Page 56 of Wrangled Love

Briar’s eyes go wide, her lips slightly parted. “Oh, and why is that?”

“Because I like you.”

She grins, leaning into my touch, her face still cradled in my hand. “That’s unexpected, given how few people you can tolerate.”

“I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.”

“We can’t all be as accommodating as me,” she teases.

“Like I said earlier, I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we shared that kiss. The way you moved, the way you sounded—I want to experience it all again.” I pause, trailing a finger down herneck. “Watching you at the diner just proved I should’ve asked you not to go. Because the only guy you should be out with is me.”

Briar tilts her head, her eyebrows knitting together. “If that’s the case, what are you going to do about it,cowboy?”

Damn, this woman has me twisted in knots, and all I want to do is draw her close and never let go.

I reach down to her lap, taking her hands in mine. “This summer, you’re mine. I want you inmybed, moaningmyname.”

“But we have to be quiet,” she says with a gleam in her eye.

“I can think of a few ways to make that happen,” I whisper, trailing my thumb across the inside of her wrist.

What I’m proposing is a gamble. Briar could easily turn me down or tell me to leave. Even if she says yes, things could get messy fast if we’re not careful. But after thinking it through, I see no other choice, since I can’t let her be with someone else while I’m around. There’s no reason for us to be miserable for the rest of our time together when we could enjoy each other’s company.

“What about Caleb? I don’t want whatever this is”—she motions between us—“to affect him negatively. He always comes first. It’s probably best if he doesn’t know about us, especially if it’s temporary.” That last word puts a bitter taste in my mouth, but I swallow it down, not wanting to spoil the mood.

“Sneaking around could be fun. Although your brothers definitely know something is going on between us. Walker grilled me earlier when I called and had the nerve to claim I’m too old for you.” I scoff.

“Oh, he did, huh?” Briar smirks, grazing her fingers across my temple. “Good thing I’ve always had a thing for vintage collectibles.”

“Don’t worry, sugar, I’ve still got the endurance advantage.” I grin, giving my bicep an exaggerated flex.

“Looking forward to you proving it.” She leans closer, her eyes sparkling. “But remember, this is just for the summer.”

“Just for the summer,” I repeat.

“Promise me that however this plays out, you won’t use it against me. I want to be Caleb’s nanny until you leave… if you’ll have me,” Briar says with a hint of vulnerability.

A heaviness settles in my chest at the thought of us going back to New York, but I force the emotions aside.

I press a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I’m afraid you’re stuck with us until then.”

“Oh no, how will I ever survive?” she asks with a twinkle in her eye.

“Besides, we can’t have Caleb revolting if he doesn’t get to see you every day. He’s smitten.”

Just like his dad.

“He’s not the only one,” she says, trailing her fingertips along my knuckles.

“Listen, the county fair is next weekend, and I was thinking of taking Caleb. Would you want to go with us?”

Sure, we agreed to keep our new development under wraps with him, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all enjoy a day out together. He’ll probably enjoy himself more if Briar is there. It’s been ages since I’ve been to the fair, so I could really use her expertise to find the best food and attractions for Caleb.

Briar nods enthusiastically. “I’d love to.”

I cradle her cheek in my palm, brushing my nose against hers. “I’d like to kiss you now, sugar.”

Her grin widens. “Better not keep me waiting.”

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