Page 55 of Rough Cowboy
I smile. Big and wide. “Added.” I glance at the bench by the window and the tire swing hanging off the rafter. “It’s got potential.”
“The skinny staircase leading to it would be another spot.”
“You been collecting these since we arrived?”
“Absolutely. Now let’s get downstairs before the unwanted guests take over.”
We’re too late. My brothers have started painting. The entire quilting circle has arrived, and undoubtedly there will be squares cut out of material throughout the house. The mayor barks out orders like this is a town hall meeting.
I put my fingers to my mouth, and the sharp whistle stops everyone. “Mayor, if you’re giving orders, you can start by keeping every last person away from pantin’ the walls. The walls belong to Elsie.”
Elsie smiles at me. “Thank you.”
“Anything for my abstinence partner in crime.”
“You can add the washing machine to the banglefuck list before Sammy removes it. I don’t know if it’s worn-out or breaking but it vibrates and grinds and”—she moans as she sashays away—”Yes.”
My alert cock is regretting our abstinence decision already.
***
ELSIE
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“IDIDN’T KNOW YOU WEREsuch a handyman,” I tease Silver with a grin.
It turns out, I don’t mind him hanging around and lending a helping hand painting the walls. Even if dancing around our feelings and keeping the flirting to a minimum makes the air thick with tension.
We’ve been at it for hours, carefully rolling paint onto the walls and edges. We’re making good progress, but the best progress was when the call tree realized we had it under control and took their party to the backyard.
“I’m full of surprises.” His voice is smooth as rum. “You’re not so bad yourself with that paintbrush.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Are you trying to flirt with me while we’re covered in paint and on abstinence?”
“I can’t help it. You look beautiful no matter what.” I love his devilishly handsome lopsided smirk.
Love.
That’s a big word—a heavy word playing in my head, thanks to him.
“You’re such a smooth talker.”
“I’m just telling the truth.” He dips his brush into the paint can. “But seriously, we make a great team.”
Warmth spreads through my chest. “I suppose we do.” I meet his eyes. “I’m glad we’re doing this together.”
I’m not referring to painting.
His earlier admissions have my insides swirling. I hadn’t realized his feelings ran more profound than a good time. And maybe if I hadn’t gotten knocked up, we would’ve explored them like ordinary people by going on a date. But we tend to do things backward, and here we are, trying to be friends after doing the deed—too many times to count.
“Me too.” He steps closer. “Hey, Els.”
My heart beats a little faster. “Yes?”
“I think you missed a spot.” He strokes his brush over the front of my pink T-shirt.
I gasp and look down at the white stripe. “I guess I’ll have to take this off.” I reach for the hem of my shirt and enjoy Silver’s eyes pop wide open.
