Page 81 of Brands

He leaves the truck in park, shifting so he can frame my face with his palms. “I found a once in a lifetime woman. Let me make sure you never have to worry about your future.”

I nearly choke.

“Can we go back to your place?” Before my heart bursts out of my chest.

“Anything you want, baby.” His voice drops into a sultry purr. “That dress is driving me crazy, I can’t wait to get you out of it.”

An almost manic need for him grows in my belly.

I want to do all the things with him. He’s putting everything out there for me.

He may not have said the words, but his actions are proving how he feels.

Taken.

The word resonates over and over.

His eyes soughtmeout when that woman was obviously trying to flirt with him. It made me want to stick my tongue out at her and crawl on his lap.

Soon.

I can’t wait to see the look on Dad’s face.

Actually, I can. Because I know it’s going to cause a strain in their friendship once our secret is out.

It might even ruin it.

And I hate that it’s going to hurt them both.

Wrapping my arms around his, I sigh as I lean my head into his shoulder while he drives. “It’s never black or white, is it?”

He squeezes my thigh and glances at me. “What’s that? Holsteins are. Thinking of switching breeds?” His lopsided grin shows off his dimple.

Absolutely adorable.

“Millie would disown me. I was just thinking about you and Dad. How being with me will sour your relationship. Hell, buying the farm out from under Dad is going to muck up mine, too.” It’s a lose lose situation.

“Your dad will get over it. Or he won’t.” He turns off the engine in front of his porch, and moves to the passenger side to help me down from the high seat.

“God damn, rebel,” he growls. “That dress is the most beautiful form of torture a man can suffer.” He doesn’t let me out of his grasp, pulling me tightly against his body.

His lips brush the shell of my ear, then follow the curve of my neck to find my rapid pulse. “I don’t care what your dad does. I’m not letting you go.”

He tangles his fingers in my long hair, tugging my chin up so our noses brush.

“Do you really mean that?” I heard my father doubting him.

“Libby—” He scoops me up in his arms, cradling me against his chest to carry me into the house. “—I’ve never spent more than a single night with anyone before you. Despite that reputation, I’m an honest man. When I say I never want to sleep without you again, I mean it.”

As if to prove his point, he sets me gently on his bed. The mattress dips as he climbs over me. Resting on his elbows, his weight nestles me into the comforter.

I swear I want him to just meld into me.

“In fact,” he grunts, a frown tugging his mouth down. “As soon as this deal with him is done, he’s gonna be lucky if I don’t fucking punch him the next time he talks down about you. I don’t care if he is sickly.”

I grab his ears, tilting his head to make him look at me. “What did he say?” I don’t even want to think about what happened in that room when I wasn’t there. I’ve never heard Blue talk disparagingly about anyone before.

“It’s just the fact that he doesn’t think you’re able to make your own choices, that bugs the shit out of me. I mean, you chose me.” His soft laugh shakes us both. “Then again, maybe that just proves his point.”

---