The Cowbear's Christmas Shotgun Wedding (Curvy Bear Ranch 3) by Liv Brywood Page A

that,” Rachel joked.
    “What happened to that bake-off you and Madison were planning?” Logan asked.
    “We’re working on it,” Rachael said while flashing a conspiratorial smile at Madison.
    “Don’t forget, I get to be a judge,” Logan said.
    Kate had no idea what they were talking about, but if it involved food, she had no doubt that Logan would be happy to participate.
    While guests and several of the brothers drifted off into the living room, Kate sat talking with Rachel, Brady, Madison, and Mack. The couples gazed at each other with love in their eyes. Tender touches and gentle caresses passed between them. It almost felt voyeuristic to watch them express their affection.
    She faked a yawn and pushed back from the table. “I should be going.”
    “I’ll walk you home.” Logan jumped up.
    “Thank you for dinner,” she said to Madison.
    “Anytime.”
    On the trip back to the house, she couldn’t stop thinking about Logan’s lips and what they’d done to her earlier in the day. When they reached the house, she wasn’t ready to let him go.
    “Would you like to come in for some tea?” she asked.
    “Sure.”
    After stripping off her coat, gloves and boots, she walked into the kitchen. Logan followed closely behind. When she reached for the tea kettle, he placed his hands on the counter on either side of her.
    He pressed up against her back and whispered, “I settled for cheesecake, but what I really wanted was you.”
    Her breath hitched as she turned to face him. With his lips just inches away, she couldn’t resist kissing them. The first tentative brush of her lips against his curled her toes. She moaned as he tangled his fingers in her hair and drew her closer.
    Just a single swipe of his tongue across her lips was enough to make her forget everything but the feel of his hands on her body. Kneading, caressing, cradling, he seduced her with his hands. She forgot all about her plan to leave at the end of the week. She forgot the terrible memories associated with this house. She forgot about Logan’s betrayal on prom night. Nothing mattered but the graze of his stubbly cheek against hers.
    “Take me to bed,” she whispered.
    “I can’t take advantage of you like that again.”
    “I want you to be the one.”
    “You’re upset. You just lost your dad. You’re hurting and just looking for comfort.”
    “Consider it payment for helping me with the house,” she said.
    “I can’t.” After one last, searing kiss, he pulled away.
    “Please…” She wasn’t above begging. She needed him, wanted him, and would say anything right now to get him.
    “I’ll help you no matter what because I want to. But I can’t take what you’re offering. You’ve waited this long. Why throw it away on a single night of passion that we both know isn’t going anywhere? You’re leaving at the end of the week. After that, I might never see you again. I don’t want you to regret our time together.”
    “Logan, don’t do this to me right now.”
    He backed toward the front door. “I’ll give you all week to think about it. If you still want me at the end of the week, then I’m yours for one night.”
     
    ***
     
    Logan tossed and turned all night. He couldn’t stop picturing the look on her face when he’d refused her offer. He couldn’t take something so precious from her knowing that it wouldn’t mean anything. She deserved to give her virginity to someone who loved her, not just someone who lusted after her. She wasn’t the kind of woman he usually pursued.
    Women like Kate were the marrying kind, not the kind you have hot, sweaty, rough sex with before sneaking away in the middle of the night. None of this would be happening if he’d kept his damn hands to himself in the first place.
    Now he knew how delicate and feminine she felt in his arms. He knew the taste of her skin and could still hear the sounds she’d made when she came beneath his lips.
    Although he’d offered to help rebuild the