Chapter RECKLESS COWBOY
RECKLESS COWBOY
LUKE
Iwalk into the Rusty Spur and spot my target instantly. You can’t miss Harper Garrett. She’s all long legs, sharp gray eyes, and deputy sheriff attitude wrapped up in pure temptation. Mean as hell, too.
That only makes me want to flirt with her more.
The second she sees me, she gets this tight look around her mouth like she’s debating whether shooting me would count as self-defense.
Personally, I think it’s adorable.
I slide onto the stool beside her, close enough our thighs almost touch. “Evening, Office Hot Stuff.”
Harper doesn’t even glance up from her beer. “Go away, Bennett.”
I get the bartender’s attention, gesturing to her glass to order myself one. “Now why would I do that when you look this pretty irritated?”
That gets me a glare.
I swear my cock stirs. I wonder if she gets as turned on as I do when we verbally spar.
“You ever get tired,” she says flatly, “of being a pain in my ass?”
I lean in, lowering my voice suggestively. “Honey, is that an invitation?”
Her eyes narrow—gray, sharp, and exhausted.
I notice that last part immediately. Harper always looks tired lately. Too many hours wearing that badge. Too much pressure riding her shoulders. Too much of Iron Ridge expecting Sheriff Garrett’s daughter to keep the whole damn town from falling apart.
And me? I mostly just want to pin her against the bar until she stops glaring at me long enough to breathe.
Problem is, saying that out loud would probably get me arrested.
Though honestly, might be worth it.
I lean closer, lowering my voice. “You know, sweetheart, I could probably do something illegal if you’re looking for an excuse to use your cuffs on me.”
She finally turns her head—slowly. “You’re unbelievable.”
I grin. “Give me a couple hours and I’ll make a believer out of you.”
A flush creeps into her cheeks.
There she is. Deputy Harper Garrett—professional, controlled, impossible Harper Garrett—getting flustered by me. I just wish I knew if it was because she wants me as much as I want her.
“You should leave,” she mutters, rotating her glass in circles.
When I’m suddenly having a great night? “And leave you here alone? What kind of man would I be?”
She exhales hard through her nose.
Then she leans in close enough that I catch the scent of her shampoo, and fuck, that’s almost enough to kill me outright. She looks me in the eye. “One of these days, you’re going to push me too far.”
Every nerve in my body lights up.
I smile slow. “Honey, that’s the plan.”