Page 54 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

Minutes later, she was leaning against the toilet, groaning. What on earth was wrong with her? She’d hardly ever been ill and had never even seen the inside of a hospital before. Feeling faint in restaurants wasn’t something that had ever happened to her. She couldn’t remember a single time in her life she’d felt this sick. Okay, there had been that one time she and June had eaten something that turned out to be spoiled.

The mere memory had her leaning over the toilet again. Minutes later, she got up slowly. This was ridiculous. Shivering slightly, she undressed and got into the shower. Maybe she just needed to sleep.

*

It was about half past three in the morning when Carson knocked softly on Abby’s door. Maybe she was still feeling unwell, maybe she wasn’t sleeping, maybe she’d open the door, otherwise he’d wait right here until morning.

Willow had texted with her address. June texted to tell him Abby insisted she was fine, but he couldn’t relax before he’d seen for himself.

Pressing his ear against the door, he listened. It was quiet. He knocked again, a little louder this time. Noises from inside reached him, kicking his heart into gear.

The door opened, revealing a very pale Abby clutching the door. With one step, he was inside. Dropping his bag, he closed the door behind him.

“Carson? Am I dreaming? You’re really here?” The words were a mere whisper.

“What the hell is wrong?” He hadn’t been quite sure what was going to happen when he saw Abby, but instinct took over. Scooping her up into his arms, he cradled her close. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re sick?”

Slipping her hands around his neck, she dropped her head against his chest. “I probably ate something that didn’t agree with me.”

“Where’s your room?”

Without lifting her head, she pointed to the open door to his right. As they moved toward it, he took in the small apartment. There were only a few pieces of furniture in the living room, but Abby had managed to make the place look cozy and inviting. And of course, it was neat as a pin, as was the small kitchen on the one side.

He stopped at the entrance of her bedroom. Now this room was his Abby, this was her haven. Neat and tidy in soft colors but with a hint of the passion he’d been lucky enough to discover.

The sheets on her bed were slightly rumpled, indicating she’d probably been asleep when he’d knocked.

Gently he put her on the bed. “I’m sorry I woke you up, but I had to make sure you’re okay. Is there anything I can get you before I leave?”

Frowning, she stared at him. “Leave?”

“I’ll be back tomorrow,” he said. “I have to find a place to stay.”

“You can’t leave. Stay with me, please?” Sighing, she turned on her side. The next moment she was fast asleep.

For the first time since Willow’s call, his heart settled. Abby was still way too pale for his piece of mind but at least he was here with her.

Minutes later, he was lying next to her. Gently he pulled her against him, pressing his face in her hair. Inhaling her scent, her softness, he relaxed. Here, with her, was where he needed to be.

*

Abby opened her eyes. She was spooned against Carson, his big hands cupping her breasts. This was the way they’d slept while she’d stayed with him on the ranch. She’d so missed his touch since she’s been back.

Moving her head, she looked over her shoulder at him. Naked chest, hair mussed, the dark shadow of a day-old stubble, his beautiful face relaxed. Her heart opened up, spreading a warmth to every nook and cranny of her being. How she loved this cowboy.

His eyes opened. For a moment he stared blankly at her before he smiled. “Hey beautiful. I thought I was dreaming, but I’m really here, with you.”

Turning to face him, she traced his face, letting her hand slip over his cheek, down his neck and further down to his chest. “You’re really here.” For a split second, she hesitated. Nope, she had no idea how people did this, but she was going with what felt right to her. “I want to tell you something.”

His hand slipped down her back. “I’m listening.”

“Before I tell you, please know I don’t expect anything in return. I only realized it yesterday. Don’t ask me why it took me this long to understand what it is, it’s been on my heart the whole time.”

Frowning, Carson cupped her face. “What are you talking about?”

“I … uhm … I wanted to send you a red heart.”

He stilled, his eyes darkened. “Why did you want to send me a red heart?”