She blew out a breath. “Figures. Don’t get me wrong, I adore them all and it’s nice that y’all are so close, but… damn.”
I felt that in my soul.
I huffed, a soft smile pulling on my lips as I tugged her toward the bedroom. She followed along easily, grabbing some of her things from the dresser. I’d given up a couple of my drawers to her. Without it even needing to be said, we’d both decided on her staying in here after that first night. Not gonna lie, I didn’t mind. Things felt a little easier with her around. I’d always struggled with sleep, and after the fire my anxiety and insomnia were through the roof. But she helped. Her sunshine presence helped chase away the shadows and darkness.
I sat in the leather armchair by the window and pulled my boots off, my eyes glued to Cheyenne as she slipped into a pair of bright pink, lacy underwear and one of my t-shirts she’d stolen that barely covered the curve of her ass.
“You gonna shower?” she asked, coming to stand before me.
I nodded as she undid the snaps on my shirt, tugging gently downwards to pull the fabric off me.
Her eyes traveled over me, the intensity in her stare scorching. I shivered as she pulled my tank off next, all the while admiring my scars. I didn’t get it. Didn’t understand what she found remotely attractive about them. They were brutal and hideous and I hated them more than anything I’d ever known… I’d spent twenty years keeping them covered up. Only a handful of people had ever even seen them. Even less had touched them. Yet here she was, running a manicured fingertip up and down the mottled canyons of my flesh.
“Can I join you?” Her words were a husky whisper, holding the same sultry edge to it that her gaze did. I couldn’t stop myself from grabbing her jaw and pulling her mouth down to meet mine.
A little hum of approval trickled out of her that almost shattered my resolve completely. As much as I wanted her to join me, she needed rest. Under the desire and lust burning in her gaze, exhaustion lingered. She’d been through a lot this week. What with being sick, her home burning down, and now dealing with a roommate and all of the social functions we all did on a weekly basis. Besides, we had to spend tomorrow morning getting everything loaded up and ready for the rodeo this weekend.
And I know this wasn’t fair of me, was probably a bit cruel, but I picked her up in my arms, lips still pressed to hers, and carried her to the bed before setting her down.
Pegging me with a harsh, disbelieving stare, Cheyenne’s bottom lip jutted out into a pout. “Ugh, seriously?”
I grinned, leaning over to kiss her once more before flicking her gently on the nose and walking toward the bathroom. She stayed on the bed, much to my surprise, though I could hear her grumbling over the music and the spray of the water as I turned the shower on. She stopped pretty quick though, and when I came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, she was curled up under the covers, her hair a wild mess on my pillows, sound asleep.
Chapter twenty-five
Fix You Too
Cheyenne
Iwatched Maverick ashe checked his tack for what hadto be the fiftieth time. He was nothing if not thorough. He wore all black—unsurprising—despite the hot July sun beating down and making everything miserable.
Him, Cash, and Ryder worked in perfect tandem. A seasoned trio who’d done this for years. Getting ready together, working around and with each other, checking each other's tack.
As if sensing me, Maverick’s gaze flicked to mine, those light green eyes sparking something in me that equally exhilarated and terrified me. I brushed off the feeling, though, as he paused what he was doing and made his way towards me.
“How’re ya doin’, cowboy?” I asked as he came to a stop at my side. “You okay?”
He nodded before tilting his chin at me, a silent question in his eyes. Communicating was easy enough without talking now. It wasn’t fool proof, but it worked…for now.
“I’m doin’ good. Excited to ride," I answered.
An appreciative smile formed on his lips as he looked me up and down, gesturing at my outfit. I flashed him a smug smirk. I’dreally leaned into the whole Fourth of July thing, showing up in all my star-spangled glory. A white and blue sequin show shirt, my red bootcut jeans, red, white and blue chaps with enough sparkles and crystals to blind someone. Thank God they’d been in my car during the fire, I’d paid a pretty penny for these.
Turning this way and that, I put myself on full display, reveling in the way his gaze drank me in like a cool drink of water on a hot summer’s day. “You like it? Is it too much?”
Maverick shrugged even as a smile pulled wide on his lips. He waved his hand back and forth.
I laughed. “Good. That’s exactly what I was goin’ for.”
His shoulders shook in that silent laugh of his before he pulled me against him, pressing a soft, yet no less intense kiss to my lips. I’d quickly realized that his touches, his kisses, everything about him, actually, could be summed up to that. Soft, but no less intense. It went along with that quiet surety of his that made my resolve melt when it came to him.
I leaned into him, matching his intensity touch for touch, until we both pulled away breathing heavily.
“Well, good luck to you too,” I murmured, resting my forehead against his.
His lips drew up into an answering grin as he pulled back, gripping my chin. His hooded gaze sent a shiver down my spine.
I loved and hated how much of a hold he had on me. I’d never experienced something like this before. This desire. Thisneed. It felt reckless and exhilarating and…real. And that scared the hell out of me. I’d never needed anyone in my life. I could take care of myself. But something about Maverick called to my soul.
