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What the hell was she thinking? Walking around in the middle of the night…
Maybe something was wrong. Avery wore an oversized sweater, and a pair of tiny pajama shorts with a lace ruffle that barely covered her ass. What could have dragged her out of bed in such a rush that she hadn’t bothered to get dressed properly?
Avery came to an abrupt stop, about halfway between her house and my cabin. She shook her head and wavered on the spot. Running a hand through her hair, she seemed…torn.
An owl hooted nearby.
She flinched, scanning her surroundings.
Definitely skittish. Probably hadn’t slept a wink all night.
She picked up her pace, more determined than ever to reach my cabin. Just as she raised her hand to knock at my door, I spoke.
“It’s a little late for a social call, don’t you think?”
“Fuck! Goddamn it, Bowen, you scared me half to death. What are you doing out here?”
“I could ask you the same question,” I replied. “I’m keeping an eye on the house. Couldn’t sleep.”
Avery sighed and fiddled with the cuff of her sleeve.
“I hate this,” she muttered. “I’ve put everyone on edge.”
“That kid is the one making a nuisance of himself. Not you.”
I held out my coffee cup and beckoned her closer. She accepted, and took a sip, grimacing at the taste.
“Not even a splash of milk? A dash of sugar?”
I chuckled.
“Cowboys always drink it black, darlin’. You should know that by now.”
“It won’t kill you to sweeten the pot just a little,” she replied lightly. “You might actually like it.”
“That’s a luxury reserved for the boss’s daughter,” I countered.
Avery went quiet, tracing the lip of the mug with her thumb. Rising to my feet, I stepped closer until I felt the faint warmth of her body heat emanating from her. I should give us both some breathing room. But the late hour, coupled with Avery’s skimpy clothes, made me even more protective than usual.
“Why are you here, Avery?” I asked softly. “You could have stayed inside. You could have talked to Grady. Or Birdie.”
She kept her gaze downcast, making every effort not to look at me despite our close proximity.
“They were asleep.”
“You were about to knock on my door and wake me up,” I pointed out.
Avery cradled the mug in her hands, chewing her lower lip. She stared into the depths of the cup until I gently pried it from her fingers and set it on my chair. She fidgeted for a moment, then folded her hands behind her back, leaning against the wall of my cabin.
“I feel safe with you,” she whispered.
Finally, Avery dragged her gaze up to meet mine.
Well…shit. One simple phrase had my heart hammering against my chest. I wasn’t that easily swayed though. Avery was good at flirting, saying all the right things that turned men to putty in her hands.
“I bet you use that line on all your boyfriends,” I said, my voice a low rasp.
Avery shook her head.
