I shrugged. “Yeah, for a little bit.”
Morgan wasn’t about to press me, but I knew I needed to give her something. “It was after my mother died. I’d like to tell you about that someday, but not today.”
She squeezed my hand. “When you’re ready, I’m here for you.”
Trying to swallow the lump in my throat, I managed to speak. “Thank you, princess.”
An hour and a half later, I pulled into the parking
lot of Longhorn Caverns. This state park had been like a second home when I was younger and really into cave exploration.
“It’s so beautiful out here. No wonder Nash and Kaelynn want to be in the hill country with Tucker and Charlie,” Morgan said.
Taking her hand in mine, I led us to the main building. Once we stepped inside, I glanced around. There were a handful of people in the building, most likely waiting for the next tour to start. When I spotted Rick, I let out an internal sigh of relief. It would have been just my luck he was off today.
“Blake, dude,” he said when he saw us, “you should have told me you were coming. I could have arranged a wild cave tour.” Then he focused in on Morgan. “Who do we have here?”
I wrapped my arm around Morgan and grinned like a damn fool. “Rick, this is my girlfriend, Morgan Barrett.”
“Hey, Morgan, it’s a real pleasure meeting you,” Rick said, casting a sideways glance in my direction and winking. “I see someone finally caught your eye. You’re a lucky bastard,” Rick said.
With a glance down to Morgan, I watched her cheeks slightly blush. “You don’t have to tell me how lucky I am,” I said.
She met my gaze and melted into my side.
I turned back to Rick. “Morgan has never been down in any cave. I was hoping maybe you might pull a string or two and get us on a tour.”
“I’ll do you one better. How about a private tour, just the three of us?”
“Oh, I don’t want you to go to any trouble.”
Rick laughed and waved off Morgan’s comment. “Because you’re here with Blake, it is no trouble at all. Give me a second to let them know I’m taking y’all down.”
Once Rick had walked away, Morgan pulled back and gave me a look that asked what I was up to.
“Okay, why is it that everywhere we go people bend over backward for you? Are you part owner here as well?”
Laughing, I shook my head. “No. The state of Texas owns this one. I do, however, give them a nice little donation every year.”
The corner of her mouth rose, and she shook her head. “In all the years I’ve known you, Blake, I never imagined you to have such a big heart.”
I faked an expression of hurt. “Ouch. I knew everyone thought I was a player, but cold-hearted wasn’t what I was going for.”
“I’m glad you’re both wearing sneakers. Ready?” Rick asked when he returned, looking between me and Morgan. She grabbed my hand and held on to it tightly.
“Blake, I’m not so sure about this.”
I stopped and turned her so we made eye contact. Cupping her face in my hands, I asked, “Do you trust that I would never put you in any danger?”
Her teeth dug into her lower lip, causing my dick to jump slightly in my pants.
“Of course I do.”
Hearing her say that made my chest warm with even more love for her, if that was possible.
“Do you believe me when I say I would walk through hell if it meant keeping you safe?”
“Yes,” she answered softly.