Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(118)

But Ben didn’t release her. He merely returned her to her previous position and held

her while she composed herself. He let the brush of his hands on her skin soothe her in

ways words couldn’t. Sometimes being a man a few words had its benefits.


She whispered, “Thank you.”


“Anytime.”


“I’m tired.”


Ben kissed her temple. “Go to sleep.”


“Are you staying?”


“For a little while.”


She punched her pillow. “I know we haven’t spent the night together much, but I’m

glad you’re here.”


“Why is that?” He bumped his pelvis into her backside. “’Cause I’m likin’ this a

whole bunch.”


How could she tell him sharing the same bed seemed more intimate than sex? Sleeping she

felt even more vulnerable. Had Layla been right? Being in his bed surrounded by his

warm body was a gateway drug to wanting more? More of what she couldn’t have?


“Ainsley?”


“Sorry. I started to doze off.” She kissed his biceps.


“Liar,” he whispered in her ear. “And just so you know, you’re welcome in my bed

any night. I’ll even kick the dogs out for you.”


She laughed. “Well, I doubt my cats will be so accommodating.”


Chapter Nineteen


Before he got busy filling his day cutting logs and boards for a furniture order, Ben

loaded up his dogs and headed to Rielle’s.


Unlike Chase, he didn’t consider it strange Gavin had chosen to stay at Rielle’s bed

and breakfast. It was neutral territory and he wasn’t beholden to anyone’s schedule.

He hadn’t talked to Gavin much yesterday, and he realized he’d never had a one-on-

one, face-to-face conversation alone with his oldest brother and it was past time.


Plus, he had to approach Rielle about her financial situation, as Tell and Dalton had

reminded him last night, regardless of what kind of mood she was in, regardless if he

was uncertain about where his portion would come from.


The dogs jumped out of the truck bed and raced off into the trees with Rielle’s three

mutts.


Rielle met him at the front door and held open the screen. “Hey, stranger.”


“Mornin’, Rielle. Something smells good.”


“There’s fresh coffee and warm muffins inside.”


She was in a good mood, which boded well for him. “I didn’t stop over here expecting

to be fed, but I ain’t gonna say no now that you offered.” He followed her into the

kitchen.


“I don’t imagine you stopped over to talk to me anyway.” She pointed to the mugs. “

Help yourself.”


“Is Gavin up?”


“He hopped into the shower as you pulled in.”


Ben sat at the counter, poured himself a cup of coffee and set two blueberry muffins on

a plate. “I did want to talk to you about something.”


“Sounds serious.”


“It is. I wanted to bring it up in private.”


“Now you’re really scaring me.”


Ben looked Rielle in the eyes. “I won’t beat around the bush. How much financial