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Hunter’s eyes darted across my face. He could probably see the disbelief in my eyes. With a grin that shot warmth straight to my gut, he chuckled softly.
“Look, even now, my best friend is trying to defend me. You’re too good for me, Charlotte.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I just don’t understand.”
His jaw twitched with a frown. “Char, everything was coming down hard on me. My mom was warning me that I’d better be good to you and be sure about my feelings so I didn’t screw anything up. I was sure...but then I started thinking about that jerk, Steven. Which led to thinking about everything I went through with my dad and...then I freaked. I didn’t want to get hurt. I didn’t want to hurt you. I dismounted before my eight seconds were up. I was a coward. I’m so sorry.”
His confession rolled over me like a cool wind on a hot summer’s day. The strength of it pieced back together my hurting heart and gave me the courage to reach up and cradle his head in my hands. I waited patiently for his hurting gaze to meet mine. And when it did, I shook my head slowly from side to side.
“We are not your parents. You’re not Steven. We make our own moves.”
He nodded, then licked his lips. “I know. But, Char, you could have any guy you wanted. How was I supposed
to ask you to settle for me?”
Bubbly laughter burst from my mouth, earning a confused look from Hunter.
“Are you serious, McNally?” I wiped a tear from my eye. “I’m not sure why you don’t understand this yet, but I have always known you were the best guy in the world. No one would be settling for you. Especially me.”
The left side of his mouth quirked. “Really?”
“Yeah, for sure.” I nodded. “Now, are you going to kiss me? Or am I going to have to complain to your mom that you’re not being good to me?”
His face lit up with a gorgeous and sexy smile that quickly turned naughty as he grabbed me around my waist and pulled me toward him. His left hand splayed on my back and he used his other to guide my chin toward him. Without hesitation or second thought, he captured my mouth with his.
What a difference it was to know exactly what Hunter was thinking during that kiss as his hands slid back up to cradle my face. How fully consuming it was to know for sure that he wanted me. My hands found their way back to his muscular shoulders, squeezing and enjoying their shape. He moved us both backwards, until we sat on his bed, still locked in an embrace. His fingertips sunk into my hair, causing shivers to go down my spine.
I slowed down, intent on thoroughly memorizing every bit this time. The way his breath became heavier as I deepened the kiss. The incredibly soft touch of his lips. The roughness of his scruff and the hungry, deep sighs reverberating in his chest. I inhaled the scent of his cologne. Everything in me that had held back my emotions up until this point was finally letting go. It was overwhelming, in the very best way. I found myself smiling as I rose to my knees on his bed and wrapped my arms around his neck to kiss him some more.
“You’re so beautiful, Charlotte,” Hunter mumbled into my mouth, stroking his hand over my hair. “You’re gorgeous and wonderful and I don’t ever want to stop kissing you.”
I hummed my agreement with his plans and grabbed a fistful of his hair at the back of his head, causing him to growl softly and kiss me even harder.
“Who cares about the contest?” I said, tilting my head the other way. “Who cares about a crown? I just want you. Here. Now.”
It took a couple seconds, but Hunter’s hands froze on my back and he pulled away suddenly. I blinked as if someone had turned on a bright light, trying to get his face in focus again.
“The contest?” He grimaced and then his eyes widened. “The contest! You’re missing the contest.”
“Hunter, it’s fine. I’m probably already disqualified.” I leaned toward him to brush my lips against his, fully intending to get back to kissing him. He sighed and gave in for a full ten seconds before he firmly grabbed my shoulders and pushed me to arm’s length.
“Nope. You’re not missing this because of me. We’ve got to get you back to the fairgrounds.”
I pouted. It felt like I’d waited my whole life to kiss Hunter like this. Everything else could disappear, for all I cared.
His eyes crinkled in a smile as he took in my puppy dog expression. He pulled me just close enough to press his warm lips against my forehead and then hopped off the bed. “Believe me, this isn’t easy for me. I’d spend all night kissing you, if I could. And maybe I will, after this is all done.”
My cheeks warmed as I followed him toward the door. Yes, please. More kissing. More of his delicious mouth and hands all over me. I was pretty sure I’d never get enough of that.
“Okay, fine.” I reached for the doorknob and gave him my most winning Rodeo Queen smile. “But I’m holding you to that tonight.”
He leaned against the wall and grinned in a way that made the fire burning in my gut flare. “Maybe, if you’re lucky, I’ll even take you on a real date first.”
I couldn’t suppress the happy in my face as I walked through the door. So that was the first thing Lexi and Beth saw as I nearly ran head-first into the both of them, standing in the hallway. I managed to right myself, thanks to Hunter’s quick reflexes and steadying hands on my waist. His touch was still giving me shivers. It took me a second to get my head on straight, but when I managed to look at my friends, their victorious and knowing smiles made me blush.
The secret was out.
“Soooo...” Beth gestured with a flick of her hand. “It seems like you’re okay.”
