February’s Bad Boy: Aiden (Bad Boys of Mustang Mountain #2)

AIDEN

A FEW MONTHS LATER

I PULLED up on Shadow’s reins and slowed down as we approached the creek. Paisley wanted to take Shadow and Cinnamon out on a ride today to get them acclimated to carrying a rider. All three of the horses Shane rescued had adapted, and Paisley was almost ready to start working with real clients.

“Do you want to take a break?” Paisley asked as she stopped next to me. With her cheeks flushed from riding and a huge grin plastered across her lips, she looked like she was enjoying our date as much as I was.

“Yeah, this seems like a good spot.” I slid down from the saddle and reached for Cinnamon’s reins. The horses would be content to graze on the bank of the creek while Paisley and I relaxed.

We’d been working non-stop around the ranch, and I had a ton of custom orders for metal art that I’d been trying to fit in. That didn’t leave much time for the two of us, though we made it work. Nothing in my life meant a damn thing without Paisley. She’d always come first.

“I brought a blanket and packed a picnic basket in case you’re hungry.” Paisley stepped around the horses, her arms full.

“In case I’m hungry?” I chuckled. Since I’d finally given in and started eating all the goodies she loved to bake, I’d probably gained twenty pounds. “You know I’d never turn down anything you offered me.”

“Anything?” she teased. “I’ve got a few brown sugar scones and some fruit. If you want more than that, you’ll have to wait until we get back to the cabin.”

I took the blanket from her and spread it out over a flat area near the edge of the creek. The chill of winter had given way to a gorgeous early spring. It wasn’t like me to notice the chitter chatter of birds singing in the treetops above or appreciate the sound of the creek bubbling over the rocks. Since Paisley had come into my life, I’d changed.

We sat down on the blanket, and I pulled her against me. With her sandwiched between my thighs, her back pressed against my front, I could have spent the rest of the day just enjoying being together.

Then my stomach growled, a low rumble that made Paisley laugh and reach for the basket. “Sounds like it’s time to break out the scones.”

I grabbed her hand and twined our fingers together. “The only thing I’m hungry for right now isn’t in the basket, baby.”

“Oh, yeah?” Used to my insatiable need for her, she turned around and straddled me. We never seemed to be able to get enough of each other. “What are you hungry for, then?”

My lips found the spot right behind her ear that always drove her a little wild. We’d only been together a few months, but we already knew exactly how to turn each other on, thanks to spending countless hours naked. I sucked on her sweet skin, intent on leaving a mark.

“Aiden,”—she pulled back—”I’m seeing my first client tomorrow. Can’t you do that somewhere a little less noticeable?”

I wasn’t worried about Paisley meeting with clients, even though the vast majority of them would be men. She’d never given me anything to worry about, and I trusted her completely. But… it wouldn’t hurt to dissuade any of her clients from thinking she was available.

Shifting her on my lap, I reached into my front pocket. “I’ve got another idea on how I can make sure everyone knows we belong to each other.”

“What’s that?” Her hands played with the hair at the base of my neck. Damn, I loved the way she raked her nails over my scalp. Drove me fucking wild. But she wasn’t taking me seriously, at least not yet.

I held out the circle of metal I’d been working on for the past six weeks. It wasn’t as polished as an engagement ring I might have bought at a jewelry store, but I hoped she’d love the thought I’d put into it.

The center diamond sparkled in the afternoon sun. Paisley’s brows drew together, and then her eyes widened. “What… is this… I…”

“Marry me, Paisley. I’m no one without you. You’re my north star… the only woman I’ve ever loved, and the only person I could never live without.” My voice almost cracked, thanks to the overwhelming emotion filling up my chest.

Her hand shook as she started to slide the ring onto her finger. “Yes. Of course, it’s a yes.”

My lips crashed down on hers before she could say anything else. She’d just made me the happiest man in the whole fucking world.

I pulled back first, needing to see the look in her eyes.

Tears welled at the corners, but her smile couldn’t have been brighter. She held up her hand. “Look at that. It’s a perfect fit.”

“Hell yeah, it is.” I touched my forehead to hers. “Just like us, baby. Just like us.”

Next up, meet Ty and Kara in March’s Bad Boy Ty.