Through the Dust (Black Springs Ranch, #2)

by Amber Palmer

“Don’t finish that fucking sentence,” he growled.

Hot.

Bishop pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why are you such a pain in the ass?” I batted my eyelashes. “Because it drives you insane.”

“Easy there, killer,”

Christ Almighty. Getting drunk should never look that fucking sinful, and I suddenly found myself wondering if I needed to go to church.

And then there was that slutty fucking gold chain around his neck. Who knew it would be so hot?

Lennox Hayes was a goddamn lightning strike to my heart.

He kind of looked like that corpse from Hocus Pocus, but only if he was a cowboy who clearly hadn’t been getting enough sleep.

“Of course you do. Your panties are soaked, and I’ve barely touched you.” “Says the man who nearly came in his pants five minutes ago because we were making out,” she barked back.

“Tell me to stop,” he whispered. “What?” He paused for a moment, touch hovering over the spot I wanted it most. “Tell me to stop, Lennox. Tell me it’s a bad idea. Tell me this is reckless. Tell me we shouldn’t be doing this for any number of fucking reasons that I can’t even think of right now.” “But I⁠—” “Because if you don’t,” he said, interrupting me. “God help me, I don’t think I can. Not unless you tell me to.”

“It meant everything!” I bellowed, unable to stop myself. I ran my fingers through my hair as she blinked in confusion. “Jesus Christ, Lennox. I know you think I’m a callous dick, but do you honestly think I’m so cruel that I’d be so devil-may-care with your body? With your heart and mine?”

I might have fallen in love after just one night, too, but I wasn’t talking about the goddamn mattress.

Oooh hes a softie

I wanted to stay up too late talking and spend lazy mornings between the covers. I wanted to take her grocery shopping and make a list of all the snacks she liked. Most of all, I wanted her to know that I’d be by her side come hell or high water.

Swoooon

“I wanted the things I never had. Stability. Comfort. Peace of mind…” I trailed off, meeting her eyes because she needed to understand this next part. “Love. And god willing, a family to call my own.”

I looked up, breath catching, as I saw Bishop staring at me through the window. His eyes were soft, the edges around them slightly crinkled. Something about the sight made all my frustrations fade away.

I just hoped he felt the same because I wasn’t sure how to return to a world where I didn’t love Bishop Bryant.

“Y’all want a beer or anything from the garage?” “Hell yes I do!” Dad called, rubbing his hands together. “Make it a double. I got two hands for a reason.”

“I think you’ll find that there isn’t much I wouldn’t do when it comes to you. I’m in the palm of your hand, sweetheart,” he said, pressing a kiss to the center. “Don’t crush me.”

“I think you’ve got that backward, baby,” I whispered, pausing only long enough for him to hear the words. “I’m the one who is waiting on pins and needles for you to decide if you’re all in or not.”

“Who are you, and what have you done with Bishop Bryant?” “Dunno,” I said, ducking my head so I didn’t have to look at her. “Heard he went and fell in love.”

“I’m just like you! I’m a lovesick fool that she’s got wrapped around that dainty, infuriating finger of hers, and I don’t know what to do with that. I’m terrified of fucking everything up with her, and—are you seriously laughing right now?”

“I tell you I’m in love, and you automatically think I’m breaking up with you?” I whispered harshly. “What kind of fucked up logic is that?”

“I’m not letting you walk away at all, sweetheart,” I said, tightening my hold. “Not now. Not ever. You are fucking mine, and I’m gonna prove it.”

“I want you to listen to me when I say this, killer…” She nodded, and I continued. “I am so disgustingly in love with you that nothing could change that. You could tell me to fuck off, and I would, but nothing can change the way this stupid thing in my chest beats for you.”

It was the first time we’d genuinely acknowledged this thing between us, admitted that it was something life-changing.

“That’s fine right now, but I’m done hiding, sweetheart. You deserve a loud love.

“I am, sir. I know it’s gonna come as a shock, but I love your daughter very much⁠—” “That’s fucking obvious, son,” Dad scoffed. “I’m deaf, not blind.”

“I can see through the dust, cowboy.