Branded as Trouble (Rough Riders #6)(98)

“I thought we were going to your house?”


“You’re tired and yours was closer.”


“Oh.”


It didn’t appear Colt was going to get out of the truck. Was he sick of her company and just dropping her off?


Or maybe he’s waiting for an invitation.


India laid her head on his arm. “You coming in?”


“Do you want me to?”


“Yes. And I’d like you to spend the night.”


“I’ll have to get up early.”


“I know. I don’t care. I just want you with me.”


He kissed the top of her head and parked.


They held hands as they climbed the stairs. Colt’s quietness was unnerving. Not because he chatted nonstop, but something was wrong.


India led him into her bedroom. She stopped at the side of the bed and faced him. Sliding her arms round his waist, she rested her cheek against his chest.


He sighed and seemed to sag against her.


They embraced for long time.


“You tired?”


“A little. You?”


“Yeah. Maybe we should crawl in bed.”


“Sounds good.” He disentangled himself and stepped back.


“Sit. I’ll help you get your boots off.”


“I’m capable of—”


“I know you are.”


“My feet probably smell.”


“I don’t care. Sit.” She gave him a little push. She grabbed the heel end of his right boot and tugged. It slipped free so fast she lost her balance.


“Maybe you oughta let me do it.”


She tossed the boot by the door. “I’m fine.” Then she grabbed his left heel. The boot slid free easily. “Now that I’ve done the hard part, I’ll let you get the rest.”


Colt shucked his clothes while she did the same. She rolled down the covers and turned off the light. They crawled in their respective sides.


It was all very orderly.


India cuddled up against Colt’s naked back. “You’re warm.


Mmm. It’s like having my own electric blanket.”


“Getting cold at night. Probably need that electric blanket soon.”


Now they were talking about the weather in bed. She waited a minute, but he didn’t draw her into his arms like he did whenever she slept in his bed. She scooted up and placed her chin on his shoulder. “Colt, what’s the matter? And don’t tell me nothing.”


Silence.


“Did I embarrass you at your parents’ house?”


“No. Why would you think that?”


“You aren’t going to try and pretend you’re acting normal right now?”


“And f*ckin’ you up against my truck in the middle of the goddamn road is normal?”


“Is that what this is about?”


“Yeah. Jesus, India, I ripped your damn shirt. I pulled your hair, for Christsake. How can you even want me next to you?”


“Knock it off, McKay. I could’ve said no at any point and you would’ve stopped. Don’t you doubt for a second that I didn’t enjoy every second.” She put her mouth next to his ear. “And you told me you hated that shirt anyway, so no big loss.”


He laughed softly.