Page 35 of The Cowgirl's Forever Love
“I don’t make that many bets.”
“How about Kelli demanding payment just a week ago? Or the fact Caleb complained you got money out of him for being clueless about one of his brothers falling in love?” He brushed his cheek against hers, humming gently. “People talk to me, darlin’. I hear all sorts of things.”
He stopped beside the barn doors, sliding them open. Lisa guided the horse forward using her knees. Once inside, Josiah took Ollie from her, then Lisa slid to the ground.
Josiah sent her off to the house. “I want to take care of Ollie’s paw and feed her. There’s no reason you have to stay and plenty of reasons for you to go hop in the shower.”
They both sniffed involuntarily.
Lisa nodded briskly. “If you’re sure. I don’t mind helping.”
He pointed at the door. “Use the shower in my bedroom. There are clean clothes in the dresser. Bottom drawer has some stuff that my sisters left behind once, if any of it fits you.” He paused. “Or if you want, you can use my truck and go home. I shouldn’t be too bold and assume.”
Lisa looked him over, slow and steady. “I’m just fine hopping in your shower. If it’s not too bold, I’m fine with you joining me once you’re finished here.”
His cheeks flushed before he turned away, talking to Ollie in that sweet, even tone.
She was still grinning as she made her way into the main house to ditch her boots in the mudroom. It only took a second to strip down to nothing and leave her clothes in a somewhat orderly pile next to them. No way was she putting any of those things back on until they’d been thoroughly sterilized.
Naked, she walked quickly through the living space to the bedroom hallway. She slowed once she was in the master bedroom and then she was too cold to take more than a brief glimpse around the room. It was neat and tidy, with lots of blues and browns, but the space she was currently interested in lay to the west.
Lisa pushed past the heavy door to find a shower big enough to host a party. She cranked on the tap and stepped in before the water had a chance to warm.
A second later, welcome heat rushed over her skin, and she sighed with relief. Rotating toward the window, she shook her head in amazement. The master bathroom had a view of the mountains nearly as impressive as the one from the great room.
She used Josiah’s shampoo and soap, the thought of having invaded his space so intimately sending pulses of heat deep into her core that had nothing to do with the refreshing water. The woodsy-scented suds washed away the smell of the barn, replacing it with a far better one. And while she lingered for a while in the hopes he might join her, she didn’t feel comfortable staying there forever in case he was waiting to take a separate turn.
The bottom drawer held some women’s sweatpants and T-shirts. Lisa pulled on a pair of thick woolen socks and bright red sweats, but she ignored the ladies’ shirts. Instead, she stole into Josiah’s T-shirt drawer to grab one of them for a top. She held the fabric against her nose and took a deep breath, the scent she was coming to associate with him sliding from the fabric and through her system. The clean, crisp aroma chased away a few more of the lingering blues from the work they’d faced that day.
She blinked guiltily then quickly pulled the shirt over her head. Josiah was going to think she was some kind of psycho stalker if she wasn’t careful.
Lisa stepped back into the main part of the house, totally surprised to find Josiah had beat her to the kitchen and was standing at the stove. His hair was wet and he’d pulled on clean clothes as well. He was wearing worn jeans and a red-and-white checked flannel shirt.
He twisted to check her out, a smile creasing his cheeks. “You look good in my shirt.”
“Thank you, sir.” Lisa did a little twirl, spinning on the spot, pleased to see his eyes lingering on her body.Go for broke. Be honest.“I’m glad you got a chance to get cleaned up already, but I meant it, Josiah. You could’ve joined me.”
He closed the distance between them, hands falling to her hips to pull her against him. “I heard you. Next time.”
Josiah lowered his head, and the next thing she knew, their mouths were connected. He was kissing her again—
God, the man could kiss.
It wasn’t something he did halfheartedly. Unlike guys who seemed to have a checklist to work down—not that Lisa tended to spend much time with those guys once she’d realized they were shitty lovers, but there were men out there who acted as if each activity was something to get out of the way so they could get to the main event.
Josiah kissed like itwasthe main event. His tongue teased, his teeth nipped, and by the time he picked her up and turned her in the air, she was far enough gone to not care where he was taking her.
Not far. Her hips landed on something solid, and she opened her eyes to find she was sitting on the island in the kitchen.
Josiah ran a finger down the edge of the T-shirt neckline, caressing her skin. “I wasn’t staying away because you aren’t attractive. You’re exactly my type.”
It took a moment for her to remember what they’d been talking about. Or that they’d been talking in the first place.
“Just saying you’ve got a go-ahead from me.” Lisa undid the top button on his shirt. “I find you very attractive too.”
“Fantastic—” The word vanished into a breathless moan.
She’d leaned forward and kissed his jaw. It would have been a shame to pull back too quickly, so she moved to the side of his neck and nipped then kissed the spot. Then again, this time just above his collar bone.
