Resisting the Alien Rider (Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides, #3)

by Ursa Dax

“So you were listening to me pee, then?” “Zabrians have excellent hearing,” he scoffed. “Is it truly listening if you produce a noise and I just happen to be near enough to hear it?” “If a girl pees in the woods,” I answered, face hot, “and no one’s around to hear her, does she make a sound?” Garrek gaped at me like he was very concerned I’d lost my human marbles and that he’d have to start digging around in the dirt to find them for me.

Garrek was going to be bugged. A lot. The man gave me major stressed-out-dad-who-regrets-bringing-his-kids-camping energy.

You can’t scare me when you’ve got a frown like the Old-Earth devil himself but the ears of a child’s plush toy.”

“Oaken has not even seen a female since childhood,” Garrek said, his tone flat. “You’ll impress him simply by breathing.”

“Hey,” Magnolia said, her smile replaced with sternness, “it should be the other way around. I’m the adult. I should be making sure he’s alright.” Killian and I stared at her in silence. Then, our glances went to each other at the very same moment. We shared a look between us. A look that said, “Let her think that, but watch her anyway.” It was probably the first time Killian and I had ever agreed so instantly or communicated so effectively. And we’d done it without speaking a single word.

“You’re here,” I whispered. Even though Oaken had said he was, a paranoid part of me hadn’t truly believed him. A part of me still couldn’t disentangle my memories from dreams. “Of course I am.” He swallowed, thick throat bobbing. “I heard your voice. I ran.”

“Why, Garrek,” I murmured, happiness warming every inch of me, “Are you asking me to marry you?” “Asking. Pleading. I’ll beg you if I have to,” he groaned.