Page 55 of Roped in Rawhide

“How else will we conserve water? My tank in the trailer is only so big.”

“What are the chances we can have a repeat performance?” The shower stall in her living quarters is tiny, but I’m up for the challenge.

“Better be a speed round.”

I’m about to respond, but she goes oddly still very suddenly. My focus follows hers. It leads me to the damaged skin on her left side. There’s an unrecognizable lurch in my chest, but I don’t think the defensive feeling is for me.

My bent knuckle grazes her freckled cheek. “What’s wrong?”

“Want to hear a secret?” Her voice is so quiet, my ears strain to hear her.

“Always, Wildflower. Tell me.”

Gemma’s gaze returns to mine, shining with unshed tears. “For a few precious moments, you made me forget about my scars. That’s never happened before.”

After tucking strands of hair behind her ear, I tip her chin up and press my mouth to hers. “They’re just there, baby. Like tattoos. I don’t see them as anything but a part of you and your undeniable beauty.”

She sniffles, but there’s a grin poking through the heaviness of this topic. “Gosh, you make it difficult to keep this strictly for benefits.”

“Maybe quit trying so hard.”

Gemma crinkles her nose. “Maybe.”

My Future Wife: Before you break into my apartment, I’m busy tonight and won’t be home. See you tomorrow?

A broad grin stretches my mouth to resemble a clown. Look at Gemma, texting me first for a change. Things are really starting to go my way.

I’m whistling a cheerful tune as I strut along the polished stone path that lead to the main entrance of Benson Manor. The mansion is a contemporary style with a few nods to colonialism. The huge columns framing the front entry and symmetrical facade are a bit outdated for my taste, but it’s not my house.

Which is a fact my father could never get over. When Uncle Dennis inherited this property instead of him, a piece of Dad shattered. The excessive gambling and criminal activity got worse after that. He warped into something unrecognizable, choosing to betray his own family to pay off a debt. And to think I once idolized him.

I pause for a moment. It’s been almost a year since I’ve heard from him. Unfortunately for Daddy Dearest, he’s a deadbeat and I couldn’t care less. Byron cleaned up the mess he left behind. My big brother would probably appreciate it if I put more effort into the Benson business, but that’s a problem for a different day.

My boots trot up the porch steps, shaking off the shadows trying to darken my mood. I reach for the brass knocker to announce my arrival. There’s no need since the sensors at the gate sent out an alert, but it’s customary. The antique hinges on the oversized door creak. It ratchets the anticipation thrumming in my veins.

And then Gemma appears like a dream come true. Her white tank top is something out of my dirtiest fantasy. It stretches across her breasts like a provocative beacon. It also puts her scars on display, which she doesn’t try to hide from me.

Such a good girl.

I want to show her what that trust means to me. There will be orgasmic amounts of kissing, licking, sucking, biting—

Those erotic thoughts go up in lusty smoke as my attention shifts to Little Wren perched on Gemma’s hip. When recognition strikes, the toddler thrusts her arms toward me.

“Howdy, Tiny Tot. Are you happy to see me?” I lift her into my arms, spinning us in a slow circle.

Wren giggles and clings on tight. “Cha-Cha!”

“That’s me,” I coo. It’s the best version of Chance I’ve ever heard.

Gemma is helpless against the irresistible image we create. Her slouched pose against the doorframe is properly swooned. “Why am I not surprised?”

“That I’m great with kids? You should’ve known that by now. The Benson brood is multiplying faster than mathematicians can calculate.”

And that’s only a slight exaggeration. Bianca is pregnant with her second and their son isn’t even two yet. It’s only a matter of time before Brody knocks up Paisley again. My brother and Frankie just announced their baby news. Ronnie couldn’t be more excited to be a big sister.

Gemma is trying not to laugh while I’m busy tabulating my family’s fertility. “I was referring to your uncanny ability to show up unannounced.”

“Didn’t you hear me use the knocker?”