Page 18 of Rough Cowboy
“I’m pro-granddad.”
I stuff a handful of Cheetos in my mouth. “Sure sounds like it,” I mumble, chewing the crispy sticks to dust.
“I don’t need to see or hear it or imagine it.” He stops. “I thought you were all sex abstinence.”
“I need yogurt.” I close the pullout before opening the bar fridge under the counter. The light inside illuminates a container of plain vanilla yogurt. “Come to mama.” I toss the lid on the counter, dip in a Cheeto, and finally surrender to my intense craving.
A moan writhes up my chest and escapes in cries of pure delight.
“Shit, they can’t be that good.” Silver breaks my moment of pleasure.
I open my eyes, and we’re still standing in the dark pantry.
He digs a Cheeto out of the bag and dunks it in my yogurt before chewing. “It’s hot and cold at the same time.”
“Amazing, right?” I pop another yogurt-coated Cheeto in my mouth.
“Interesting.”
I shrug. “More for me.”
“Hey, I didn’t say I didn’t like it.” His arm shoots out for the bag.
“No.” I hide the chips behind my back and clutch the tub of yogurt against my front. Uncontrollable laughter bubbles out of me. For the first time in months, my mind isn’t plagued with all the dos and dont’s and advice I haven’t asked for.
“Get your own,” I shriek in good nature.
“I got you those.” He reaches both arms around my body and traps me.
“I’m not sharing with you, and don’t you dare spill this yogurt on my new dress.”
He rids the container quickly and somehow manages to keep his arms locked around me. Our fingers rage a war behind my back while our bodies wiggle and squirm. Then the bag flips over, and I hear the light sprinkle of the Cheetos hitting the floor.
Silver stops fighting me. “There’s no more Cheetos in the bag, are there?”
I bite my lower lip. “I might eat them off the floor.”
“That’s dedication.” His arms remain on either side of me.
“Have you ever known me to back away from a challenge?”
His head dips close to mine. I can smell traces of hard liquor on his breath. “Not you, Elsie Thorpe. I’ve never known you to back away from a challenge.” His voice is husky, low, and a whole lot sexy.
Don’t kiss him.
Don’t let him kiss you.
I can tell myself all the reasons why I shouldn’t kiss him, but my brain and actions never seem to be on the same page.
Lucky for me, the pantry doors swing open again, and the light temporarily blinds me.
I blink until Sammy comes into focus. The confused way his gaze drags between us sends a round of embarrassment spiraling through me. If only he knew the truth.
“Hey, brother.” Silver pushes off the counter, giving me a hotshot smile. He claps Sammy’s shoulder. “We were just—”
Sammy holds up his hand. “I suggest you not finish that sentence.”
Silver shrugs. “Suit yourself. I’ll let you play a few scenarios through your head.” He starts to pass his brother, but Sammy shoves his chest.
