Page 23 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

C olton pauses in front of the hood, dutiful as ever regardless of my obnoxious behavior. The fit of giggles really can’t be helped when faced with a tasteful delight such as Dirty Dicks. Whatever comedic genius is responsible sure knows how to make a bang.

And they chose an ideal location. There’s no sign of another bar or restaurant along this short strip. That makes it the most logical place to meet locals who might recognize Spud. Laughter still tickles my throat when I smile over at Colton.

“Smart thinking, Stalker.”

He flicks the brim of his baseball hat. “At your service.”

“If only you were that easy,” I mumble.

“You wouldn’t give me the time of day if I were.” His answer clocks me in the chest.

The truth stings. I push most people away. Nobody gets to see the real me unless they make the effort to climb over an impenetrable wall. Most don’t bother trying. Meanwhile, Colton hops the defense mechanism like it’s barely a challenge. This man is willing to do whatever it takes to reach me.

A shiver rolls through me as his stare burns into mine. Commitment has never looked sexier, especially after he exposed a bashful side. That doesn’t mean I’m ready yet.

My gaze shifts over his head to the name that’s proudly displayed in bold letters on the building behind him. I’m instantly derailed and losing my shit again. This bout of laughter is slightly unhinged. Gosh, maybe I’m finally cracking. But it feels good to just let it out.

Mom would be hootin’ and hollerin’ beside me. Thanks to her, I’ve seen some impressive sights in my twenty-three years. This one erects my expectations to new lengths. People must stop and stare on the regular.

My grumpy jailer isn’t as amused. His expression is stony while I’m fighting to breathe. Tears are streaming freely down my cheeks at this point. I might be truly unraveling.

Spud chooses that moment to leap from the truck, landing gracefully at my feet. His wet nose boops my hand that’s holding his leash before he turns in Colton’s direction. With him tugging me along, we arrive on the sidewalk mostly composed.

“Woooo,” I exhale and wipe under my eyes. “What a treat.”

Colton’s stare remains blank. “Mhmm.”

“That was very refreshing after these past few months.”

Those baby blues pierce into me. “Whatever you need, Princess.”

I almost mewl at his gruff tone. The blush that very recently stained his scruffy cheeks replays in my mind. It makes me think of him laughing uncontrollably. That would probably really do me in. His lips press together in a firm line to extinguish the possibility.

But it still leaves me guessing. “How can you keep a straight face? You should be in stitches.”

“It’s a gimmick.”

“A provocative one that I applaud. This tiny town looks very unassuming until bam! Dirty Dicks.” I thrust my arms at the fluorescent signs flashing in the windows. “Maybe they’ll offer us dinner and a show.”

Fury rolls off him in jealous waves. “Better not.”

“Feel free to whip out that pierced pistol in your pants and wag it in my face. I’ll open wide.” My lips pop in invitation.

Colton groans and hangs his head. “Dammit, woman.”

“Don’t act scandalized,” I admonish.

“More like tortured.”

Before I can respond, feminine voices from down the road cut into our conversation. Two women are chatting loudly, lost in their own world. It makes me miss Paisley. We’ll definitely be coming to Dirty Dicks when she visits.

I’m deep in thought about friendship bonds when they notice us blocking their path.

The brunette gasps. “What an adorable dog.”

“Such a cutie,” the blonde coos.

Spud sits calmly, ready to be lavished with hugs and kisses. The women look to me for permission. Colton grunts and leans against the building, realizing this won’t be a quick exchange. Meanwhile, I offer a shrug and scratch the pooch’s head.

“We found him on our property earlier,” I tell them. There’s no mistaking the pleased rumble that rolls off Colton, but I don’t let him distract me. “Figured someone in town might recognize him.”

The blonde squats and extends her hand to Spud. “That’s very sweet of you. Unfortunately, there are a lot of strays in these parts.”

“You’re from around here?” I glance between them.

“Ohhh, yeah. Born and raised. I’m Christy.” The brunette points to herself before hitching a thumb at her friend. “This is Nina.”

The blonde gives Spud a final pat before straightening to wiggle her fingers at me. “Hey.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Bianca and that’s Colton.” My head tips at where he’s typing on his phone, undoubtedly updating Brody on my latest shenanigans.

Christy cups a palm around her mouth and whispers, “He’s hot.”

I give him a slow once-over and pretend heat doesn’t pool in my belly. “Meh.”

“Aren’t you together?” Nina’s voice is low to avoid detection.

“Not like that.”

The women exchange a glance. Christy’s stare shifts to feast on my grumpy jailer. An undeniable interest sparks from her and I bristle. It’s such a strange reaction, catching me off guard.

I’ve never paid attention to how women respond to him… until now. Seeing these two drool over him and his bad boy vibes doesn’t sit well. There’s an uncomfortable tightening in my chest that feels all kinds of wrong. Spud bumps into my leg, knocking me from the misplaced jealous streak.

But then Nina smacks her lips. “You won’t care if I buy him a drink?”

“He’s off-limits,” I blurt.

Christy’s brow creases. “I thought he wasn’t your boyfriend?”

“He’s my something,” I mumble. But I have no actual claim on him. “You know what? Go for it.”

Nina eyes me curiously. “Are you sure?”

“Yep.”

Maybe I can slip away and go… somewhere. Just for a slice of freedom. If nothing else, I’ll get to see how he reacts to female admirers.

Christy smiles and moves closer to Colton. “Should we go inside?”

He looks at me. “What about Spud?”

“It’s not a problem. C’mon.” Nina motions us forward into Dirty Dicks.

But the instant we walk through the door, a burly man behind the bar is glaring at us. “No dogs.”

My gaze barely has time to appreciate the outdated interior.

The faded red carpet matches the brass fixtures and wood paneling.

As I pull in a lungful of musty air, I realize everyone is looking at us.

I have the urge to wave and applaud their cock-tastic name choice, but I doubt that would be well received.

Colton is deathly still next to me. Based on the tension in his stance, I’d guess he’s seconds away from snapping. The man might be capable of eliminating threats, but we’re the odd fucks out in this room.

My fingers touch his forearm. “Be nice.”

“Not my style.” The crack of his knuckles ripples across the small space like a warning bell.

“You’re nice to me.”

“That’s not a comparison. How I treat you doesn’t extend to others.”

“Then be nice for me,” I urge.

His blue gaze crashes into my green one. The rigid flex in his tattooed muscles slowly relaxes. I give his arm a gentle squeeze before releasing him. Next, a wide smile gets aimed at the bartender.

“We’re just looking for this handsome fella’s owner,” I tell him.

The man’s menacing stare lowers to Spud, but instantly dismisses him. “Shelter is thirty miles east. They’ll take him.”

I try again. “Nobody in town is looking for a lost dog?”

“Listen, lady. Strays are a dime a dozen. Don’t waste your breath.”

My mouth opens to argue, but Colton is on the verge of morphing into the Terminator again. Just as I’m about to tuck tail and forfeit the mission, Christy pipes up.

“Chill out, Bill. Just let folks take a peek at him.”

A meaty finger stabs in Spud’s direction. “He doesn’t belong in here.”

“It’ll only be a few minutes, m’kay?” Nina flutters her lashes in a very familiar way.

“Fine. Whatever. Better remember my leniency when the next bake sale arrives.”

Christy winks at him. “There will be an extra cinnamon apple with your name on it.”

Bill sighs, tossing his hands in the air.

I accept the invitation to enter and walk toward an empty table.

Colton is stuck to my side until Christy moves in front of him.

Nina follows her friend’s lead and together they block his path.

The two begin pawing at him like he’s fair game.

Regret is quick to thump my forehead. That odd sensation returns, churning my stomach until I’m queasy.

My stride is stuck in mud as I stomp over the remaining distance. There are a dozen or more people in Dirty Dicks, but none of them approach me. I should probably take the hint. Stubborn pride has me sitting down and soaking in the awkward atmosphere.

When I turn to check the women’s progress, Colton’s gaze is burning into me. He’s not acknowledging their attempts to flatter him. It’s as if we’re the only ones in the room. That’s extremely attractive and sucks me in.

His baseball hat is flipped backward, allowing the hunger to roam in plain sight.

I shiver as the fire in his stare blazes hotter.

But then his intense focus shifts over my shoulder and narrows into a glare.

The change in his demeanor confuses me until the stench of boozy breath and too much cologne offends my nostrils.

“Well, hey there. Haven’t seen you ‘round here before.” The masculine drawl demands my full concentration.

I keep my gaze straight ahead. “Not interested.”

“But—”

“Do you recognize this dog?” I ask him without looking over.

“No.”

“Then we have nothing to discuss.”

The guy scoffs. “Should’ve known you’d be a prissy—”

“I fucking dare you to finish that sentence.” Colton’s tone is a sharpened blade ripped free from its sheath.

Smooth Talker eyes his competition before he wisely slinks off.

Nina and Christy aren’t throwing in the towel yet.

They flank Colton in a cage of desperation.

The blonde rubs her big boobs on his left side while the brunette suctions herself to his right.

Spud reads the mood and leaps to his paws, ready to rescue Daddy from their clutches. But that’s not necessary.

Without taking his eyes off me, Colton lifts his arms to swiftly dislodge them. Damn, that makes him even sexier. I grin when flutters swarm in my stomach.

“Sorry, girls.” My tone is far from apologetic as I slide off the chair. “I changed my mind.”

“Don’t blame you,” Nina purrs.

Meanwhile, Christy is pouting. “Will you share?”

“No,” Colton barks.

The two shrug and wander away to try their luck elsewhere. Smooth Talker might do the trick. Unless that field has already been plowed. Either way, they don’t seem too bent out of shape. Maybe Paisley and I can get into trouble with them soon.

For now, Colton dips his head until his exhale warms my ear. “Changed your mind about what, Princess?”

“Letting them have a go at you.”

He pulls just far enough away to search my eyes. “And why’s that?”

My fingers walk up the buttons of his Western shirt. “I want you for myself, Stalker.”

“Only after they made you jealous.”

“That was the last straw. I might’ve tried to prove a point, but it backfired.” And that’s putting it mildly.

When I step into him, his Adam’s apple bobs with an audible gulp. “What does that mean for us?”

Our gazes lock and hold. Green swirls into blue while I balance on the steep cliff. This moment is weighted in heavy contemplation. I can feel the commitment bearing down on me. Once I agree, Colton will be even more relentless. That doesn’t stop me from stretching my arms to loop around his neck.

Spud plops down on the floor beside our table, guarding our intimate bubble from invasion. It serves to remind me of the ties already stitching us together. We’re an unbreakable bond. I just have to accept it and then…

That unknown gives me pause, but not from doubt. I’ve never let myself be vulnerable. Especially not after my mom died. It’s scary and intimidating and exciting. Maybe I’ll get everything I haven’t dared to strive for. Only one way to find out.

Harsh breaths paint my mouth as I tug until our faces are inches apart.

Colton trembles with restraint, waiting for me to give him a chance.

I drift my nose along the slope of his. A slow inhale fills me with his addictive scent and reckless abandon.

He bites his bottom lip, dragging the flesh between his teeth.

I watch the seductive motion as if mesmerized.

Thunder drums in my ears when I whisper, “I’ll consider it.”

“Bianca,” Colton groans. “Please.”

“Ah, fuck it.” And then I swoop in for our first kiss.