“Cocky cowboy,” I mutter before refocusing on the less complicated matter in front of me. “Spud is probably hungry. There’s plenty of bacon.”
A yip comes from the pooch as if he can understand me. Colton grunts and gestures at the door, joining in the team spirit. The big softie even hoists me off my feet. I teeter—almost toppling into him and his addictive scent—but manage to gather my bearings. That doesn’t mean my knees don’t quake slightly when I lead the pack inside. Seriously, I need to get a grip.
“He also needs that bath you mentioned,” I add while striding toward the kitchen.
A downward glance finds Spud too interested in sniffing every available surface to change his mind about a reunion with domestication. He won’t even see the suds coming.
“There’s a wash stall in the barn,” Colton offers.
Which earns him a scowl over my shoulder. “He’s getting bubbles in the tub.”
The grump’s lips twitch. “Obviously.”
Sunshine streams in through the windows, painting the room in a warm glow. It displays all the effort Colton put into making this house a home. From the pictures on the walls to the restored antique furniture, I’m swaddled in cozy comfort. As I approachthe knotty wood dining table and purposefully mismatching chairs, decades of unique stories speak to me.
Spud is hot on my heels the instant I pick up astrip of bacon. His butt plops on the floor, tail wagging, and tongue happily lolling out to one side. I toss a piece into the air and he catches it with ease.
“Ohhhh,” I croon. “Look at you. Such a good boy.”
“Lucky mutt,” Colton grumbles.
“Someone is jealous,” I say in the same obnoxious tone reserved for babies. “As if anyone could resist this face. Do you have an owner?”
Spud whines until I give him more bacon.
“Definitely spoiled.” My smile slips into a frown. I look over at Colton parked on the top of the oversized sofa. “Should we go to the nearest town and see if anyone is missing him?”
“I thought you wanted to go riding.” He motions at my outfit.
“That can wait.”
“The wild goose chase can too.”
“A little girl might be out there searching for her dog.” There’s a pleading note in my voice, which easily slips free whenever animals in need are involved.
His tattooed arms cross. “It’s not safe to be out and about.”
The excuse wrinkles my nose. “You were gonna trailer me to a barrel race.”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“It just is.”
I pop out my hip, letting the brat out to fight. “Quit talking back.”
A scoffed chuckle scolds me. “Real cute, Princess.”
“Do you need another spanking?” My palm slaps the other in warning.
Colton stills, a visible tremble racking his limbs. Flames reignite his stare, burning the short distance between us. Our undeniable attraction thrums like a pulse. He straightens off the couch as if commanded. Static prickles my skin and I shiver. This is uncharted territory, but that doesn’t scare me. Instead, awareness takes the reins and makes me bolder.
“Would you like that, bad boy?”
His throat works with a thick swallow. “Don’t toy with me.”
I inhale the control he just tossed away. “You’re in big trouble.”
