Page 34 of A Cowboy Home for Christmas
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“Imay be regrettingthis decision.” The ground looks eons down from us. We slowly climb stories of wooden stairs to the top of the highest ride.
“We’re next, so now’s your chance to chicken out.”
I glance over the railing one last time. My stomach rolls. “I ain’t chickening out.”
“Next!” The attending calls.
I climb on the two-person tube first. Then Barker slides on behind me. His legs sandwich me. His front presses snug against my back. This is supposed to be a thrilling, exciting ride, but all I can think of, is how much this is where I want to be. With Barker protecting me. My body. My heart. My soul. Because that’s who he is. Driven to please in a way that doesn’t make him appear pathetic, but the most caring person I’ve ever met.
This is exactly where I want to be.
“Ready? Hands in. Legs in.” He doesn’t wait for our reply, and hits a button. The machine pushes our inflatable raft. We go shooting into a tube of water. The slide drops almost immediately.
I scream and close my eyes. Then I feel Barker behind and find the strength to open my eyes. A wave of water splashes over us. The slide twists, turns, and drops. We spin into a circle like a hamster wheel before the slide spits us out into a pool of water.
“Holy shit.” Barker climbs off first. “No wonder the girls can’t go on.”
“What a rush.” I take the hand he offers. I sink into water knee deep.
Chapter Nine
LAUREN
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The active day kicksmy girls in the butt. We don’t make it halfway through the evening sleigh ride and both girls fall asleep.
Barker and I carry them to their room and tuck them in. They’re so exhausted, I pull off their socks and skirts and let them sleep in their shirts.
I quietly shut the door.
Barker waits in the hallway for me. Hip leaning against the wall. Feet crossed at his ankles. His Stetson dipped low, casting a shadow over his rugged face.
He showered after the waterpark and changed into a button down shirt. The hem is untucked and all my hands crave to do is to slide under the material and skim his warm flesh.
