Page 81 of Cowboy Seeks Husband

“That was really amazing, you know?” Walker whispered. “I have the worst blue balls ever.”

“Oh.” Roan straightened with a jerk. “Do you want me to—”

“No. Not this time.”

Walker’s eyes shone with promise, and Roan started to feel self-conscious all over again. His gaze darted to Cormac who stood patiently waiting, but Walker gripped his shoulder and rubbed it, thumb traveling up to trail along Roan’s neck. He ducked his head a little, lips parting, and Roan couldn’t do it. After everything else, a kiss seemed like too much, like he’d fall apart, burst wide open, and wouldn’t be able to reassemble himself again. He turned his head away, and Walker stroked his hair.

“It’s okay,” Walker told him. “I understand. I’ll be right back.”

Roan leaned against the side of the farmhouse as Walker took care of Cormac. He felt weirdly floaty and had no idea how much time had passed by the time Walker touched his arm and drew him in another hug.

“How are you feeling?” Walker asked.

“Fine.”

“Okay. How ’bout the truth this time?” He drew back a little to look at Roan, and his eyes were kind.

Roan sighed and leaned his forehead against Walker’s shoulder. “Weird,” he admitted. “Embarrassed.”

“Ah, shit, Roan. What can I do to make you feel good about this? I meant it. That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. And I want to do it again.”

Roan lifted his head, giving Walker an incredulous look. He laughed.

“Well, maybe not on a horse.”

“And maybe without blue balls on your part,” Roan said, cupping his hand over Walker’s cock, and wow. He was still more than half-hard.

Walker groaned and his eyes fluttered closed. “Ah shit,” he whispered, face going slack, and for some reason that made Roan feel a little steadier, so he decided to push it.

“Next time I get to make you lose your mind,” he murmured. Walker ducked his head, but Roan reached with his free hand and tipped Walker’s chin back. “And no hiding under cowboy hats.”

Walker laughed hoarsely and under the rickety stable light, Roan noticed a faint pink sheen on his cheeks. “Promises,” Walker said.

“Say when.”

Walker gave him a regretful look. “I wish it could be tomorrow. But my folks will be back and my excuse to shake off my producer will be gone.”

Roan stepped back, drawing in a deep, much needed breath. “I understand. This was risky.”

“But fun?”

“Yes,” Roan said, his throat oddly tight. “Fun.”

“I wish I could drive you back to the suitors’ house. Give you a proper good night at the door.” Walker wrapped an arm around Roan’s shoulder and kissed his temple. It was sweet, a gesture Roan could get used to fast, but it lacked all the heat from before, and his shoulders relaxed a little.

If Walker had invited him inside, he would’ve gone, but he was actually glad for the reprieve. He’d only rarely let go like that with anyone before, and he needed some time to process.

“I should get back.”

“Be careful. Don’t get caught.”

Roan nodded, adrenaline shooting through him at the thought. He remembered Andy and Molly’s lectures the day after their last horseback adventure. He didn’t want to push his luck. The cameras probably caught him coming and going, but so long as he got back inside, he could claim claustrophobia and that he’d gone on a night walk alone. They’d still be mad, but maybe they’d believe him.

When Roan looked back over his shoulder as he took the dark path home, he saw Walker’s shadow waiting by the farmhouse watching him go. He held back the urge to lift a hand and wave.

Walker was sittingon the porch with his feet propped up against the banister and surrounded by camera crew by the time Roan and Peter stomped outside.

“Really?” Roan called out the minute Walker’s feet hit the ground. “Another date that requires rubber boots? I’m not sure I like this, cowboy.”