Lost Love (Cowboys & Angels 1)

“Did you really bring work home?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes. “I have to, or I’ll get behind.”

“You’re a damn kindergarten teacher, Pax. You shouldn’t be working so much outside of work.”

Laughing, I hooked my arm around his. “Tell that to the higher ups who seem to love piling more work onto us.”

As we moved through the classroom, my excitement grew. What did Steed have planned for us? More importantly, when would he make good on his promise to be inside of me?

We walked in silence. The only thing making any noise were my high heels clicking on the floor. I peeked up to see Steed smiling, and I longed to know what was making him wear his happy face.

I cleared my throat. “What are you thinking about?”

Turning to look at me, his smile grew bigger. “Us.”

I couldn’t stop my smile. “I like the sound of that. What about us?”

Steed pushed the door open, and we walked out into the cool fall breeze. I loved fall in Texas. The air smelled crisp and clean. Hints of spicy cinnamon and pumpkin wafted from certain stores or homes. Burning piles of leaves and sweaters always made me long for simpler days…sitting in bleachers and watching Steed play football was always a happy fall memory.

“How good we are together. How happy you make me and how I hope like hell I make you happy. The fact that Chloe loves the idea of us. It all makes me happy.”

He reached for my hand and laced his fingers in mine.

“That makes me happy too.”

We stopped at my car, and he turned me to face him. He placed his hand on the side of my face, and I couldn’t help but lean into it.

“You make me so damn happy, Pax. I hope you know that.”

“I do know that. And you make me beyond happy. I haven’t been this happy in years.”

Steed leaned down and brushed his lips over mine. “I have a feeling we’re being watched by some nosy co-worker of yours or even a parent, so I’ll behave. But later, my lips are going to be devouring that sweet soft mouth.”

I swallowed hard, my heart beating harder. Opening my mouth, nothing came out but a small breath of air. Steed flashed his panty melting smile and kissed me softly, but way too quickly. “I’ll follow you back to your place so you can drop your car off.”

Nodding, I opened the door to my car and tossed my purse and bag in. Steed turned to leave, but I reached for his hand.

“Wait.”

Steed faced me again, a slight look of concern on his face.

“I don’t care what people see, what they think, or what they say. I love you and I never want either of us to hide that fact.”

The concern melted away and his eyes lit up, causing my stomach to dip. He cupped my face within his hands, his eyes searching my face. “You’re my everything, Paxton.”

Those sweet simple words meant more than he could ever imagine. He leaned down and kissed me. It was one of those knock my socks off kisses. One that started out slow and sweet, but quickly turned passionate and needy. I grabbed his arms to steady myself because Steed was making my entire world wobble.

His tongue felt like it was everywhere. Over my lips, dancing with my own, exploring my mouth like he’d never kissed me before. It was a mind-blowing kiss. He hadn’t even touched my body anywhere other than my face, and my core was pulsing.

When he finally pulled back, I dragged in a breath. My heart beat like crazy.

“You’re my everything,” I managed to whisper.

“Now maybe Gina will get the picture that I’m not interested in her.”

I pinched my brows then looked over his shoulder. She was standing at the front entrance of the school with two other moms. Steed must have seen her when he turned to walk to his truck.

Focusing back on him, I snickered, “Let’s hope.”

Paxton quickly changed into jeans and a long sleeve T-shirt when I told her to dress casual and warm. She packed an overnight bag at my request and bounced down the stairs, the smile on her face evidence of how happy she was. I loved seeing that light shine in her eyes.

“Ready!” she said. “Now, will you tell me where we’re going?”

“Nope.”

She playfully slapped me on the arm. “Brat. Why won’t you tell me your plan?”

“Because it’s a surprise. I thought you loved surprises.”

Laughing, Paxton nodded. “I do!”

Taking her bag out of her hands, I winked. “All right, then let’s get the show on the road.”

First place on my lists of stops was the new store Paxton talked about checking out every time we passed it. Pulling up in front of the store, I parked. She instantly got excited.