Chapter 3 #2
I toe off my pants and step back into my boots, padding over to the wooden counter in my loose t-shirt so that I can write down my notes.
I lean over the desk as I jot down my day, going over which stages of riding each of the classes has been through so far.
Then I finally close up my work-journal as tire tracks grind out on the gravel outside.
I hear Maverick’s deep voice as he shuts the car door, but I tune him out while I reach for my phone, which I’d left in the workshop while I was riding.
I didn’t know that Maverick was heading out after we rode the pastures earlier this evening, but that thought evaporates from my mind when I realise that my phone is out of charge.
“Shoot,” I whisper, having completely forgotten to plug it in this morning, after leaving it on all night as I fell asleep with Caden. But I keep hold of it anyway as I turn back toward the truck, ready to grab my clothes and head to the main house so that I can take a shower before dinner.
I’m tucking my pink curls back over my shoulder when I see a hint of movement in the workshop doorway, and my eyes flick to where the golden sunset is haloing a broad frame leaning against the jamb.
He pushes his shoulder off the wood, taking one step forward as I gasp in surprise, and then he’s fighting back a smile as he tentatively offers me a bouquet of flowers.
“Caden?!” I squeal, and then I’m tossing my phone through the open window of the truck, my boots barely halfway across the workshop before his strong arms are wrapped around me.
I squeak in pure happiness as he hauls my body against his, his warm chest compressed against mine as he grips my thighs and lifts me up.
“What are you doing here?” I whisper breathlessly, and then I’m giggling as he rubs his bristly jaw against my neck.
Caden always shaves before we see each other because it’s gentlemanly etiquette in our small town, but secretly I freaking love the amazing feel of his stubble.
“That feels so good,” I whisper honestly, and I dig my nails into his nape so that he doesn’t stop, his gentle kisses making me blush as he backs me up against the truck.
“I missed you so much,” Caden murmurs, and I ease off his backward ballcap so that I can play with his hair.
It’s grown since I last saw him, reaching just past his jaw, and I comb my fingers through the dark strands, brushing them back the way that he likes it.
Up until last year he used to keep his long spiky fringe in front of his face, but after I gave him one compliment about how handsome he looked, he started pushing it back, like both of his brothers.
“I missed you, too,” I tell him softly, and he exhales quietly as he clutches me tight. “I thought that I wouldn’t see you until the holidays. I thought that you and the guys were at the start of your season.”
He presses a kiss to the base of my throat and then leans his body backwards, keeping me held securely around his waist as he looks up at me from under his lashes.
“We are,” he admits, and the lack of remorse in his expression makes me fight back a smile. Because I would never ask Caden to put me above his team, but the fact that he does means more than he’ll ever know.
“How long are you staying for?” I ask gently, holding him tighter as he starts collecting my stuff from the truck, slinging my dress and pants over his forearm, and leaning in through the window to grab my phone.
“Just under a week,” he rumbles quietly, before adding huskily, “Hope that’s okay.”
I tighten my arms around his shoulders and whisper, “Of course that’s okay.”
It’s more than okay. I’ve been missing him like crazy. And I know that he typically has two games a week so I’m grateful to be seeing him at all during the start of the hockey season.
“I’m going to help your dad run the church fundraiser, and then I’m going to watch you teach riding to the kids.”
“Caden,” I laugh softly. “You totally don’t have to do that. Besides, I thought that you couldn’t do ranch work during NCAA competition time.”
A handsome smirk lifts the corner of his mouth, and he caresses his palm up and down my thigh.
The guys on Caden’s team are definitely not supposed to ride during the hockey season, because it’s frowned upon to do anything that could jeopardise their win.
But given Caden’s unshakable confidence as he carries me effortlessly out of the workshop, I know that he’s definitely about to implement a what-my-coach-doesn’t-know-can’t-hurt-him kind of policy.
“I got you something,” he adds, holding up the bouquet so that it’s no longer behind my back, and he searches my eyes as I lean in to smell them, his cheekbones heating. “They match your hair.”
Warmth spreads through my chest as I meet his eyes, and then my heart explodes as his mouth meets mine, his big warm hands hauling me close as he kisses me slow in the gold evening light.
“I love them,” I whisper breathlessly, and he groans softly as he kisses me again.
His broad chest heaves as he brings me in closer, tilting me up and deepening the kiss, and his big palms slowly caress my waist as I tighten my cowgirl boots around his hips.
But then a tailgate slams closed, followed by the sound of boots kicking through the dirt, and Caden exhales roughly as he pulls away, holding me closer as he glances ahead.
I peek over my shoulder and see almost all of the guys who work at the ranch – cattle-drivers and competitive racers walking around a row of large pick-up trucks, about to head into town to the diner for dinner before settling down, back at the bunkhouse.
“Yo, Caden!” Carter calls over. “Come to town – it’s been too long!”
Caden’s palms squeeze my waist and he shakes his head. “Not tonight,” he calls back to him.
Carter honks his horn, giving us a wink, and Caden chuckles as we head to the house.
And as soon as the guys are out of sight, we’re laughing happily and kissing again.