Branded as Trouble (Rough Riders #6)(52)

He laughed softly. “Generous of you.”


“I thought so.”


Colt pulled her sleeves back up, freeing her arms. He fed her a long, deep, wet kiss while he buttoned her shirt.


Looking as dazed as he was, he traced the outline of her bottom lip, while he stared into her eyes. When her saucy tongue darted out to lick the callused pad, his hand fell away.


She smirked.


“I know that look. You still think you can convince me to give in to your hot sexy body before the two weeks is up.”


“I’m an optimist.” She bestowed a smacking kiss square on his mouth. “See you tomorrow night at the basketball game.”


India arrived at the high school parking lot to find it jam-packed. Inside, she saw Bert pointing to the empty space beside him in the front row of the bleachers.


“Thanks for saving me a spot,” she said, squeezing the gnarled hand resting on his cane. “I had a late client. It hasn’t started, has it?”


“Not yet.”


India scanned the teams on opposite sides of the court. Her gaze zeroed in on the tall, dark-haired man, wearing an electric blue tank top and shorts. Talk about muscular legs. And arms. And chest.


How much weight had he been lifting with Cam?


Colt sensed her gawking at him. He trotted over, the warmth in his eyes made her tingly all over. “Glad you made it.”


Concentrate on his eyes and not his nearly nude body.


He grinned as if he’d read her thoughts.


The whistle blew and he scrambled toward his teammates.


India muttered, “I am in way over my head.”


“He is too, if it’s any consolation.”


She faced Bert. “What’s that supposed to mean?”


Bert clutched her hand on his cane. “I like you, India. That’s why I sent Colt to you in the first place. He wouldn’t open up to me the way he has with you. You were good for him.”


“Were?”


“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get this event started!”


India half-listened to the opening remarks of the MC. After a precocious nine-year old girl warbled “The Star-Spangled Banner”


they sat down. She tried to watch the action unfold, but ignoring Bert’s curious stare proved impossible. “What?”


“As awkward as this might be, I’m recommending you terminate your role as Colt’s sponsor.”


“What?”


“Hear me out before your wicked glare singes what little hair I have left.”


“Does he know you’re doing this?”


“Yes, it was my idea after he called and told me you two were dating.”


So Colt had listened to her concerns last night.


Why are you surprised? Colt always listens to you.


“You’re important to the program, India. But you’re also important to him.”


She didn’t know what to say.


“It’d be easier all around. You’ve been so busy taking care of others I’m worried you’re not taking care of yourself.”


“I’m fine, Bert.”


“We’ve all said that, India. We’ve all been there, thinking we’re ‘cured’ and trying to hide the difficulties from our peers. No one ever is cured. You remember that. And if it gets to the point you need help…my door and my ears are always open to you.”