Page 81 of One Reckless Moment

THE NIGHT BEFORE

PAIGE

I rolled to my back as I stared at the dark ceiling. Apparently, two weeks was enough time to get used to sleeping next to someone. I wanted Cash’s hard body to be wrapped around mine and I was being completely dramatic about it.

After dinner, Cash had kissed me good night and left to go sleep in the bunkhouse. We were already married so the tradition of sleeping separately seemed kind of stupid, but I was going along with all the little traditions my mom was pushing.

Or at least I was going to.

Frustrated and exhausted, I pushed my duvet off and grabbed one of Cash’s hoodies. It completely covered my pajamas and hit mid-thigh, but I didn’t care. I slipped into a pair of boots and grabbed my phone.

Fuck traditions. I wanted my husband.

I opened my door and tiptoed down the steps, peeking around the corner to confirm that the coast was clear. When all I heard was crickets in the night air, I made a run for it. There wasn’t a need to be so quiet or sneaky since there wasn’t a soul awake at this hour, but you never knew who might still be lingering from the party.

Something about this felt wrong—familiar. Even though Cash and I were married, there was still an essence of it being taboo. I was an adult and married, and I was still sneaking out to see him.

I crouched low as I ran past the stables until I reached The Village. Through the front windows I could see a few ranch hands hanging in the living room playing video games so I knew the front door wasn’t an option. My mother was well plugged in on this ranch, and these men had a weak spot for her. I didn’t trust a single one to not rat me out.

They’d do it for pride and extra cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning.

I dipped below the window and ran around to the opposite side where I knew Cash’s old room was. When I reached his window, I knocked twice and fell to lean against the side of the building.

“What the fuck?” Cash muttered as he pushed his window open.

“Haven’t you ever heard not to open the door for strangers,” I said, pulling his attention down to me.

His face broke into the widest smile as he leaned on his palms. “Hate to break it to you, darlin’, but this is a window.”

“Murderers can break in through any entrance.”

He snorted. “A murderer wouldn’t announce themselves. Also, technically, I opened the window so they wouldn’t have to break in.”

“I’m going to be a widow by thirty-five if that’s your logic,” I muttered under my breath.

Cash’s smile never fell as he grabbed me and pulled me through the window.

“What are you doing here?” he asked as he scooped me up under my thighs.

I looped my legs around his waist and finally felt the calmness I’d been craving all night.

“I missed you,” I admitted.

“I missed you, too. I couldn’t sleep.”

Hearing that he felt the same made my heart flutter in a way that scared me, like maybe this was becoming too real.

Like maybe, just maybe, this feeling was mutual.

“Well, now I’m here so we can sleep,” I said, playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck.

A low growl escaped him. “I’ve wanted to get you in this room for years. I’m definitely not sleeping now.”

I let out a squeal as Cash dropped us onto the bed.

“I could use some help relaxing,” I cooed as he kissed down my neck.

“I think I can help with that,” he said as he continued his trail of kisses.