Bourbon & Lies (The Bourbon Boys, #1)

by Victoria Wilder

“Don’t assume you know anything about me, cowboy. Because I’ll tell you right now, you’re going to end up being wrong.”

As I look over my shoulder at him one more time, I realize I’ve just figured out two very important things: I’ve definitely managed to piss off Grant Foxx just by existing in his small town. And I think I like it.

I wanted to be the kind of woman to walk in there and lick up the mess he made. But I’m not her. Not yet.

He searches my face, his eyes landing on my lips, before he says in a low gravel, “She is. Impressive. Strong. So fucking beautiful.”

I’m starting to get better at pretending, but I’ve always excelled at putting small men back into the Polly Pocket-sized egos they’d earned.

So I don’t hold back or cower. I lift my chin and square my shoulders. “Does this actually work for you? The sexual predator vibe? Because I’m fascinated to hear about your success rate.” I hold up a finger. “Forced customers don't count.”

“Laney, you didn’t need any rescuing. I wish I could have caught everything you said, because there is nothing more beautiful than watching a guy like that get verbally spanked.”

“I would think they do, but I’ve just never been on one. Just like I know there are nice guys in the world, but I’ve never been on one of those either.” She slaps her hand over her mouth. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?” Certainly did. And now I am picturing myself as someone she’d want to be on.

“Haven’t gotten that wet for a man in a long time. So, thanks!”

We would be fucking fire together; there’s no doubt about that.

“Laney, there’s no way that being your friend would ever be enough for me.”

Why was it cute to hear him say “my nana?”

Yeah, I could get lost in this woman. The kind of lost that I won’t find my way back from. That kiss was so damn good, but I could leave it there. I could ease back and try damn hard not to want more.

The truth is, I care about her. So much so, I don’t need to push. When she’s ready, I hope she’ll tell me. I’ll be here to listen.

“You disappeared on me,” she says, calling me out, exactly as she should. “I know.” “Why?” Her brow furrows. “You scare me, woman.”

“I want you so fucking bad that I can't think of anything else.” My hand trails up her hip and toward her waist with the slightest squeeze. “You’re all I think about. The things you say, how you look at me. This mouth. These lips. Do you know how many times I’ve pictured them wrapped around my cock? How I need to know if I picked the right nickname for you.”

“Tell me, Laney, do you taste like honey, or is it something even sweeter? Either way, I’m going to savor every fucking drop of the mess you make for me.”

“Am I going home or coming⁠—?” Too easy. I smirk at the question, not letting her finish. “You’re coming at least once on my tongue. And twice on my cock, if I’m lucky.”

I press the opening to my lips and take the smallest sip. I let a bit dribble from my mouth, and then pull it away, tilting it just enough to trickle a path of bourbon from the top of my chest down the slope of my breast and the tip of my nipple. The smirk that dances on his lips is all I need to encourage my next words. “Drink up, cowboy.” He lets out a quiet growl and a “Yes, ma’am.”

“I thought you were sexy before, but seeing you like this, with the smell of you on my beard and the taste of you in my mouth…” He rests his chin on my thigh, a glazed-over look in his half-lidded eyes. “How am I not supposed to fall in love with you now?”

“He wasn’t the reason I left.” I knew there was more, but I’m not going to push. Not now. Nodding against her, I drag my hand down the curves of her body and between her thighs. I rub her pussy over the satin of the bottoms she’s wearing as I press my hardening cock against her ass. “Can I be the reason you stay?”

“Which candy is your favorite?” I laugh out, “What?” “Tell me which one is your favorite.” “That’s not an easy answer.” “Tell me anyway.” He smiles and gives my side a little pinch. “Red Vines and sour gummy bears, and maybe those Modjeska things tied for first. Oh, and the chocolate-covered gummy bears, too.” He paid attention. He already knows that sour gummy bears are a top choice. Last week, I found unopened bags in his snack cupboard and bedside table. He told me they were “in case of an emergency.”

“Thank you,” he says softly. I search his expression for what he means, but he looks back at me with such adoration that my eyes water. “For what, baby?” I smile. He raises my hand up, placing a kiss on my wrist, and simply says, “For you.”

“Doesn’t matter where you are,” Griz says as he looks around at each of us. “You’re my bourbon boys. And I’m fuckin’ proud.”

“I’m pretty sure I started falling for you the moment you flipped me off.” I try to smile, but it’s labored. My chest is heavy and adrenaline pumps through me, making my hands shake as I tell this beautiful woman exactly who she is to me. “But I am, honey. I’m so fucking in love with you. This is it for me.”

“I. Am. Lucky.” He searches my eyes for a beat. “Ask me why I’m lucky, cowboy.” I smile, and my whole body warms at the look of pure adoration in his eyes. I already knew my decision, but that look would have solidified any reasonable doubts. A small smile touches the corner of his lips. “Why are you lucky, baby?” “Because you love me.”

When his lips find mine, it feels like more than just kissing the man I love. It feels like coming home. This complex and caring man who hid behind so much loss, in fear of it being the only option for him.

“I’ve been living, breathing, and sleeping with Foxx Bourbon. I know what I’m talking about.”

German Shorthaired Pointer