.

“He is that. So, do you think you two are gonna make a go of it?” she asks a little too casually.

“Well, I mean, I’m not from here. I don’t even know if I’m staying.”

“What do you mean, Cas?” Avery asks.

---