Page 57 of Roping My Rival

After stabling them and getting them comfortable for the night, we drive back to our hotel and check in.

“I’m sorry for sharing a room again. With the extra-long travel without the sleeper trailer and boarding the horses, it made sense to save and share.”

The door clicks behind me, and after flipping the deadbolt over, I turn to find Dane standing in the room. His hand runs through his hair after he’s tossed his hat on the small table.

“It’s okay, Warren. Really. I appreciate that.”

The silent ‘but’ hangs there, like a blank thought bubble over his head, and I step closer to him. His throat bobs, and after tossing my hat next to his, I say what’s been on my mind for far too long.

“I made a mistake,” I start before tentatively bringing my fingertips to his chest. “I said I didn’t want to want you, and I was wrong.”

“Warren…”

He wants to fight me, but he also covers my hand with his and tugs me closer with a pained sigh.

“I believe in second chances, and I think we deserve it.”

“I don’t deserve anything,” he whispers.

“Don’t say that,” I plead and bring our chests so close we touch.

Dane’s forced to look at me now, and after a moment, he leans in to feather a soft kiss on my lips. “Are you sure I’m worth it?”

His question slices my heart for more reasons than his not seeing himself favourably. I asked myself that question so many times as a child, a teenager, and a new adult. I know why I had that thought about myself, but I don’t know why Dane does.

And I want to.

If he’s endured anything close to what I have, he deserves another chance at everything. Even if he remains an asshole, I can’t just take him for what’s on the surface. I have to try.

With every ounce of conviction I can muster, I answer him in the simplest way I can.

“Yes.”

One word.

No coercion.

It’s honest and so fucking Warren to be sweet that I snap.

Gripping his face in my hands, I kiss him until it’s hard to breathe. His fingers work to undo the buttons on my shirt as he tries to talk through kisses.

“I loved watching you before your event,” he breathes as he kisses my neck. “I’ve never seen you so hot before.” His lips and words have equal effect. Yes, we’ve already had orgasms together, and I’ve felt his desire. This is more, and I crave it. So much I ache all over for even a scrap of his affection.

“Your eyes. You get this look that’s so intense I feel it everywhere.” Warren keeps talking as I push his shirt off his shoulders and reach for his belt.

“Do you feel it here?” My palm ghosts over the bulge behind his zipper, and he gasps against my lips.

“Y-yes.”

It’s hard to concentrate on everything with Warren as we work to get each other’s clothes off. Every touch from him feels like a gift. From his lips on my skin to his fingers sliding through my hair. He could just hold me and touch me, and it would be the best memory of my life.

He drops to his knees to remove my jeans and underwear, and it’s a sight I’d never thought I’d see. This man, who is so far out of my league in every way, is here right now by his own choice.

I wobble as he pulls off a boot, and I reach out towards the wall. Warren laughs, and my answering smile shocks me with how easy it is to feel so comfortable with him like this. Warren still kneels in front of me, half-dressed, while I’m completely exposed. Not just physically. He makes me want so much that the words almost come bubbling out.

“Is this okay?” he whispers and presses a kiss to my thigh.

“Yeah, but you’re still dressed. It’s not fair.”