“It’s better. Maybe sex is the cure after all. Must be all those endorphins. In that case, I should add daily sex to my therapy plan. Forget painkillers—sex is where it’s at.”
His sexy one-sided grin is back. “Well, I volunteer my services while you’re staying in Copper Creek.”
“That’s very noble of you.”
“Isn’t it? Like you said before, it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”
“Even with your no-more-than-once-with-a-woman rule?”
“I think I can make an exception.” He flips me over and shows me exactly how big a sacrifice he’s willing to make.
And I, for one, am truly grateful that he’s so giving.
Now if only I could bottle his sacrifice and take it back home with me to Beverly Hills.
That would be something.
17
Noah
The sun is justabove the horizon as I step out of Charlotte’s house the next morning. Kate was still asleep when I left her bed.
I hadn’t meant to spend the night. But after I took her for the second time, I didn’t have the will or the energy to leave.
As I shut the front door behind me, the distant sound of an engine alerts me to the new arrival. Kate never mentioned she was expecting anyone, especially before six a.m.
From the porch I watch the black SUV pull up in front of the house and park. Then a guy my age, wearing jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and black work boots climbs out and strides to the porch steps.
As soon as he spots me, a scowl appears on his face. “Who the fuck are you?”
I fold my arms across my chest. “The same can be asked aboutyou.”
“I’m Troy, Kate’s cousin. Now, are you going to tell me who the fuck you are?”
Since I don’t know how much Kate has told him, I go with the simple answer. “Noah.”
He looks me over. Unlike his clothing, mine are messy and wrinkled—casualties of packing up Charlotte’s home yesterday and being left in a pile on the floor while I was getting to know Kate better.
“So you’re the person she hired to look after the two horses?” he asks. “Aren’t you here a little early for that?”
“I run a ranch. This isn’t early.” I still don’t move to let him past. “But the question is, why areyouhere so early? If you’re her cousin, then you’d know she isn’t an early morning person.”
His scowl deepens. “Who are you to say when I can see my cousin? You’re just the hired stable hand.” He stomps up the steps, his pissed-off gaze never leaving my face.
“Because she’s sleeping. So unless she’s expecting you, I’d suggest you come back later.” If we were both bulls, we’d be charging each other, battling for domination.
His eyes narrow. “If you’re the stable hand, how is it you know that she’s sleeping? And why are you on my cousin’s porch and not dealing with the horses?”
Good questions. Neither of which I have an answer for without revealing the truth about last night.
Before I’m able to bullshit my way out of things, he points at the door like I’m five years old and he’s my father. “Get inside.”
I snort a laugh. “I don’t have to do what you say. Besides, I have better things to do.”
“You have a choice. We either go inside and have Kate confirm who you are…or I call the police and have you charged for trespassing.”
What is it with this family and their desire to have me arrested?
