Page 54 of Promised to the Cowboy

Evie’s lips curve into a slow, wicked smile as I step behind her. “Ooh, blindfolds. Kinky. I like where this is going, cowboy.”

I laugh under my breath and tie the cloth gently over her eyes, making sure it’s snug but comfortable. “Behave, Lightning.”

I guide her carefully the rest of the way, one hand at the small of her back, steadying her. She leans into my touch slightly, trusting and curious. We stop just inside the wide stable doors, the familiar smells of leather, wood, and horse surrounding us.

“Ready?” I murmur close to her ear.

She nods, practically vibrating with anticipation.

I slip the bandana off.

Evie blinks against the softer light filtering through the stalls. Her gaze lands on the new mare standing in the center aisle—chestnut with a white blaze down her face, ears flicking nervously, muscles tense like she’s ready to bolt at any second.

Falcon stands several feet away, holding the end of a loose lead rope. He’s positioned himself off the mare’s shoulder rather than directly in front of her, body turned slightly aside, giving her room to see him without feeling trapped. He hasn’t shortened the rope or tried to force her still. He’s simply waiting while she shifts and scrapes one hoof against the rubber mat.

Evie goes completely still.

“Gabe—” Her voice cracks.

She takes one shaky step forward, then another.

“She’s yours.”

Evie’s eyes fly to mine.

“I got a call from a friend earlier this week. Her owner was done with her. Said she’d become too much trouble.” I glance toward the mare. “Auction was next. I don’t need to explain what comes after that. I figured”—I rub the back of my neck—“you deserved one worth fighting for.”

Tears fill her eyes as she stares at the mare. The horse watches her right back, curious despite the fear.

Evie’s hand lifts as if she wants to reach out but knows better than to rush.

Her gaze moves from the mare to me, her expression crumpling in a way I’ve never seen before.

She isn’t looking at me like I’ve given her a horse.

She’s looking at me like I’ve seen her.

I close the distance and cup her face, brushing a tear away with my thumb. “Stay.”

She looks up at me, her eyes shining.

“Not because of our girl.” My voice catches, but I push on. “Stay because you want to.”

For a long moment, she just stares at me.

Then her mouth trembles into the softest smile I’ve ever seen.

“I want to. I want to wake up here. Build a life here. I want our little girl to grow up knowing this place.” She leans forward until our foreheads touch. “I want all that with you.”

My chest tightens.

“So… yes, Gabe.” Her breath catches against my mouth. “I’m staying.”

I kiss her, pouring everything I’m not quite ready to say out loud into it.

A soft scrape sounds behind us, pulling us apart. Christ, I’d forgotten we weren’t alone. That’s what this woman does to me, makes me forget everything but her.

The mare takes one nervous step sideways. Falcon moves with her rather than pulling against her, keeping the rope slack. The mare settles almost immediately.