Free Cowboy is Mine (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 5) by Rhonda Lee Carver

out?”
    “Not long. Maybe five minutes.” He had experienced a weakness of his own when he walked around the corner of the building and saw her sitting on the bench. His head had been spinning since he caught her in his arms.
    “I can’t believe I passed out.” She started to sit and he helped her.
    “Careful and steady.” His fingers were burning as he touched her soft skin. Once she had her back pressed against the arm of the couch, he pulled away. “You might be a little weak for a while. I have an ice water here. You should try and drink some.” He reached for the glass and held it for her while she took a small sip.
    “I’m really okay. My nerves just got the best of me, that’s all.”
    “How is our guest?” Kaycee hurried into the room, her hands were clasped on her stomach. “Jennifer told me what happened.”
    Dodge smiled at the woman’s concern. “Relax, Kaycee, or you’ll have that baby right here.”
    She smiled. “Hi. You must be Kris. I’m Kaycee. I came to see if there’s anything I can do for you.”
    “Really, I’m fine. Embarrassed, yes. But thankfully, Dodge caught me,” Krista said.
    “That’s our cowboy for you. Quick on his feet.” Kaycee patted his shoulder.
    Dodge felt Krista’s gaze narrow on him and then she said, “Yes, he is.”
    “Alrighty, folks.” Dodge cleared his throat. “If you’re feeling better, we should get to your cabin.” He was ready to get this over with.
    Krista pushed herself up from the sofa, wobbling slightly. Dodge naturally wrapped his arm around her waist, not able to ignore how good she felt against his hip. Damn betraying body!
    “Looks like you’ve got this covered,” Kaycee said.
    Dodge caught the woman’s wide smile as he helped Krista pass.
    Finally, once they were in the parking lot gathering her cases from the trunk of her car, Dodge was able to breathe again. He shot a glance toward the windows of the office, half expecting Kaycee and Jennifer to be watching. He didn’t see them, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there. He’d have to monitor his movements.
    He looked at Krista who had her color and stability back.
    They stood there for another good minute, neither saying anything, until he broke the spell of their stare and he groaned, pushing his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. She was more beautiful than ever. Her hair was cut to her shoulders in a neat style, yet remained as dark as night. Her blue eyes were a contrast to her ebony hair. Her skin was as pale as Snow White’s, and he had to wonder if she’d been outside any since she’d left Florida. He remembered how she had to slather on loads of sunscreen to keep from burning when they were in the sun. She hadn’t aged any, at least not that he could see. Her skin was still smooth with a scattering of light freckles along the tops of her cheeks and a pouty mouth that could make him melt. Shit! Did make him melt.
    She wore heels which made her a little taller than his shoulders, but he knew barefoot she was below them. She’d gained some weight, but not much. She was still sexy and he guessed he’d have no problem swinging her over his shoulder just as easily as he did back years ago. Even though he’d been angry with her, he still felt the fury now and had a strong urge to drag her into his arms and squeeze for a long time, but it wouldn’t happen—couldn’t happen.
    One by one, the last few days of their relationship as a couple filled his brain. She’d left him. She’d accused him of cheating. And she’d banged up his truck.
    Giving himself an internal jerk back into reality, he jetted past her and motioned for her to follow. “Let’s get your things and go,” he practically growled the words.
    Neither of them said a word as he transferred the two bags into the back of the Gator, not as gently as he normally would. He started to reach for the briefcase, but she laid a hand on his wrist. He stared at her short, neat nails, and slender