Between the Pines (Black Springs Ranch, #1)

by Amber Palmer

If heartbreak insurance was a thing, my premium would be sky-high.

I was a simple man with simple beliefs. I’d never held much stock in that lovey-dovey bullshit people clung to, talking about soulmates and destinies. It was just a way for folks to feel better about their lives. But this woman?

Something told me she could make me a believer.

He was authentically rugged and timelessly handsome, the type of man who commanded your attention when he walked into a room. Given the callouses lining his palms, bartending wasn’t his only job, but it was the only one he’d claimed.

His heated gaze turned the once warm tones into something much more sensual and promising. It reminded me of melted chocolate—the dark, bitter kind you’d dip strawberries into before letting the combination land on your tongue like a sinful invitation.

“Yeah, actually… I’m thinking about what it would be like to fuck this pretty mouth. How I’d want to see it dressed in some pretty color only to fucking destroy it and then proudly wear the remnants around my cock so I could see precisely where you’d been.”

I knew only one thing for sure: I never wanted him to stop.

I’d never considered myself a smart man. I’d made a lot of mistakes and fucked up more times than I could count, but the smartest thing I’d ever done was kiss the beautiful dark-haired tornado that swept into my bar.

Josie was at my will, my mercy, and⁠— “Please,” she whimpered. “Fuck me.” And just like that, our roles had changed.

was gonna ask if you’d waited for me like I’d been waiting for you.”

“Break up with that piece of shit you call a boyfriend, and I’ll tell you every sordid detail. Then, when you’re writhing underneath me, just like you are right now, I’ll make good on every word I said.”

“Just don’t leave me waiting out in the cold too long, yeah? Be fair to my heart in the way I’m trying my damnedest to be to yours.”

All I know is some things are certain—the sun will set, it’ll rise again, and you’re it for me. That’s just the truth.”

“I’m not gonna break her heart,” I mumbled, glancing back at the table. “But I’m afraid she’s gonna break mine.”