Bachelor Swap by Lacey Black (best ebook reader under 100 .TXT) 📗

“Plus, you’re going to need plenty of nutrients for what I have in store for you later.”

Her eyes widen and dance with delight. “I look forward to it, Cowboy.” She turns and closes the door, leaving me ready and wanting more.

***

It’s just before eight, and Kyla is getting ready to leave. She has a full day planned, first with helping oversee the preparations for tonight’s gala, and then with her own appointments for getting ready. Tonight’s a big night for her, but also for us. I plan to tell her everything after we return from the gala. We plan to go back to her place afterward, which will give us a private place to talk, and I’d rather her be in her own space when I drop the bomb.

I have no idea how it will go. Sure, I know how I pray it will proceed, but if I’m thinking logically, the talk could very easily go the other direction too. I just refuse to dwell on that part.

She comes out of the bedroom, wearing the clean clothes she wore yesterday and a smile on her lips. “Ready to go?” I ask, leaning against the kitchen island.

“I am. The hotel is going to start their setup in about ninety minutes, so I need to make sure I’m there. I want to run home and get cleaned up.”

“Hey,” I start, taking her in my arms, “I was thinking we could talk tonight when we get back to your place.”

She pulls back but doesn’t let go of my arms. “Is everything okay?” Worry lines spread across her forehead. I hate the thought of her fretting.

“Yep, fine. Everything’s great. Just a few things I wanted to discuss with you,” I reply, giving her a big grin. Probably too big, actually. She watches me, taking in my big cheesy—and fake—smile. I wonder if she’s going to call me out on it, but she doesn’t.

“Okay,” she replies, slightly hesitant. “I’ll see you at my place at five?”

“Nowhere else I’d rather be, angel.”

When she goes up on her tiptoes, I slide my lips across hers, savoring the feel and taste of her. It doesn’t last near as long as I’d like, especially since we’re nearing the end of my time here. I want to kiss her forever.

“Okay, I better go, or I’ll be late.”

“Go. I’ll see you at five,” I reply, taking a step back and slowly dropping my hands. I miss touching her already.

I walk her to the front door, making sure I have the key in my pocket. Taking her hand in mine, I lead her to the elevator and escort her down to the first floor. We ignore anyone milling around the lobby floor or those coming and going from the gym as we pass. We make our way to the parking garage, to where her car waits. Kyla unlocks her driver’s door, but before she gets in, I spin her around and press her back against the car.

“One more kiss to get me through the day?” I whisper, slipping my hands into her downed hair.

“Yes, please,” she replies, eagerly.

I claim her mouth in a hard kiss, full of passion and desire. If I’m going to be away from her for the next nine hours, I want her to think about me as much as I’ll be thinking of her. I pull away, only when I know she’s good and breathless, when her lips are swollen and tender.

“Wow,” she whispers, gripping the sleeves of my T-shirt.

“Have a good morning, sweetheart. Call if you need any help.” I pull back, giving her room to slip inside her vehicle.

“I will, thank you,” she replies, sliding easily into the seat and buckling her safety belt. “See you tonight,” she adds, reaching for her door.

“Be safe.” I help shut the door, closing her off before I can pull her out of the car and kiss her again.

It isn’t until she’s out of the lot and out of sight that I finally head back inside, my hands shoved in my pockets. A few building tenants wave as I pass, but I try to keep my eyes cast downward to avoid conversation. Fortunately, the elevator is empty when it arrives and whisks me up to my floor just a few seconds later.

Now what?

I guess I can pack a little. I’m taking an overnight bag over to Kyla’s when I pick her up for tonight’s event, and the rest will be left at my brother’s and ready to go tomorrow.

If I actually go.

I’m hoping our talk goes well, and I don’t actually have to get on my flight tomorrow. It’s not like I’ll have the money to go home to Montana and fix the mess I have with my finances. Not if my brother holds true to his threat of not paying me a single dime if I break the contract I signed. I have no reason to believe he won’t cut me off without a single cent. Tomorrow, I won’t have the finances I need to keep my ranch, but at least I’ll have Kyla.

And that’s all that matters.

***

Security inputs the code, and the elevator takes me to the penthouse. I pull on the tie at my neck, wishing I didn’t have to wear it, but recognizing it as a key element to the tuxedo I’m wearing. I’m nervous, mostly because I’ve never attended anything like this. This high society, big money scene has always been Matthew’s thing, not mine. Yet, the thought of walking proudly beside Kyla as she celebrates her hard work boosts my spirits and trumps my nervousness.

When the door opens, I step inside. The lights are low and soft music plays through speakers I don’t even see. I head into the living area, peeking into the kitchen to see if she’s there. When I don’t see her, I call out her name. “Kyla?”

“I’ll be down in a minute,” she hollers from somewhere above me, most likely her bedroom.

Anticipation races through my veins, and I step farther