Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(134)

Rielle did not look old enough to have a daughter that age.


Ben tapped the side of the wheelbarrow. “You got bags for these someplace, Ree?”


“In the mudroom. I’ll grab them.”


Ainsley watched her duck around the corner. Then she focused on Ben. “I’m surprised

to see you here.”


“Why?”


“Just seems…coincidental you’re here exactly the same time I am.”


“I swing by and help Rielle occasionally.”


“You have a standing date with her on Tuesdays at five thirty-five?”


Ben’s eyes narrowed. “If you’ve got something to say, spit it out.”


“Are you trying to hide something about her? Maybe your feelings? Because you’re

awful abrupt whenever she’s around. Always trying to get rid of her.”


“You’re imagining things.”


“Like the first time we saw each other at the bank? You shooed her away pretty fast.

Then at lunch today, you were uncomfortable when she approached us. And now, you’re

here, running interference again. Why?”


He dusted the dirt from his hands as he closed the distance between them. “Because

your bank turned her down for a loan. She’s a little sensitive about it and I thought

she might try to corner you when you stopped to get produce. So yeah, I’m running

interference. Not for her. For you.”


Ainsley got in his face. “Back off, Ben. I don’t need you playing mediator. I’m

perfectly capable of dealing with customers who’ve been denied financing. And I resent

you riding in here to rescue me, acting like I can’t handle myself in a professional

capacity. I can handle myself just fine.”


“Or you’re just snippy because you’re jealous.”


“I am not jealous.” I’m pissed because you said you wouldn’t use me again. So far

today you’ve used me to help you get a loan and now you plan on using my body one last

time before moving on to the next sub.


An amused smile quirked his lips. “Sure you are.”


She wanted to slide that smarmy look right off his face, because this was about so much

more than her female jealousy and he refused to see it. “Don’t flatter yourself. Don

’t you think if Rielle wanted to burn up the sheets with you, she’d been tied to your

bed years ago, wearing a custom collar? Since you’ve been such close neighbors and you

know each other’s secrets?”


Silence. “Angel, you are gonna regret that smart comment.”


“Stop looming over me like the beastly Dom. We’re not in those roles right now.”


“It’s not a role for me. And it looks like you need a reminder that I am always the

beastly Dom.”


“You trying to scare me, cowboy?” She purposely taunted him with a label that meant

nothing to him. To show him she could turn off her connection to him any time—just

like he could.


He put his mouth next to her ear. “The name is Bennett, sub, and your night just got a

lot more…interesting.”


Ainsley swallowed hard. The heat of him, the scent of him, the overwhelming power and

masculinity made her head spin. Made her want to plaster her body to his and lose