Grumpy Cowboy (Single Dad Collection)

I nod. “I can confirm that things have happened.”

“What kinds of things?” Carla queries.

“None of your business kinds of things.”

“So, what, are you guys like together?”

Are we together? Hell’s bells. I don’t really know what we are.

I mean, we don’t hate each other.

We definitely like and care about each other.

And we’re obviously insanely attracted to each other.

Not to mention, we spend pretty much all of our time together, a very small fraction of which is dedicated to the reason I came here in the first place—rehabilitating his knee.

“Honestly? I don’t know,” I answer and shrug both shoulders. “I don’t really have a label for it.”

Dating? My boyfriend? I’m confused on why those terms don’t feel right, but at the same time, would make sense.

We’ve been through a lot together, and putting a label on whatever it is that’s happening between us almost makes me feel like I’m downplaying it.

I mean, this is about way more than just him and me. His daughter has become astoundingly important to me as well.

“I guess we’re just kind of letting whatever happens, happen.” I shrug, and both Carla and Taylor look at me like I’ve got a wart the size of Brazil on my forehead.

“What?” I question.

Carla grins. “You’re totally falling for him.”

“For sure,” Taylor adds. “I knew this was going to be some enemies-to-lovers kind of shit. I freaking knew it.”

“Stop trying to make everything a romance novel, Tay.” I roll my eyes on an amused chortle.

Carla opens her mouth to add something that is most likely useless and/or inappropriate, but thankfully, a cute young lady by the name of Joey steps into our circle and tugs on my shirt.

“You ready to cut the cake with me, Leah?”

“You betcha.” I grin down at her before looking up at my two best friends. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to excuse myself from the interrogation,” I say and wink at them. “And head on over to the cake table with Joey.”

“You guys gonna come over and sing to us?”

“Will we get in really bad trouble with your daddy if we don’t?” Carla asks inappropriately through a smile, and I do my best not to make it obvious when I send a sharp elbow right into the center of her ribs.

Joey’s eyebrows rise up and down as she cluelessly surmises, “I don’t know ’bout gettin’ in trouble, but it’d for sure be rude.”

I snort a little too loudly for my public threshold of embarrassing acts’ sake and nod. Taylor agrees too. “Very rude, indeed. Don’t worry, honey, Carla and I wouldn’t miss it.”

And I take Joey’s outstretched hand and head on over to the cake table that was set up for the best damn birthday party I’ve ever experienced in my whole life.

I step out of the women’s bathroom in the lodge, and a squeal jumps from my lungs when two strong arms wrap around my waist.

“What the heck?”

“It’s time to go, darlin’.” Rhett is right behind me, and his voice is hot in my ear. “I can’t wait any longer to get you alone.”

“But we haven’t—” I start to refute, but when he pushes his front against my back and I feel his arousal on my ass, I stop midsentence.

“My parents already left with Joe.”

“You don’t think I should try to say goodbye to everyone else? I’ve barely even talked to my brother.”

He turns me around and puts two hands on my shoulders. “Darlin’, it’s past midnight, most of the guests have already left. And your brother and friends are currently boozed out of their minds and outside with Tiny and the rest of the ranch hands, doing god knows what. No one is even going to notice that we left, and trust me, if they did, they’d understand why. You’re so fuckin’ gorgeous tonight I can hardly stand it.”

My breath catches in my throat, and my stomach tightens with arousal.

“And I’ve already put Rodney in charge of making sure all three of ’em get back to their cabins safely tonight.”

Well, shit. Sounds like he’s got it all covered. The party has pretty much come to an end.

“So, I guess we can go, then, huh?” I say with a secret smile.

He presses a kiss to my lips. “Fuck yes, we can.”

“Are we going to my cabin or your place?”

“Darlin’, I want you in my fuckin’ bed.”

He holds out his hand for me, and I take it without question.

Because…yes, freaking, please!

Rhett

The drive from the lodge to my house feels like it takes an eternity, mostly because I was ready to dip out more than three hours ago.

Not that it wasn’t a good party, because it was, but hell, I need to be alone with this woman. In my bed. With her naked and riding my cock. And absolutely zero interruptions.

Thank fuck, it’s finally happening, I think to myself when I pull my truck to a stop in my driveway. Immediately, I cut the engine and turn to face her.