Chapter Eleven #2
Case chuckled, a sense of contentment settled over him, as he ambled back to the bed.
The door clicked softly shut behind him.
He climbed under the covers, clasping his hands behind his head in a relaxed position as he waited for Sydney.
Yet, his eyelids grew heavy, the comfort of the bed coaxing him into a light slumber.
He decided to rest his eyes for just a moment.
The morning sun spilled through the window, its golden rays dancing across the room, and he stirred awake.
Glancing at the clock, he was surprised to see it was already past eight.
He rarely slept this late. Carefully, so as not to disturb Sydney, who was still asleep, he slipped out of bed.
After pulling on a pair of well-worn sweatpants, socks, and an old T-shirt, he made his way to the kitchen.
The promise of fresh coffee awaited him.
****
Sydney opened her eyes to winter sunlight streaming through the white plantation blinds.
The other side of the bed was empty, the sheets still warm from Caysen’s body.
Her stomach growled as the rich aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon wafted through the air.
She pushed herself up against the headboard just as the bedroom door creaked open, and Caysen appeared, carrying a wooden breakfast tray.
Wisps of steam curled from a blue ceramic mug.
He placed the tray carefully across her lap, the mattress dipping slightly as he settled on the edge beside her.
On the white plate was an egg over easy, surrounded by buttery toast and crisp bacon strips.
“Breakfast in bed? You’re going to spoil me,” she said, as she picked up the sugar bowl, stirred two heaping spoonsful into her coffee, before taking a long, satisfying sip.
“I’d love to spoil you,” he said, the corners of his eyes crinkling with his smile, morning stubble shadowing his jaw.
“Aren’t you eating?” she asked, breaking the edge of her toast to dip into the runny yolk.
“I did. I need to grab a shower and shave,” he said, running his palm along his chin. “You enjoy your breakfast, then we can take it easy until I take you home later.”
“How’s the weather looking?” she asked between bites.
“Crystal clear skies, brilliant sunshine bouncing off the snow, and not a whisper of wind. It’s only twenty-five degrees, but it’s beautiful out there.”
“I was hoping for snow but that’s alright,” she said, nodding at the tray. “Thank you for this.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He stood, the bed springs releasing with his weight, and pressed his lips gently against her forehead before disappearing into the bathroom, the door clicking behind him.
Sydney picked up her golden-brown toast, dipped the crisp corner into the sunshine-yellow egg yolk and moaned softly when she bit into it, the rich buttery flavor melting on her tongue.
What a perfect way to start the day. Breakfast in bed from a wonderful, sexy man, who clearly understood the art of spoiling a woman.
As she savored each delicious bite, the bathroom door swung open, releasing billowing clouds of fragrant steam that carried hints of his aftershave.
Caysen emerged through the mist like some divine apparition, and Sydney’s jaw dropped involuntarily.
He was vigorously rubbing a plush navy towel over his dripping dark hair, wearing nothing but gray sweatpants that clung precariously to his chiseled hip bones.
Good Lord! That broad chest with its defined muscles tapering to a narrow waist was absolutely mesmerizing, but that ‘V’ had her salivating.
Every inch of his tanned body was perfection.
He lowered the towel, revealing those piercing honey eyes that crinkled at the corners when he flashed her a devastatingly charming grin.
“Did you enjoy your breakfast?” he asked in that deep voice that sent shivers down her spine.
She loved hearing him whisper in her ear.
But Sydney found herself transfixed, unable to form words as her eyes traced the defined ridges of his abdomen.
He tilted his head slightly, brow furrowing with concern. “Sydney?”
“Oh! Uh, yeah, it was absolutely delicious. Thank you so much. Do you mind if I take a shower?” she managed, her voice embarrassingly breathless.
“Not at all. I’ll take the tray out, then I’ll meet you in the living room.
” He opened a drawer, removed a T-shirt and pulled it on, then strode toward her, his muscles flexing subtly with each movement.
As he leaned down to collect the wooden breakfast tray, a droplet of water slid tantalizingly from his damp hair down his neck.
When he turned to leave, Sydney couldn’t tear her eyes away from the perfect curve of his backside.
Those sweatpants left little to the imagination, clinging to him in all the right places.
The intoxicating scent of his aftershave lingered in the air around her, making her fingers itch with the desire to grab those broad shoulders and pull him down onto the rumpled sheets.
He ignited something primal within her with just his presence.
But it wasn’t merely his physique or those good looks; Caysen possessed a genuine kindness that radiated from within.
His manners were impeccable, the way he pulled out chairs, opened doors, and listened attentively when she spoke, and that mattered deeply to Sydney.
Her parents, especially her mother with her traditional values, would adore how respectfully he treated her.
‘A true gentleman shows his character through consistent courtesy,’ her mother always said, and Caysen embodied that philosophy effortlessly.
Sydney cherished how attentively he anticipated her needs.
With a contented sigh, she threw back the cotton sheets and strolled across the plush carpet to the bathroom.
The moment she stepped inside, she inhaled deeply, drawing in the lingering steam still heavy with his distinctive aftershave, that intoxicating blend that was uniquely, irresistibly Caysen.
“Girl, you are in so much trouble. You’re falling for him, but have no clue how he feels,” she muttered.
Reaching into the stall, she turned the water on and steam soon filled the room.
After stripping off the T-shirt, she stepped into the stall and moaned as the water hit her body.
Being in there though, reminded her of the sex they’d had in the shower.
The water pelting their bodies as he held her against the wall.
She shivered as she remembered. He had spoiled her for any other man, and it scared her to death.
****
Case placed the dishes in the dishwasher with a soft clatter, then ambled to the living room and sank into the sofa.
He stretched his legs out lazily, his feet finding a comfortable perch on the coffee table, and began flipping through the TV channels with a languid flick of the remote.
Today was a day for leisure, a day to simply laze around with Sydney.
The distant sound of water cascading from the shower filled the room, a gentle reminder of her presence.
The temptation to join her was strong, a call he almost heeded, but he decided to wait, savoring the anticipation.
He shook his head, attempting to dispel the persistent thought.
He couldn’t help it; whenever Sydney was near, he felt an irresistible urge to touch her, to kiss her.
“Shit, stop thinking about it,” he muttered to himself, refocusing on the television. His mood soured slightly when the weather forecast appeared, predicting more snow to blanket the area this afternoon.
With a resigned sigh, Case rose from the sofa and meandered to the windows beside the fireplace. He gazed out toward the distant mountains; their peaks shrouded in a veil of gray as the snow-laden clouds rolled in. It seemed Sydney was going to get her snowy day after all.
“Hi,” came a soft voice, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see Sydney entering the living room, her hair damp and tousled, wearing a simple T-shirt and cozy lounge pants.
“Hey. Snow’s coming,” he replied, nodding toward the wintry scene beyond the glass.
“Really? Great. Can you make a fire?” she asked.
“I can,” Case affirmed, moving to the fireplace. He carefully removed the cold ashes, then stacked logs upon a bed of kindling. With a flick of a match, the fire came to life, flames eagerly licking around the logs, casting a warm glow across the room.
“Where are the dogs?” she inquired, glancing around.
“Outside, getting messy no doubt,” he replied.
“Do they like snow?” she asked.
“Yeah, they love it. I have to keep them in the laundry room after they’ve been out. At least until they dry off,” he explained.
“Isn’t that how they go in and out?”
“Yes, but I close the pet door once they come inside.”
Sydney’s lips curved into a soft smile as she eased herself onto the deep, overstuffed sofa.
The morning light slanted through the windows, bathing the living room in a honeyed glow.
Case rose from the sofa and held out a hand, urging her to scoot forward, and when she did, he settled beside her.
He swung his legs up onto the seat and gently drew her between them, so her back came to rest against his chest. Case nuzzled her neck and brushed a feather-light kiss along the curve of her skin.
“Did you have a nice shower?” he murmured into her ear.
She tilted her head. “I did. I need a shower stall like that at my place.” She paused, fingertips tracing the rippled pattern of the sofa’s fabric as she spoke. “ Oh, and that tub, too.”
Case shifted, as he wrapped his arms more snugly around her waist. “Yeah, but you have that big claw-foot tub.”
“I do love it,” she said, her voice soft with longing. “But I like how yours has the jets. That steady pulse of water, I bet that feels so good after a hard day.”
He inhaled the faint scent of shampoo still clinging to her damp hair. “It does. Especially if I’ve been out all day in the cold.”
She pulled back just enough to look up at him. “What’s going to happen to the two young men who took my horse?”
Case exhaled slowly, brushing his fingertips over the armrest. “They’ll face court, and I’ll have to testify. I told them I’d suggest probation.”
Sydney sat bolt upright, her damp hair brushing her cheeks. “Probation? They stole a horse, Caysen.”
“I’m well aware of what they did, Sydney, but it’s their first offense.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And what’s to stop them from doing it again?”
“Gee, I don’t know. Common sense, maybe?”
She snorted. “They can’t have much of that if they thought stealing a horse was a good idea.”
“They’re young.” He shrugged.
“You said they were twenty. They should know better than to pull a stunt like that, no matter how much he wanted the horse for his girlfriend.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “You’d think so. I know how terrified they were when they got caught. I’m sure they won’t do anything that stupid again.”
“You don’t know that.” She rose, furious. “I don’t agree with them getting probation. They should serve time. Horse theft is a serious crime. ”
Case stood, towering over her. The flicker of firelight highlighted the tension in his jaw. “I’m aware. I’m a livestock agent.”
“Then you should know they deserve to be behind bars,” Sydney snapped, arms folded across her chest.
“Don’t tell me what I should or shouldn’t know.
I am trying to help them. I’ve dealt with a ton of rustlers, and I know how they think and those two made a mistake .
Yes, it was wrong, but throwing two men, barely out of their teens, in prison, will only make it worse.
Whether you agree or not, some people just need a little help. ”
“Damn it, Caysen! How many times do I have to say it? I want them punished.”
“They will be. They’re not going to get a rap on their knuckles. They will have to do community service.”
“Big deal. Just steal a horse and all you have to do is pick up trash on the roadside.”
Case pressed his fingers to his temples and shook his head. “Are we seriously going to argue over this?”
“Am I allowed to testify?” she challenged.
He looked at her, eyes weary. “Of course.”
“Then I’ll be there. I want them to see me and know I want them punished.” Her voice cracked on the last words.
He paused. “Then show up at the judge’s chambers. But I’ll ask for probation.”
She let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, so because you’re a— livestock agent —you’ll get your way?”
“I don’t have a crystal ball. The judge decides. But I will ask. With no prior records, probation is possible.”
She stared at him. “You just remember that next time you arrest them for horse theft—”
“There won’t be a next time. They’ve learned their lesson. ”
“You can’t know that.”
“You have to trust me on this,” Case said.
“I want to go home.”
His shoulders stiffened. “Are you fucking serious?”
Hands on her hips, she glared up at him. “Yes, I’m fucking serious.”
Case slipped away, striding down the hallway to the bedroom. The soft hall carpet muffled his steps. He reemerged moments later in jeans and a flannel shirt, his hat hanging on a peg by the door. He paused, gathering his calm, then lifted the brim of his Stetson and waited for her.
Sydney appeared, clutching her overnight bag. When Case reached out to take it, she jerked away, marched into the garage, and climbed into the truck.
Case shook his head. “Stubborn as hell.” He climbed into his truck, closed the door, and pressed the button to open the garage bay door. The tires spun on the fresh snow, kicking up a spray of white crystals, so he engaged four-wheel drive and eased out onto the driveway without a word.
The silence between them stretched all the way to her front porch. Case killed the engine, and opened the door to step out.
“Don’t bother,” Sydney said, as she stepped out and slammed the door, making him wince. She walked around the truck, up the steps, and went inside. Slamming that door too.
Case planted his fist on the steering wheel with a dull thud. “Of all the stupid-ass things to argue about.” He turned the truck around and drove away, rockets of steam trailing from the exhaust. He’d give her space to cool off, let her think this through, until she was ready to talk again.