Page 20 of Soldier Cowboy
CHAPTER6
All the food nearly put Colton into a coma. He should run two miles after that kind of feast but instead he walked Jennifer back to their cabin. It had been decided at breakfast that he and his “new fiancée” would stay here until he started construction on his own home. He assured Riggs, in an effort to confirm he was putting down his stakes, that he would soon. Truthfully, he was in no hurry. This small cottage was good enough for him.
Sean had built his house not long after Riggs married Winona. The plan all along had been that the three brothers would build houses on their cattle ranch. It was Cal and Marge’s dream for their adopted sons to always be together and, side by side, raise their families. It hadn’t been enough to foster three brothers, then adopt all three so they could stay together. Even after death his adopted parents continued to give.
But for years, Colton hadn’t gone along with the established program. He’d wanted to see the world first and Cal understood. Much as he’d loved his parents, family and obligations were dead weight when he was eighteen. Now, hehadseen the world, and far more he wished he could unsee. Turned out Riggs was right. There was no place like Texas. So, sure, he’d build his home once Riggs released those funds from the trust. It would be solid proof he wasn’t going anywhere and by then it wouldn’t matter that Jennifer was gone.
In the meantime, he’d live here comfortably. A week or two with Jennifer if all went according to plan, then later, after assuring his family he was okay after their “breakup,” he’d find someone else. Maybe one of those new women who’d moved here afterMr. Cowboy. He only hoped this time with her wouldn’t ruin him for anyone else. Her scent alone was intoxicating and all he’d done was kiss her hand and neck.
She’d hardly looked at him after that kissing overture and he worried he’d gone too far. He wanted to inspire her trust, not grow fear for yet another man. Sure, her father trusted him, and she’d lent him that trust.
Now he’d have to prove himself.
“You should sleep,” Jennifer said when they got back.
“Just a couple of hours is all I need. I am pretty whipped. You woke me up mid-dream with that shriek of yours. It rivaled some of the best slasher movies I’ve seen.”
“I thought Dan had found us.” She studied the ground. “And your brother has a big rifle.”
He shrugged. “He’s smart. You know what they say, don’t bring a knife to a gun fight.”
“How about we don’t have anyfightsat all?”
In a perfect world, sweetheart. In a perfect world.
“Fine with me, but if we come across your stalker, don’t expect me to engage in a conversation with him. I’ll neutralize him and ask questions later.”
“Sure, tough guy.” She gave him an eye roll. “I can see why my father asked for your help. He’s the same way.”
Colton nodded, knowing how much of this was the truth. “Hey, I’m sorry about the kiss.”
“That’s okay, I know why you did it.”
Well, she knew one of his reasons. The secret reason, the fact he’d wanted to kiss her, that would remain need to know. She was skittish and had good reason to be. He would not be one more male in her life who didn’t listen.
“From now on, I want you to be the one to initiate anything physical between us. I’m going to back off. If that makes it look odd, then so be it. It’s our fake relationship. It can be whatever we want it to be. I don’t want to scare you.”
“Thank you.” She hesitated. “But I’m telling people I love you, and I’d appreciate it if you did the same.”
“Why else do people get married?”
“Um, you told your brother it’s because I threatened to cut you off.”
“It was ajoke.”
“One I didn’t appreciate.”
“Consider it done. I’ll tell everyone I adore you.” Halfway down the hall, he turned one last time to Jennifer. “You’ll be okay while I sleep?”
She saw the question in his eyes. He wanted reassurance she wouldn’t be a difficult person to guard.
“Don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere without you. And if we’re going to stay here, we need supplies. You do have a store around here?”
“Downtown. I’ll take you there.”
“Maybe you can go, and I’ll stay here.”
“You’re coming with me. The answer isn’t going to be for you to hide out in this cabin like you did in your apartment.” He opened the door to the bedroom.
