Page 146 of Wrangled

“Oh Lord, that’s our cue to leave.” Butch pushed his chair back. “Any more displays of public affection, and I might heave.”

I caught his eye. “Just so you know? You don’t fool me for a second.”

He blinked.

“We’d better get down there.” Teague stood. “We’ve left our guests alone long enough.”

Zeeb heaved a sigh. “Thank God you both came to your senses. Now maybe we’ll get a smile outta this guy.” He patted Robert on the back.

When everyone had left, I took Robert in my arms. “Was it that bad?”

“Pretty much.”

I kissed him on the lips. “I’m not going anywhere. And to prove it… I’ve got something for you.” I grabbed my jacket from the hook by the door and reached into the inside pocket. I removed a small box.

“What’s this, a present?”

“Yes… well… sort of.” I took the lid off, and Robert’s eyes widened when he saw the gleaming straight metal chain composed of small, thick links, the gold padlock nestled in the center of it.

He swallowed. “Is this… what I think it is?”

I nodded. “You won’t believe the panic I got into yesterday, trying to get to the store to buy this. Sean left it kinda late to spring the surprise on me—I think that was the whole idea—so I was a little… rushed.” I gazed at him. “So… do I put it on?”

He shuddered. “Yes, Sir. I want this.”

I placed it around his neck, passing the bar of the chunky gold padlock through the two end links. I clicked the padlock shut. I kissed him again, my heart soaring as he brought his fingers to it, stroking it, his breath hitching.

“Only I have the key to this,” I told him.

Robert’s smile was almost serene. “That works. You’re the only one who has the key to my heart.”

THE END