Page 46 of Perfect Guy

Canaan: ???

Madelyn: You’re not the only one on my mind

Canaan: The hell

Madelyn: Yeah, I’ve been spending time with a cowboy

My phone rings instantly, and I bite back my laughter.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Don’t get jealous,” I play along.

“Sweetheart, I’m past jealous. Who’s the cowboy? I thought it was clear that you and I are exclusively together. If you want someone else, then tell me.” His voice is dead serious. I wasn’t expecting this reaction from him. I thought he’d see right through my teasing.

“Cane…” I draw out quietly, soft giggles bubbling out of me.

“Not funny, Madelyn.”

That only makes me laugh some more. I angle my body away from the other customers and let it out.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Oh, my…” I catch my breath. “I was joking. The cowboy…is from a book.” I wipe the corner of my eyes.

“What?”

I try to control my laughter as realization dawns on him.

“You’re gonna pay for that,” his voice is low.

“I can’t believe…” I will my laughter to subside. “That you believed me.”

“What the hell was I supposed to believe? You’re beautiful, work on a ranch. Hell, I thought you met some rancher or something.” His voice sounds relieved.

“I prefer carpenters.”

“I’m still recovering. Don’t try to sweet-talk me now,” he teases.

“I can make it up to you,” my voice drops.

Canaan’s breath comes through the phone. “Yeah? Shit…”

“What?”

“Nothing,” he says way too quickly.

“Tell me,” I push.

“The ideas about how you could make it up to me have me hardening.” I shiver at his confession, my own body reacting.

“I can’t be thinking about this now. Your sister and cousin are about to arrive.” I shift on the chair, glancing around the coffee shop.

“That’s right. I forgot you were meeting with them. Let’s have dinner tomorrow.”

“Okay.” I don’t hesitate.

“I’ll let you go then, so you’re not thinking about my sexy body when they arrive,” he jokes.