Josh's Justice, Cowboy Romance (Bad in Boots, Book 4) by Patrice Michelle Read Free Book Online

remember what happened. The police think Sabrina might have surprised an escaped convict who may have been hiding out in the stables.” Josh nodded and sat on the bed beside her once more. He rubbed his thumb across her palm in a slow, rhythmic motion, his gaze on hers. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on her until you and Elise get back.”
    Sabrina’s heart raced while Josh continued to touch her hand as if it was the most natural thing for him to do. The intimate way he looked at her, as if they’d known each other for years, made a slow burn of awareness flutter through her. He distracted her so much she barely noticed her headache anymore.
    Josh handed her the phone, drawing her out of her musings. “Elise wants to speak with you.”
    Sabrina took the phone. “Hello?”
    “Ohmigod, Bri, I can’t believe this happened! Are you really all right?”
    “I’m fine, Elise,” Sabrina answered in a calm voice. “How’s your dad?”
    “There was a small complication after the surgery, so I won’t be able to come home for a couple more days. I’m so sorry, Sabrina.”
    Sabrina heard the fear and regret in her friend’s voice. She squeezed Josh’s hand. “Don’t worry. Josh promised to take good care of me.”
    “Oooh, he did, did he?” Elise’s sudden interest overrode the worry in her voice. “Sounds like you’ve got him right where you want him.”
    Sabrina stared at Josh’s hand on hers. “Close.”
    “I want to hear all about it when I get back,” Elise insisted. “In the meantime, stick to Josh like glue.”
    Sabrina looked up at Josh’s handsome face, felt the tender touch of his work-roughened hand on hers, the heat of his muscular thigh against her hip and smiled. “You don’t have to tell me that twice. See you in a couple days.” Hanging up, she asked, “When can we leave?”

 
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    The irony that she’d been saved from a fire when her father hadn’t been so lucky didn’t escape Sabrina. Instead of letting the tragic past replay in her head, she took a deep breath and focused on her rescuer as she rode beside him in his truck. Her head still felt tender, but at least it wasn’t pounding any longer thanks to the painkiller the doctor had given her.
    Josh pulled up to a large ranch house. Even though the lights were off, she could see its overall size in the starlit night. He quickly walked around to her side and opened the door for her. “We’re here.”
    Clasping her hand, he helped her out of the truck. His cowboy hat hid his expression, but she could feel his intense stare. He didn’t let go of her hand, but laced his fingers with hers and stepped so close his thighs brushed against hers.
    He literally towered over her, his broad, muscular shoulders making her feel very petite standing in front of him. “Welcome to the Double K, Sabrina.”
    He spoke with such sincerity, his tone filled with pride, it was almost as if he were saying, “Welcome home”. Regardless of how he meant it, that’s how Sabrina took his sentiment. A feeling of comfort settled over her. Laying her free hand on his chest, she inhaled his smoky, masculine scent and breathed out, “Thank you for looking out for me.”
    He cupped her cheek, running his thumb along the edge of her jaw. “I’m just glad I got there when I did. I don’t want to think about the alternative.”
    He stood so close he made every nerve in her body jump to attention. Sabrina tilted her chin higher and let out a nervous laugh. “You and me both. I kind of like living—”
    Josh’s lips touched hers, cutting her off. It was the barest brush, but Sabrina welcomed it. Breathing against his mouth, she pressed closer.
    His hand traced to the back of her head and cupped it gently. Tilting her head, he murmured, “You taste even better than I imagined,” right before he slid his tongue against hers in a slow, sensual glide, deepening their kiss.
    Sabrina’s heart thudded as his lips slanted over hers