Page 42 of Head Over Spurs

“What was it that came up this morning?” she asked.

At the same time, he asked, “Why are you telling Paisley that I’m depressed?”

“I’m not!”

“She seems to think you’re worried about my happiness—as in, I’m faking it.”

“I never said that,” his sister protested. “But I am worried. This isn’t you. You’re a gambler, you chase what you want. I mean, you raised hell from your first steps, really put Mom and Dad through it. And while I was terrified every time you flew from those chutes, you have never been afraid of anything. But since the injury… it’s like you handed over the reins to your life.”

Her speech took the wind from his sails. He blinked back at his older sister wordlessly, shocked by how she truly saw him.

“I’m sorry, Ry. I know you’re grown. I just still feel like it’s my job to protect you. And?—”

“Don’t be sorry.” He drew in a deep breath. Then he added, “You’re right.”

“You went through somethinghuge. You almost died!” She paused to steady herself. Taking his hand in hers, she continued. “Recovery takes time, all parts of it. You’re so strong, just don’t forget the emotional injury you endured.”

He rocked his boot that was on the ground, heel to toe, creating a rhythmic sway of the porch swing. “I’m not forgetting about that part. Despite how it may have seemed, I never actually believed I was invincible. I knew the risks. So, I don’t think the reality check is really even part of this.”

“But you are holding yourself back?” she asked carefully.

“More like I don’t know what to throw myself into anymore.” He turned to his sister and grinned. “Other than things with this girl.”

“I knew it! The new girl at the ranch, right? Tell me everything.”

19

JULES

The only thing better than the sight of Riley waiting for her on his tailgate? Riley waiting for her on his tailgate with a delicious looking cinnamon roll sitting untouched at his side.

As she climbed out of her Mustang, he flashed his smile that made her weak in the knees. “How are you feeling?” he asked, lifting the pastry to his lap and patting the tailgate for her to sit.

“Much better—physically.”

She jumped up beside him, their boots knocking together as their legs dangled from the truck bed.

He handed over the cinnamon roll and said, “It’s from Laurel. And it’s a big deal, especially now that she’s pregnant and craving these now more than ever. Her and Brett covet them. Like… they are weirdly greedy about it. I’ve never even had one.”

“Why do I get one?” she asked, reaching for it eagerly. Her appetite was definitely back.

“She said it’s sure to make you feel better. I guess I should have gotten sick ‘round here to earn one,” he chuckled, eyeing it as she pulled a piece off.

“Maybe if you’re nice to me, I’ll give you a taste.” She dangled the bite before him.

His eyes grew hungry, but he was looking past the pastry. His focus locked onto her lips. “I’d take a taste,” he replied, his voice dangerously serious now.

She leaned closer, hypnotized by the need that swam in his gaze. Her own need pulsing through her.

“You remember we’re in the center of the compound, right out in the open,” he warned. Even still, he lifted his hand and dragged his knuckles along her jaw.

Pulling back, she blinked away the daze she was in. They were in the center of the ranch compound where anyone could walk by. Including the car pulling up the dirt drive this very moment.

Jules leaned forward, squinting into the rising sun. She recognized the posh, champagne colored SUV. Blinking, she wondered if maybe she wasn’t still ill and seeing things. Because she recognized it as her mother’s.

There was no way, though. Turning back to Riley, she replied, “I remember. I was just offering you some cinnamon roll.”

She held up the piece between her fingers for him to accept. And he did so by eating it right out of her hand. An indecent moan escaped him, causing her mind to drift back to a hotel room in Texas. Back to the moment he let out a similar moan while she was on her knees before him.

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