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I scowled, running a hand along my jaw. The stubble was staying. It was part of my charm, if I had such a thing. “I happen to know Eryn likes the stubble,” I said with a smirk.
“Woohoo,” Gran hollered. “We’ve got some catching up to do.”
“That’s all you’re getting,” I said, but elbowed her conspiratorially.
As Mom and Gran exchanged victorious smiles, I knew the battle lines were drawn. Tonight, ready or not, Red Downs Ranch was hosting a dinner party. And like it or not, I was about to play the reluctant host to a pretty social media star who'd already lassoed my heart.
* * *
After Mom and Gran bustled out the door with promises to return with enough food to feed an army, I headed over to Eryn’s to change that lock. I wasn’t about to have her spend one more night there without adequate protection. Though, if I had my way, she’d be spending her nights with me from now on.
Eryn might live next door, but there was a creek in the way and a lot of land to get through, so I hopped in my truck and made my way to her property. It was weird no longer calling it the Culver land, but I supposed that was how things go.
I found her outside in a pair of overalls and a skimpy tank I wanted to rip off her body. How the woman could be so damn sexy and adorable at the same time was beyond me.
She was talking with some of the crew, who I still didn’t know or trust. I watched her motion to what looked like a brand new condensing unit and the men all nodded in agreement. She clapped her hands in excitement and I couldn’t help but smile. At the sound of my truck approaching, she turned and smiled, stepping forward to wait for me to park.
I hopped out and she rushed forward but stopped a few feet away and looked around.
“Hey there, cowboy.”
“Hey princess. Whatcha doin’ over there?” I gestured at the space between us.
“We have an audience.” She nodded to the crew milling about.
“I see that.” I closed my truck door and took a step forward. “You concerned someone will out you online? Slummin’ it with a rancher?”
Her eyes widened, and she shook her head. Despite the fact that I was joking, it was nice to see that wasn’t her thought process.
“No way. I just, didn’t know if we were going public. Or if you were even into PDA. I mean, you do have quite the grumpy reputation to uphold.” She smirked and I grabbed her by the waist, pulling her to me.
“I don’t give a fuck about my reputation, or about anyone else,” I said, before sealing my lips on hers.
Her arms snaked up around my neck and I wrapped my arms around her tighter, pulling her closer to me, so close our bodies collided and I knew she could feel the effect she had on me.
The crew's presence was quickly forgotten as Eryn responded eagerly to my kiss, her lips moving with mine in perfect time. I deepened the kiss, fueled by a hunger that had been simmering beneath the surface since the moment I laid eyes on her.
When we finally pulled apart, Eryn's cheeks were flushed, and her amber eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and desire. She bit her lower lip, a gesture that sent a bolt of heat straight through me.
“Wow,” she breathed, her voice husky with emotion. “I did not see that coming.”
I couldn't help but smirk down at her. “You worry too much about what others think, princess. I can assure you, I'm very much into public displays of affection when it comes to you.”
“Hmm, another surprise.”
I grinned, unable to resist brushing my thumb along her cheek. “I've got a few surprises up my sleeve.”
She chuckled, the sound music to my ears. “I can't wait to uncover them all.”
The crew wisely decided to give us some space, and I took the opportunity to lead Eryn away from prying eyes towards the edge of the creek, where we could have some privacy.
“So how’s it going over here?”
“Oh, great! The HVAC guys just finished installing a new furnace and AC.”
“I thought that condenser looked brand spankin’ new.”
“Yeah, and because of the size of the house, I went with a commercial grade. There was no ductwork, so we had to convert the old radiators to forced air, run all new ducts, and bring everything up to code. You don’t even want to know what it cost.”
