Courted by the Cowboy (The Boones of Texas 3)

“He’s not the only one.” He stooped, dropping a kiss against her parted lips before rolling onto his back. He glanced at her, staring up at the ceiling, clutching the sheet to her chest. “Come here,” he said, sliding his arm beneath her and pulling her against his side.

She sighed, melting into him. Her hand rested on his chest; her fingers stroked slowly back and forth.

“I like being here.”

“I love having you here,” he confessed. “I hate taking you home.”

She looked up at him. “You do?”

He nodded. “Worst part of my day,” he murmured. “Guess I should give you an actual tour?”

She rested her chin on his chest and looked at him. “Maybe later?”

He nodded, rubbing his hand up and down her spine. “Donna said you’ve already got the hang of things at work. You happy at the vet hospital?”

“She’s just being nice.” Kylee smiled. “I wish she wasn’t leaving.”

He smiled. “She won’t be far. She lives a few blocks from Shots. Knowing her, she’ll be glad to come in and help if you ever need her.”

“You know everyone in town?” she asked.

“Pretty much.”

“Must be nice to live in a place that makes you happy. I can’t imagine ever leaving.”

Her words made his heart swell. He never wanted her to leave.

“I did leave,” he admitted. “I served as a military dog handler and then as a veterinarian. I went all over the place. And every day I missed home.”

“You’re so close to your family—that must have been hard.”

“I had a friend with me,” he paused. “Vince was like another brother.”

“Where is he now? You two still close?”

“We talk a couple of times a month. He’s in Florida. He runs a boxing gym. Wife, three kids.” He smiled. “He’s living it up.”

“Boxing?” Her eyes narrowed. “Were you a boxer?”

He nodded. “Until I put Vince in the hospital. After that, I do my best never to lose my control.”

She stared at him, her blue eyes unflinching. “He’s okay?”

Fisher nodded. “A couple of weeks it was pretty touch-and-go. Once he pulled out of the coma, he wanted to get back in the ring.” He shrugged.

“That must have been hard on you. I’m glad he’s okay. And I’m glad it didn’t cost your relationship. Accidents can do that.” Kylee studied him for a long time. “Never miss boxing?” she asked.

He shook his head. He meant it. He kept busy, stayed in shape. But he knew he’d never get enjoyment out of boxing the way he once had.

“I’m glad you came back to Stonewall Crossing.” Her hand rested on his upper arm. “If you hadn’t, I might never have met you.”

He nodded, cupping her cheek and pulling her close to press a long kiss against her mouth. He was right where he needed to be, holding her—loving her.

She was settled in at his side when she added, “I never thought I’d end up in a place like this.”

“You saying you’re disappointed?” he asked.

She pressed a kiss to his chest, her arms tightening about his waist. “No. Surprised, maybe.”