Page 12 of Claimed By the Cowboy
Henry’s expression grows serious as he looks between me and Delaney. “Now that you’re family, you need to know what we're dealing with. Someone’s been causing trouble—messing with our equipment, taking cattle.”
The warmth from dinner evaporates. These good people have enemies.
“That’s why we brought in Beckett for security,” Ben says. “Good man. His girl, Georgina, is the mechanic who keeps our equipment running—they live in the back cabin.”
“You're safe,” Henry says firmly. “Just wanted you to be aware of what’s been happening.”
My protective instincts flare. Apart from my sister, I’ve never had anything worth protecting before.
Across the table, Delaney’s brows draw together slightly, and I know she’s thinking what I am: Extra security? Who would want to harm Luna? Who would want to cause trouble for this loud, loving, wonderfully chaotic family?
They seem like they would do anything for each other.
“Well, I for one am thankful that both Luna and Cheese Puff lived to tell the tale,” Shay says in an obvious attempt to lightenthe mood. She chuckles. “Remember when she ate Ruth’s entire herb garden in one afternoon?”
Tom smirks. “Luna or Cheese Puff?”
Laughter resumes, and the family launches into Cheese Puff stories that have me giggling uncontrollably.Most people would rehome the little troublemaker, but not the Suttons. Cheese Puff is a beloved but mischievous family member.
“You think that's bad,” Luna says, grinning.“What about the time she got into the grain shed and we found her passed out drunk on fermented corn?”
My eyes widen. “Actually drunk?”
“Completely wasted,” Angus confirms, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Tom carried her back to the barn like a sorority girl after a night of bottomless mimosas.”
The image makes me snort-laugh, which sets everyone else off. For the first time in years, I’m not watching from the sidelines. I’m part of something—this wild, messy, loud family that I want to be part of more than my next breath.
“You have the best laugh,” Tom says suddenly, and the way he’s looking at me makes my heart skip.
The table falls silent.?
Ben clears his throat. “More pot roast, anyone?”
As conversation picks up again, Tom’s hand finds my knee under the table. Just rests there, warm and claiming, his thumb drawing lazy circles through my jeans.
I should stop him. Pull away. Remember that he’s marrying my sister in a few weeks.
Instead, I press my leg closer, silently begging for more of his touch.
The rest of dinner passes in a haze of sexual tension and family warmth. Every accidental touch sends fire racing through my veins. Every time Tom laughs at something I say, pride swells in my chest.
This is what it feels like to be wanted. To be seen as more than someone’s burden or responsibility.
And it’s the most dangerous feeling in the world.Because if I let myselfwant this, someone’s going to get hurt. And it won’t just be me this time.
After dinner, Shay offers to take us upstairs to our rooms.
“Breakfast is at six. Ranch days start early,”Tom calls out as Delaney and I gather our bags.
“Six is perfect,” Delaney replies efficiently.?
“Wear comfortable shoes tomorrow, Kitty. For the garden tour,”?Tom adds.
The way he says my name makes me shiver. “I will.”
Delaney says nothing, but I see the flick of her eyes toward me. Not angry. Just… noting.
“Sleep well.”
