“One secret wish? Okay, but then you tell me one of yours.” I wait until he nods. “I would really like to be able to wander outside of my home in just a T-shirt and sweatpants to water my plants without it making social media and then having to learn how my clothing choice makes me look.”
“That one sounds reasonable.”
“Well, apparently not everyone thinks so. Now it’s your turn.” I set my chin on my fist and give him my entire focus. I’ll be amazed if he admits to anything personal. He just doesn’t seem like that guy. I imagine he doesn’t even admit to himself what he would like.
“I—” he starts before falling silent again. I don’t move a muscle. He sighs and starts again. “I would like to date someone who doesn’t want to sleep with me just for the bragging rights of bagging the town recluse.”
Wow. I mean, wow. “Did someone actually do that?”
“Several.” A faint flush creeps up his cheeks. “Never mind,” he murmurs.
“Stay,” I bark leaping to my feet. He freezes, and Reacher drops to his haunches. I dig around in the kitchen drawers untilI finally find the one with all the junk that doesn’t make sense anywhere else. Returning to the table, I slap a notepad and pen down in front of him. “I need their names. It’s time they were taught some manners.”
“You’re going to defend my honor?” His face flushes a little redder, but his smile brightens.
“Damn straight. I’ve had a few of those too. Guys who just want to tell their friends that they bagged the newest Nashville star. Not that I see myself as a star,” I’m quick to add. “That’s what the social media folks say.”
His smile turns sweet as he stares back at me. Sweet and sexy, a lethal combination. “I guess I never thought of it happening to men. Makes sense, though. Well, you’re safe with me. Not that I wouldn’t sleep with you, just I wouldn’t brag about it.”
“Thanks?”
“Oh no, I mean, I’m sure it would be brag-worthy, I’m just classier than that. But, I’m positive it’s very brag-a-licious to have sex with you. Oh, Lord.” I cover my face with both hands. “Now I’m making up words to describe our sleeping together. I wish I could just stop talking.”
I do finally stop the word vomit and peek through my hands at him. He’s full-on grinning at me.
“Are you flirting with me?” he asks, throwing my words back from earlier.
“Could be. The jury’s still out.” He laughs, and my body heats at the deep rumble. “If so, how did I do?”
“It was different, but not bad.”
I let my hands flop back to the table. Beau Rayburn has me completely intrigued. The same man who growled and snarled when he wasn’t mute is also sweet and funny.
Why would any woman just want him for bragging rights? I mean, he’s not too shabby in the looks department either. Okay,he’s stupid hot in that lean cowboy kind of way, but I think there’s also more than meets the eye. He has layers to him that beg to be explored.
“Did you just mumble that I have layers?” he asks.
“Did I say that out loud? Hmm, maybe?”
“Like Shrek?”
“You wish. No man can hold up to everyone’s favorite ogre.”
“Fair.” Finally, he pushes out of his chair. “I really should get to those chores before it gets dark.”
Before I can say another word, he’s closing the door to the mudroom with Reacher in tow. Good, maybe I can get myself together before my next need to spew everything in my brain to the very man I find more intriguing than anyone I’ve met in a long time.
four
BEAU
I don’t haveany chores that need to be done outside. I had to escape. It was either that, or I was in real danger of kissing her. She had me admitting to things that I’ve never told anyone, not even Travis. I’m positive he believes that all I want is an occasional lay, and they were great when I was younger. But, now I’m in my thirties, and I’d like something more.
I’m sure that Harmony sees me as rude, conceited, and overbearing. I, however, can see myself settling down with someone like her. No, not someone. Her.
Except, she’s a rising star in Nashville, and I’m not leaving the family ranch, so there’s no reason to start something. Now if I can just convince my body of that. Because, damn, it knows what it wants, and it’s her.
“Hey, boys,” I call to the horses stepping inside the barn. They’re tucked inside one of the open stalls for warmth. I shake out some grain and toss another hay bale into the manger while Reacher tries to eat a frozen piece of manure.
