“He’s thirty-eight but not married.”
“Nick is always busy. He had a few serious relationships, but I don’t think he’s ever fallen in love. He’s a good man.” Wilder shrugged. “I love him. I know anything I tell him will go no further. I trust him with my life, and I know he feels the same. Do you have any siblings?”
“An older brother. Jace has been married to Sally for twelve years. They have four daughters.”
Wilder chuckled. “He’s a little outnumbered.”
“Yep. He doesn’t stand a chance, and they have him wrapped around their fingers.”
She glanced over at him to see him staring out at the water, and she couldn’t stop herself from reaching out and touching his arm. He looked at her, and her heart slammed against her ribs. If she didn’t have all this theft of her cows on her mind, she’d want to spend more time with Wilder. She knew they both had jobs, but she’d make time for him.
She stared into his eyes, and he leaned forward to press his lips to hers. He deepened the kiss and pushed her onto her back.
Rory wrapped her arms around him and moaned when he moved over her, spread her legs with his, and settled between them.
He raised his lips from hers and gazed into his eyes.
“I want you so much, Rory. All the damn time. Before I close my eyes at night and open them in the morning, I think of you. I’m falling for you.”
“I feel the same way about you, but we need to settle the case first. Don’t you think?”
“I do, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting you. I’ll do all I can to solve this case for you.”
She removed his hat and raked her fingers through his thick hair.
“I know you will. I hope it’s soon because I want to be with you and not hide it from everyone.”
“Same here.” He moved away from her, picked up his hat, placed it on his head, and got to his feet. When he put his hand out to her, she picked up her hat, put it on her head then he helped her up, and gave her a quick kiss. “Let’s head back.”
“Sure. Race you.” She ran for her horse and vaulted into the saddle.
Rory kneed Busy Bee into a run. She smiled when she heard Wilder laugh. Then he came flying past her on his horse. The man could ride, that was for sure. She tried to catch him, but his horse was too fast.
When she rode into the barn, she saw Wilder dismounting. He turned to look at her and grinned.
“What happened to you back there?”
“Hilarious, Richards,” she said with a mock glare as she dismounted.
He chuckled as he walked toward her, leading his horse. He stopped within feet of her, then reached out and touched her hair.
“Copper is damn fast. Few horses can catch him.”
“I gave it a good shot. Busy Bee is fast, but you were a dot in the distance.”
Wilder smiled. “I’ll slow down for you next time and let you catch me.”
She stepped forward, wrapped her arms around his waist, and kissed his neck.
“What do I get to do with you if I catch you?”
Wilder kissed her lips. “Whatever you want, darlin’. As long as I can return the favor.”
“Well, you’d have to catch me first.” She laughed when he raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t think I’d have a problem with that. On horseback or on foot. I chase a lot of bad guys, you know.”
Rory stood on her toes, kissed his lips, took his bottom lip between her teeth, tugged on it, then stepped back.