Page 21 of Dirty Sweet Cowboy

"Nothing's wrong," I say, finding my voice. "Just wanted to see you."

His lips quirk up at the corner, not quite a smile. "Well, here I am."

I move closer, stopping only when I'm directly in front of him. Close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body, to smell the sweat and sawdust and pure male scent of him.

"Wayne," I begin, heart hammering so loudly I'm sure he must hear it. "Do you remember what you said? That day, to that man?"

His expression darkens slightly. "Said a lot of things that day."

"You said I was yours." The words come out breathier than I intended. "Under your protection."

He nods slowly, eyes intent on mine. "Meant every word."

"I know." I step closer, eliminating the last bit of space between us. My breasts brush against his chest, and I feel his sharp intake of breath. "I've been thinking about that. About being yours."

His hands come to my waist, large and warm and steadying. "Judy⁠—"

"I want more of you, Wayne," I cut him off, the words tumbling out before I lose my nerve. "All of you."

His grip tightens, eyes darkening to forest green. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying I'm ready." I place my palms on his chest, feeling his heart thundering beneath my touch. "I don't want to wait anymore. I want you inside me. Want to be completely yours."

A sound escapes him—half groan, half growl—and his control seems to slip for a moment. His hands slide lower, gripping my hips, pulling me hard against him so I can feel the rigid length of his erection through his jeans.

"Do you know what you're asking for?" he says, voice rough. "It's going to hurt. First time always does. And I'm not small."

The crude reminder of his size sends another rush of heat through me. I've felt him against me, through our clothes. Caught glimpses of the impressive bulge when he changes or showers. The thought of taking all of him is both terrifying and thrilling.

"I know," I whisper. "I want it anyway. Want you."

He studies my face, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt. He won't find any. I've never been more certain of anything in my life.

When he doesn’t kiss me, doesn’t move, I experience a moment of insecurity. “Don’t you want me?”

His hands slide up my back, one continuing to the nape of my neck where he grips gently, tilting my face up to his. "Want doesn't begin to cover it, angel. Been holding back so long I'm about to lose my fucking mind."

Relief floods me. “ Then stop holding back," I challenge, newfound boldness surging through me. "Take what's yours."

For a moment, I think he will. His eyes darken further, pupils expanding until only a thin ring of green remains. His grip tightens, body tensing like a predator about to pounce.

Then he exhales slowly, regaining control. "Not here. Not like this." He presses a kiss to my forehead, surprisingly gentle given the tension thrumming through his body. "When I finally claim you completely, it'll be in my bed. Our bed. Gonna take my time with you. Do it right."

Disappointment floods me, but it's tempered by the promise in his words. Not a rejection. Just a delay.

"When?" I ask, not bothering to hide the need in my voice.

"Tonight," he says, the word a vow.

I rise on tiptoes to press my lips to his.

He kisses me back, harder than before, a preview of what's to come. When he finally pulls away, we're both breathing heavily, desire a tangible force between us.

"Tonight," he repeats, the single word filled with promise and hunger and something that sounds like reverence.

Tonight. The word echoes in my mind as I walk back to the house on unsteady legs, my body already humming with anticipation. Tonight I'll give myself to him completely. Tonight I'll truly become his.

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