Page 54 of Gotta Dig Deep
“Sure.” Horse chuckled. “Bless his heart.”
“Hey.” She looked up at him, lips spread wide in a smile. “He’s Texan too, so he knows what that means.”
“Just how I meant it, then.”
He stared at her, cheeks rosy from the sunshine and wind outside, eyes shining with laughter, mouth pouting adorably.
Blackie’s right. I think she’s it for me. I should tell her.
Instead, he cleared his throat, not surprised when she straightened immediately, face adopting a serious expression. “I’ve got some additional news.” He patted the air. “Not good news either.”
Instead of looking alarmed, Glenna folded her arms beneath her breasts and took in a deep breath.
“Tell me.” Her demand was strong and steady, and he noticed Shamu had sat next to her, his shoulder pressed against her leg in a posture nearly identical to Glenna’s. Head up, eyes attentively fixed on him.
They’re a formidable pair. Put us all together, we’re gonna be unstoppable.
***
Glenna
“I should call Cooter and loop him in.” She was standing shoulder to shoulder with Horse. They were washing dinner dishes and discussing everything he’d learned for the third or fourth time. She didn’t think he’d held back anything, even though he’d warned that strictly club business would not be shared, but it was impossible to know for sure. That was typical of what she knew about motorcycle clubs, and she found she trusted him, even after only knowing him for days.
I trust him, and I like him. A lot.
The honesty was freeing, because while she hadn’t imagined herself being with anyone other than Penn, ever, she could picture having something with Horse. Here was a man who had wakened her body and mind, easily pulling her from where she’d been sleepwalking through life to full awareness.
“I’d like to be careful what we pass along.” He wasn’t telling her not to call Cooter, which was a big point in his favor. “He doesn’t need the backstory, and we can’t tell him how we learned things, because the methods aren’t exactly legal.”
“I like that you’re open with me.” She decided to let him know how it made her feel. “I like it a lot. Makes me believe I’m special.”
“You are special, Glenna.” He hip-checked her and she laughed. “Seriously, it’s more than just you rescuing me. I don’t understand where my head’s at, not logically, but my gut still says I should trust you to not do anything to hurt me.”
“Isn’t that the woman’s line? ‘Don’t hurt me.’” Smiling up at him, she watched as his gaze flicked from her eyes to her mouth, enjoying the way his eyes darkened. Their almost-kiss danced through her thoughts. The only thing she regretted right now was being interrupted.
“I’d never hurt you. Hand to God. Even if this is all we ever have, this kind of friendship. Hell, just you takin’ care of me like you did deserves loyalty.” He leaned closer, every word emphasized. “I’d. Never. Hurt. You.”
“I believe you.” His mouth was so close, she rose to her toes on impulse and landed her lips on his in a brief, chaste press. Not lingering, she dropped back to her heels with a breathless “I believe you, Horse.” Everything about the movement felt so natural, so right.
His hand wrapped around her hip, fingers squeezing gently. “The things you do, Glenna. You don’t even know.” He hovered there, mouth a breath away, holding her in place. “Ah, God. The things I wanna do to you.” His voice was rough and deep, trembling with control.
With a groan, he dipped closer, taking her mouth in a long, slow kiss. His tongue danced along the seam of her lips, asking for permission and she opened, tasting him for the first time. The mix of chocolate from the pie they’d eaten with dinner and a dark flavor she supposed was all Horse filled her with desire.
She relaxed into his hold, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull herself up, taking as much as she gave. It went on for a long time, renewing over and over, long enough she felt the beginning of whisker burn on her chin and cheeks. His hands roamed her body, up her back and sides. He cupped one breast with a sigh, thumb delicately stroking the edge of her nipple.
She molded herself to him, the hot steel of his erection pressing against her belly through their jeans. Fire raged in her veins, a need like she’d never felt trying to push her over the edge of no return. She didn’t recognize the mewling sounds coming from her throat. Glenna was shaking all over when he broke off the kiss and rested his cheek on top of her head, holding her tight.
“Don’t think I don’t want you, woman. Do not read any of that bullshit into this. I promise you that this isn’t me sayin’ never, but right now is the wrong time to take a step like this. For both of us.” He pulled in a shaky breath. “And fucking hell, you can kiss. Coulda gone on all night like that.”
“You’re no slouch either.” She shifted back, lifting her head to look into his face. “Thank you.” Understanding flooded his face and she nodded. “I’m willing to go there, but you’re right. I’d like it to be a considered decision. Not simply lust.” Her throat tightened and she squeaked out the final words. “I want it. Want you like that.”
“I know, darlin’. I know.” Cupping his hands around her face, he stared down into her eyes. “I believe you. And I get that you might need space sometimes. If I don’t see it in the moment, all you have to do is tell me. Communication isn’t my specialty, but I’ll work on it for you.”
“I think you communicate just fine.” She turned her head to press a kiss against one of his palms. “I appreciate you.”
He leaned in and softly pressed his mouth to hers, eyes open and staring as she gazed back. “I know.” He kissed her forehead in a gentle caress. “And you need to make a phone call. I trust you to protect me and my friends. Tell me what you need from me, and I’ll do anything I can to make it happen.”
“I’m a big believer in following my gut.”
