Her Filthy Cowboy (Fit Mountain Cowboys #2)

7. Brody

Chapter Seven

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The smell of bacon and coffee hits me as I push open the kitchen door. It’s Sunday morning, and my family’s weekly brunch is in full swing. Before I can even sit down, a little tornado with pigtails comes barreling toward me.

“Uncle Brody!” Maisey squeals and latches onto my legs.

I scoop her up, my arms easily encircling her tiny frame. “Hey, munchkin. How was your sleepover with your ballet friends?”

Maisey giggles, her gap-toothed grin infectious. “It was so fun, Uncle Brody! We practiced our dance moves and talked about the recital!”

“Sounds like you had a blast.” I ruffle her hair. “Is the recital coming up soon?”

“Uh-huh! And guess what? Daddy’s a Tutu Trooper now!”

This catches my attention. “A Tutu Trooper, huh? What’s that?”

“It’s when the parents help at ballet class.” She turns to Luke. “Right, Daddy?”

Luke clears his throat, still focused on the pancakes. “Right, sweetheart.”

“It was supposed to be just for moms, but then my teacher Ms. Jasmyn said Daddy could be one too!”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “Is that so?”

“Yeah! Daddy’s the only dad, but she let him join anyway. He volunteered really fast when Ms. Jasmyn asked!”

Luke’s ears turn red. “They just needed help. That’s all.”

Wyatt leans forward and smirks mischievously. “Ms. Jasmyn, huh? I don’t think I’ve heard you mention that name before.”

“She’s my ballet teacher!” Maisey chirps. “And she’s really pretty and nice and Daddy said she’s?—”

“Time to get washed up for breakfast, Maisey,” Luke interrupts as he sets a plate of pancakes on the table.

I make my way to the table, nodding hellos to Jace and Wyatt. Melody’s there too, carefully arranging place settings. She looks up at me with a sparkle in her eye. “Where’s Savannah?”

“She’s finishing up some work at the magazine. Said she’d swing by later if she can wrap it up in time.”

I settle into my usual spot, then pause. There’s an extra chair pulled up right next to mine.

My chest tightens as I realize what it means. They’ve made a place for her, without me even asking.

It’s such a small thing, but it hits me hard. After everything that’s gone down between our families, I wasn’t sure how my brothers would react to the idea of me dating a Sullivan. But this is my family accepting Savannah as one of us, no questions asked.

I run my hand over the back of the chair, picturing Savannah sitting there, laughing with my brothers and Melody and Maisey. It feels right. Like she belongs here.

Wyatt notices I’ve gone quiet. “You okay there, bro?”

I clear my throat. “Yeah. Thanks for, uh, saving Savannah a spot.”

Wyatt claps me on the shoulder. “Of course. She’s important to you. That makes her important to us.”

As we start passing around the plates, Jace’s eyes lock onto mine. “Speaking of Savannah, how did things go with your date?”

Luke nods toward Maisey and gives me a pointed look. “PG version please.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Things went great. But we’ve hit a bit of a snag with her brother Liam. He’s threatening to pull all the Sullivan ads from Fit Mountain Monthly if Savannah runs her article about me.” I stab a potato with more force than necessary. “He wants someone else to write it. Anyone but her.”

Luke looks confused by that. “Why’s he so against her writing it?”

“He thinks she can’t be objective. That she’ll make me look too good and the Sullivans too bad.”

Wyatt scoffs. “Like any other writer in this town wouldn’t be biased against us Claytons.”

I nod, feeling a surge of frustration. “Exactly. Savannah’s the only one who’d give me a fair shake. But Liam can’t see past his own damn prejudice.”

Melody’s eyes soften. “What does Savannah plan to do?”

“She wants to write it anyway.” I’m unable to keep the pride out of my voice. “Says she won’t let Liam or anyone else dictate her career choices.”

Wyatt grins, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Sounds like your kind of woman.”

I grin back. “She really is.”

As the meal winds down, I start clearing plates. Wyatt catches my eye, jerking his head toward the back porch. I nod and follow him out.

The cool air hits us as Wyatt leans against the railing. “So, this thing with Savannah. It’s serious, huh?”

I don’t hesitate. “Pretty serious, yeah.”

Wyatt’s eyes lock onto mine. “Then you fight for her. If she means that much to you, you don’t let her slip away because of some family feud bullshit.”

“I don’t plan to.”

“Good.” Wyatt nods. “Because a woman like that? She’s worth going to war for.”

As I head back inside, Wyatt’s words echo in my mind. He’s right. Savannah’s not just some fling. She’s it for me. And I’ll be damned if I let anyone, Liam included, come between us.

I feel a surge of determination as I finish cleaning up. Savannah is my woman, and I’m going to make damn sure everyone knows it. Whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together.

Hours later, I guide the mare through a series of exercises, my hands firm on the reins. Savannah’s leaning against the fence, her curves accentuated by her tight jeans and flannel shirt.

“Any word from Liam?” I keep my voice steady despite the tension coiling in my gut.

Savannah shakes her head, her brow furrowing. “No. He’s as stubborn as a mule. Won’t budge an inch on his threat to pull the ads.”

I feel a flare of anger. “What’s your next move?” I press, urging the horse into a trot.

“Well, I’m not backing down. This article means too much. It’s not just about you or the rodeo. It’s about standing up for what I believe in as a journalist.”

Pride swells in my chest. That’s my girl—fierce and unyielding. “I’ve got your back, darlin’. No matter what.”

Savannah’s eyes soften. “I know you do, Brody.” She pauses, chewing her lip. “I’m meeting with Evelyn tomorrow. I’m hoping she’ll support me, even if it means risking those ad dollars.”

I bring the mare to a halt, considering. “You think she will?”

“I don’t know. But Evelyn’s always encouraged me to chase the hard stories. To dig deep and find the truth. I’m hoping that spirit wins out over the bottom line.”

I dismount, handing the reins to a nearby stable hand. Crossing to Savannah, I cup her face in my hands. “Listen to me. You’re the best damn journalist in this county. If anyone can make Evelyn see the importance of this story, it’s you.”

Savannah leans into my touch. “You really think so?”

“I know so. You’ve got fire in your belly and steel in your spine. Don’t let anyone douse that flame. Not Liam, not Evelyn, not anyone.”

A slow smile spreads across Savannah’s face. “When did you get so wise, cowboy?”

I grin, pulling her close. “Must be all that time I spend with horses. They’re pretty good listeners.”

As I lead the mare back to the barn, Savannah falls into step beside me. Our hands brush as we walk, and my heart kicks up a notch.

We enter the barn, the familiar scents of hay and leather wrapping around us. My heart starts racing again but for a different reason now. I’ve got something to show her, something that’s been burning a hole in my pocket all day.

After settling the mare into her stall, I turn to Savannah. I can’t keep the mischievous grin off my face. “I’ve got something to show you.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Oh? What is it?”

“Close your eyes.”

Savannah obliges, a smile playing on her lips. I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is it. I slowly roll up my sleeve, revealing the fresh ink on my forearm.

“Okay, open them.”

Her eyes flutter open, then widen as she takes in the tattoo. It’s a delicate design, intertwining our initials with a small horseshoe. A symbol of our love and the life we’re building together.

“Brody.” She traces the lines with her fingers. “It’s beautiful.”

“I wanted something permanent. Something to show you that I’m in this for the long haul. No matter what comes our way.”

Savannah looks up at me, her eyes shining. “I love it.”

I pull her close, overwhelmed by the depth of my feelings for this woman. “Good. Because I love you, Savannah.”

I can’t hold back any longer. I pull Savannah into my arms and crash my lips against hers. The kiss is all fire and need. I back her up against the wall of the empty stall, pinning her with my body. “I want you so bad, baby.” I growl the words against her mouth.

Savannah tugs me closer. “Then take me.”

I don’t need to be told twice. I find the hem of her shirt and lift it over her head. I skim my palms over her soft skin, marveling at how perfectly she fits against me.

I take a moment to drink in the sight of her. “I will never get tired of looking at you. You’re so fucking gorgeous Savannah.”

Savannah fumbles with the buttons of my flannel. “Off,” she demands. “I need to feel you.”

I help her, shrugging out of my shirt. The moment we’re skin to skin, it’s like a jolt of electricity. I can’t get enough of her.

“Wrap your legs around me.”

Savannah complies without hesitation. I lift her, supporting her weight easily. She feels so right in my arms, like she was made for me. I carry her to a pile of fresh hay in the corner.

“You want to do it right here?” Savannah’s voice holds a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“Right here.” I lay her down gently. “I can’t wait another second to have you.”

I sink into Savannah’s warmth, and we both gasp at the intensity. Her body welcomes me, tight and perfect.

“Fuck, you feel amazing.”

Savannah’s eyes lock onto mine, dark with desire. “You fill me so good, Brody.”

I start to move, thrusting steadily. Each stroke is deliberate, pouring all my love and passion into her. Savannah’s hips rise to meet mine, matching my rhythm perfectly.

“That’s it, baby. Take what you need from me.”

She digs her nails into my back, spurring me on. The slight pain only heightens my pleasure. I can’t believe how responsive she is and how perfectly we fit together.

“Harder. I need more.”

I oblige, picking up the pace. The hay rustles beneath us with each thrust. Sweat beads on my skin as I drive us both higher.

“You’re mine.” Possessiveness surges through me. “Say it, Savannah.”

“I’m yours. All yours, Brody.”

Her words push me closer to the edge. I can feel her tightening around me, her release building.

“Come for me, honey. I know you want to. Come all over my cock.”

Savannah cries out, her body tensing as pleasure washes over her. The sight of her coming undone triggers my own release. We cling to each other, riding out the waves of ecstasy together.

As our breathing slows, I press a tender kiss to her forehead and hold her close.

“Everything’s gonna be okay. I’m your man now, and I’ll make damn sure of it.”