Branded as Trouble (Rough Riders #6)(11)

“Why’m I so dizzy?”


“Low blood sugar. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”


Colt’s hands reluctantly landed on her hips. Almost against his will, he allowed her to hold him up.


As India’s nose brushed Colt’s pecs and her hands were spread across that incredibly muscular back, she felt his fingers squeezing her hipbones. A powerful sense of…longing overtook her. He was so solid and warm and he smelled all musky good like a man should and she absolutely did not want to let him go. Ever.


“Indy?” he said her name in a husky whisper.


“Mmm?”


“I think I can make it to the chair now.”


“Oh. Right.” She released him and settled him in the seat. “Do you need an extra pillow for your butt?”


“Nah.”


“I’ll grab the TV tray and be right back.” After she’d arranged the soup and sandwich and refilled his water, she felt him staring at her. “What?”


“You didn’t have to do all this.”


Her pulse raced when she gazed into his compelling blue eyes.


“I wanted to. I’m sorry about leaving you here alone tonight. I should’ve cancelled the date—”


“I’m the one who oughta be apologizing. I was a total dick.


Who you date and what you do on your dates ain’t any of my business.” He gave her a head to toe inspection. “You look great, by the way. I’ve always loved that shirt on you. Brings out the color of your eyes.” He smiled. “And sometimes, it matches the color of your hair.”


She self-consciously adjusted the vivid blue satin strap on her baby doll blouse. “Uh. Thanks. I thought I might dye the ends blue tomorrow.”


“That’s my favorite.” Colt stirred his soup and blew on a spoonful before popping it in his mouth.


Favorite what? Color on her hair? Or kind of soup? Soup, probably. “Would you like crackers?”


He shook his head.


“Do you need ketchup for your sandwich?”


“Eww.” He shuddered. “You’ve been cookin’ for Eliza again?”


“Yeah, and we both know grilled cheese is about the extent of my culinary expertise.”


“Quit hovering and get goin’. You don’t wanna be late.”


Lightly, she said, “Seems like you’re trying to get rid of me.”


His laser-sharp gaze pierced hers again. “Never.”


They stared at each other and the air crackled with energy.


Colt cleared his throat. “Just so you know, I probably won’t be around in the mornin’ if you choose to, ah, not come back here. You don’t have to worry about me blabbing your personal business and I’ll lock up for you since I already have a key.”


India’s jaw dropped. “Omigod. You don’t think I’m going to sleep with Blake on the first date, do you?”


Pause. His eyes tapered to fine points. “You’re goin’ out with Blake? As in my cousin Blake? As in the guy whose nail gun took a chunk out of my ass?”


She winced. Crap, she’d forgotten to tell him that. “Yes.”


“Did you agree before or after his machinery maimed me?”


“Before. Look, he asked me while he was putting up shelves in the shop. I’ve cancelled on him two times already, so that’s why I can’t back out tonight.”