Sharp Shootin' Cowboy (Hot Cowboy Nights, #3)(30)

“She doesn’t want to meet me, does she?”

“She didn’t say that.” Yet his frown lingered.

“But she implied it.”

“You have to understand that Krista’s a determined matchmaker, but I’ll set her straight.”

“I’m not about to come between you and your sister, Reid.”

He shrugged. “She’ll get over it.”

“I don’t want her to get over it.”

“Trust me. It’ll be fine.”

Trust me. He had no idea how hard that was. The only people she’d ever truly trusted were Grams, Gramps, and Yolanda. Her instincts told her not to go with him, but she was as reluctant to end their time together as he was, just for different reasons. For her, this was not a beginning of something but the end. She’d already come to that resolution. When it was over, it would truly be over, but that didn’t mean she had to be in a hurry about it.

“All right, Reid,” she blurted, contrary to all reason. “If Garcia and Yolanda agree, I’ll go with you.”

“Good decision.” The wrinkle instantly smoothed from his brow. “I’ll call Garcia while you text Yolanda that you’re staying the night with me.”

Her stomach leaped. “No. I can’t.”

“Just one night, Haley,” he coaxed. “What difference can a few more hours make?”

Soft and seductive, his lips met hers.

She still gripped the sheet. He peeled it away and eased her back onto the bed. She forgot all about leaving the moment his lips grazed her shoulders. His tongue was magic, inciting shivers of pleasure as he licked and nuzzled his way up her neck.

What difference? All the difference in the world.

*

Hours later, Haley stirred out of a sex-induced coma to find herself alone in the bed.

“Reid?”

She padded to the bathroom, but he wasn’t there either. Had he left without her after all? She experienced a brief moment of panic until noticing that all of his things were still in the room. He’d mentioned buying her some clothes last night. Maybe he’d gone out to get something?

She stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower, and then shrugged into one of the complimentary robes hanging in the closet. A few minutes later, a soft knock sounded on the door. She opened it to find Yolanda with a shopping bag in one hand, a Starbucks latte in the other, a sparkle in her black eyes, and a wide grin stretching her face.

“Having fun, chica?” She pushed into the room without giving Haley a chance to respond. “I admit you surprised me when you disappeared with Reid. But I’m glad you and he are hitting it off. I was wondering when you’d finally find someone.”

“It’s not like that, Yo. We’re just having some fun. Isn’t that what you’re always hounding me about?”

“Yeah, I do, but we both know you’re not that type. Here, take this one.” She offered Haley a coffee. “It has a shot of espresso. You look like you need it more than me.”

“I am pretty wiped out,” Haley confessed.

“Me too.” Yolanda yawned and stretched, adding with a chuckle, “Marines have endurance.”

Haley flushed.

“The bag is also for you.” Yolanda took a sip of her drink and nudged it toward Haley with her foot. “Reid asked me to pick up a few things for you. I bought you some undies—the sexy, lacy kind.” She winked. “Also a pair of capris and a belly top.”

“Thanks, Yo. I owe you. Where is Reid now?”

“He and Garcia went for a run on the beach. Even in their downtime these guys never stop—not that I’m complaining. I prefer a man with stamina.” She plopped herself on the sofa. “All right, Haley, time to dish. How was he?”

Her face heated.

“C’mon,” Yolanda pressed. “I’ve shared every little detail whenever you’ve asked me.”

“I’ve never asked.”

“But I told you anyway, didn’t I? That’s what best friends are for. Now dish.”

“It was…good.”

Yolanda rolled her eyes.

“Really good.”

Yolanda pursed her lips and tapped her foot. “That’s not enough for me.”

“All right!” Haley threw her hands up. “It was great! Earth-shattering! Are you happy now?”

“Hardly, but at least it’s a start. You are far too uptight about sex.”

Haley ground her teeth. “I’m not uptight. I just don’t like to talk about it, okay?”

“It? Can’t you even say the word?”

“Of course I can,” she huffed.

“How about ‘orgasm’?”

“Yes. I can say orgasm.” She averted her gaze. “Just not in public.”

Yolanda was undaunted. “Did you have one? Does he know how to use his mouth on your co?o?”

“God, yes,” Haley gushed, then looked away in embarrassment.

Her best friend chuckled. “Then he made you come?”

“Uh-huh. Several times.”

“Oh yeah?” Yolanda grinned. “Now, it’s getting good. How about with his—” She arched a brow.

“No.” Haley shook her head. “We’re not going there. I’m not going to describe his anatomy to you.”