Reaching Little Robyn (Littles of Rawhide Ranch #8)

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

Winston

“Well, damn,” Winston said after joining Derek in his office. “I can’t explain it, but I thought I’d had one of those magic moments your wife is constantly talking about. The second I saw that Little girl in the cafeteria, I was hooked.”

Derek sat back in his chair. “I didn’t say you should give up finding a Little, I just said that Robyn doesn’t appear to be ready. If you give up, then that’s on you.”

Winston looked from the man who’d earned his respect within the week they’d met to the view outside the window. He’d been serious about starting his life anew. Returning to Montana had been more than a desire to return to his roots. It was a chance to start completely over. He’d spent years following in his father’s footsteps, finding the math and strategy involved in moving money around as easy as most people found moving from one room to another. While his brother flourished in the world of law, it was numbers that just clicked in Winston’s brain almost without effort. It hadn’t taken long for him to open his own financial firm, and only a bit longer to make enough money to take care of himself for the rest of his life. The buyout of his company further ensured he’d have enough to also take care of the family he dreamed of starting.

Of course, he first needed to find that one special woman who not only wanted to live in the Big Sky state on a somewhat isolated ranch, but also embraced the lifestyle he’d been drawn to since he’d hit puberty and learned kissing girls didn’t give him cooties and was, in fact, quite enjoyable. The women he’d dated over the years had all assured him they were willing to follow him anywhere, but even if that had been true, which he seriously doubted, not a single one lit the flame that resided in his soul.

He would have moved to Montana to bring his grandpa’s ranch back to life regardless, but when he’d met Jagger, Derek, Moses and Travis and their wives, he’d felt as if he’d finally found people who were welcoming rather than suspicious of their neighbor. Well, after he’d informed them that he had no desire to share his land with the idiots on the ATVs, that was.

Learning they were all wed to Littles, with the exception of Jayne who informed him she wasn’t just a Domme, but was also a Switch, had confirmed his instincts were still good. But when Derek had taken him on a tour of Rawhide Ranch and explained that it was not only a safe haven for Littles, but a BDSM resort, he’d felt as if he’d discovered the definition of heaven on earth. He’d seen a lot of happy faces among Derek’s guests, the atmosphere relaxed and inclusive. One of those faces had stirred something deep inside him and yet he’d just been told Robyn had no interest in pursuing a relationship.

“Derek’s right,” Jagger said after taking a sip of the whiskey in his glass. “You can either throw yourself a pity party or pull up your boot straps and look at the other Littles running around.”

“What are you? The voice of experience?” Winston asked, a bite in his tone.

“Yep. I tried to convince myself that I was just fine on my own, that I didn’t need anyone looking after me.”

Winston grinned and relaxed. “Until Moira convinced you otherwise?”

“Exactly!” Jagger lifted his glass. “The thing with magic is you can either accept that it exists or try to turn a blind eye.”

Sighing, Winston nodded. “True enough. I’m not one to throw parties no one wants to attend, so I’ll give it another go if you find a Little you think might be interested, that is, though I wish I knew what I did wrong to trigger Robyn.” He turned to Derek again.

“I’m afraid only she can provide that answer. On a happier note, it just so happens there will be a Meet and Greet in a few days. That will give you a chance to meet Littles who are actively searching for a Daddy.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Winston said without enthusiasm. He wasn’t actually interested in any Little other than Robyn, but it would be rude to reject Derek’s help. He supposed he could fake it till he made it. “In the meantime, can you recommend a place to stay for a few weeks? I’m going to have a construction crew out at Gramp’s place and have no desire to listen to the constant noise caused when pulling down old walls, nor breathe in century-old dust.”

“You’re more than welcome to come stay with us, but full disclosure, three-year-old twins can put the noise of a dozen hammers pounding nails to shame.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll pass. No offense, but?—”

“None taken,” Jagger cut him off. “I felt the same way until those screeches and giggles came out of my own family.”

“Are we still talking about the twins or Moira?” Derek asked.

“Let’s save that for another story swap,” Jagger suggested as Winston chuckled.

“In answer to your question, you can always stay at the resort,” Derek said. “There is also a hotel in Porter’s Corner, or…”

When he didn’t complete the sentence, Winston nudged him by asking, “Or?”

A smile turned Derek’s lips up and Winston couldn’t help but feel like he was witness to something he’d never experienced before.

“Well, the hotel is a good ten miles from here which makes it more like twenty or thirty for you. That’s a lot of driving. And while the suites here are better than any you’d find in a five-star resort, you did mention you don’t particularly like crowds. Which leaves a room at the B&B. Of course, it’s not officially opening until this weekend, so it might not be right for you.”

Jagger made a sound that could have been a laugh or an attempt to ease the burn of the whiskey he’d just thrown back. Giving the two men a look, Winston considered his options.

“B&B, that includes breakfast with that bed, right?” he asked.

“It does,” Derek confirmed. “Any other meals can be taken here until your place is ready.”

“And this place is close?”

“It is. It’s not on Ranch property, but it’s up on Rawhide Ridge,” Derek said.

“Not too far from my place,” Jagger offered. “That will make it easier for us to meet about the horses.”

“That’ll work,” Winston said as Jagger’s words nudged a thought to the surface. “In fact, I think I might have a place for a few of them. I’ve got a friend in New York who might love to take some off your hands.”

“There are horse ranches in New York?” Jagger asked, his expression showing his disbelief.

Winston nodded. “Granted, the horses in the Big Apple are mostly pulling buggies in Central Park and not wandering free among the skyscrapers, but upstate, there are quite a few. Mac and his wife, Athena, are friends of mine and are good people. Serenity Stables is a well-run place. Mac won’t try to cheat you either and he’ll pay a fair price.”

“I’m not in this to make a profit,” Jagger said.

“Sure you are,” Winston countered, lifting his hand to stop Jagger from speaking again. “If you don’t want a huge profit, that’s your business. But you’ve already spent a lot of money on feed alone. Not to mention the work it’s going to take to get them ready to transport.”

Jagger took a moment, before shrugging. “We’ll see,” he said, not committing to anything.

Winston understood as he’d seen Jagger work with the wild mustangs. It seemed Derek wasn’t the only man capable of magic. Every time Jagger stepped into the corral, the horses had stiffened, some bolting instantly to follow the brown mare. However, Jagger had never once shown any sign of irritation. He’d simply walked slowly around the animals, muttering softly as if expecting the mustangs to not only hear him but understand whatever he was saying.

At least Winston felt he’d achieved one item on his list. Even if he hadn’t found the Little he was seeking, he’d found a place to hang his hat. Draining his glass, he stood. “Thank you both. I’ll see you at the Meet and Greet.” Winston held out his hand to shake Derek’s before turning to Jagger. “And, whenever you’re ready, let me know and I’ll give Mac a call.”

“Sounds good,” Jagger said, also rising.

Derek walked the men to the door. “Have a good night.”

Winston took an involuntary step back when he opened the door and a small woman bounced into view.

“Now, Daddy?” Sadie asked.

“Manners?” Derek softly chided.

“Oh, sorry. Hi, Master Jagger and Master Rooster.” She giggled as she said his name, but Winston was accustomed to that reaction.

“Hello and goodbye, Sadie,” Winston said, causing the Little to laugh again. God, he would have sworn he didn’t have a jealous bone in his body, but when he heard Sadie repeating her question of, “Now, Daddy?” he definitely wouldn’t have been surprised to see his skin turning a little green.

“Keep the faith,” Jagger said as he slapped Winston on the back. “Sometimes magic just takes a bit of time.”

“I will,” Winston assured him. The two parted outside Derek’s office. Jagger had ridden his horse over to the resort while Winston had driven his truck. He took a look around the lobby, noticing a few people sitting before the huge fireplace in the middle of the room and watched a couple of women who, while grown, were dressed casually in brightly colored leggings and sweaters. One sweater had a rainbow arching across the front, the other sparkled with sequins that formed the horn of a unicorn. He smiled as they clasped hands and disappeared down a white-marbled hallway.

“Cute as buttons,” he said even as he turned toward the door leading outside. But not as cute as his Robyn.

She’s not yours, buddy.

Winston pulled the door open and stepped out onto the porch and did something he hadn’t done since childhood. He raised his face to the sky and focused on a bright star. “But I sure wish she was.” He found his truck and navigated his way out of the gates and over roads that wound through trees that rose toward the sky until his house was in sight. With his wish uttered to the universe, he climbed out of his truck.

He gave the heavens a final glance as he went inside.