Cowboy's Chocolate Roses by Jess Buffett Page B

prick.”
    Josh nodded and cocked his head in the direction of the kitchen. He heard Noah follow him.
    "How's she doing?" Noah asked.
    "She's calmer now. Finally got her to start talking again." Frowning, Josh sighed, turning to face his friend. "I'm worried about what all this stress is doing to her and the baby. It can't be good, but what can I do?"
    "Exactly what you are. You keep her grounded and I promise I'll do everything in my power to help keep her safe," Noah vowed, his ice-blue eyes shining with determination as he rested a hand on Josh's shoulder. "Look, I don't need to talk to her this time. No sense in working her up."
    "Are you sure?"
    "Yeah, man. It's just me and I already know what's going on. Perks of being sheriff," Noah grinned.
    "You're a good friend, Noah. I really am sorry for getting all pissed before. It's just so frustrating," he said, running a hand roughly through his hair.
    "I get it, man, I do. And don't worry, I had forgotten all about your temper by the time I got here."
    Josh chuckled. One great thing about their friendship? The ability to have an argument, and five seconds later apologize and move on. Right now, he couldn't be more thankful, he really didn't need to be dealing with a scuffle when Bri was probably freaking out.
    Showing Noah out, Josh made sure to lock up and then headed for his room. He panicked for a brief moment when he found it empty, but his heart stopped trying to jump out of his chest when he heard Bri moving around in the adjoining bathroom. Removing his shirt, shoes, and socks, Josh slumped onto the bed, waiting for her to finish up so they could talk some more.
    Glancing up when the door to the bathroom opened, Josh nearly swallowed his tongue at the sight she made. Bri stood in front of him, her pale lavender baby doll nightie barely covering the tops of her thighs.
    An appreciative moan escaped his lips. "Sorry, it's just… I love that color on you. The way it brings out your eyes? Ain't nothing like it."
    For the first time since Kelly had interrupted their evening, Bri smiled. "Actually, I really like hearing you say things like that. You make me feel beautiful when you look at me."
    "You are."
    "I don't always feel it," she whispered softly, her smile slipping slightly.
    Reaching his hand out for her, Josh took a chance. "Then come here and let me show you."

Chapter Ten
     
    God, she suddenly wanted nothing else. She allowed him to pull her onto the bed beside him. Josh rolled them, holding himself above her. Leaning down, he delivered a series of soft kisses along her jaw, leading to her lips. They parted on a lustful moan and Josh took full advantage, slipping his tongue in and tangling it with hers.
    Pulling back, he panted, "I won't let him near you, I swear."
    "I know. Please…help me forget," she pleaded, pulling him back down.
    He kissed her leisurely, whispering, "Not allowed to forget this time."
    "Josh," Bri gasped as he leaned down to kiss the tender flesh of her neck.
    His hands slid up and down her sides, moving higher and higher until he reached the curve of her breasts. A deep moan spilled out when Josh finally brought them around to cup her mounds.
    "Josh. Please, yes…" she whispered.
    Josh traced his tongue over her throat, then to her ear, nipping at it lightly. Her breath caught when he plucked at first one, then the other nipple through the flimsy material of her gown. Her legs drew up around his waist, holding him more firmly to her. Josh continued to knead her flesh, his hands abruptly drifting downwards, leaving her feeling bereft. She groaned in disappointment.
    Her moan turned into a gasp when he grabbed the hem of the nightie and yanked it up and off her. Hooking his fingers into the cotton of her panties, he pulled back long enough to slide them down and off her legs before settling back into place. She now lay naked and exposed, and she reveled in the feel of his body on top of her. A small cry left her lips when he slipped a hand