Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
KADE
“You know, things are looking pretty good around here,” Sam says.
It’s a cold, cloudy day, but it doesn’t mean I’m not sweating my balls off inside the barn. With only a few more stalls to finish up, this place is going to be the jewel of the ranch.
Having Georgia here to lead the horse program—taking guests out and helping those horses for therapy—is going to mean good things for us.
I’m just glad she decided to stick around. We didn’t have the best meeting that first day. I don’t blame her though. She’s always been Presley’s best friend and is defending her.
At least she’s warmed up to me. No side-eyed looks or whispered words. My guess is Presley talked to all of them. Because Joey is the same way now.
I smile to myself. The other night with Presley was everything I never knew I wanted, but definitely needed. Being with her was like a breath of fresh air. Reconnecting with her like that?
It’s a new chapter for the two of us. A chance to rewrite our history.
“Hey.”
Tossing the bale of hay onto the stack, I wipe the sweat from my brow and turn to look at the woman who, once again, consumes my every thought.
Presley.
Grabbing the bottom of my shirt, I wipe my face off. “Hey.”
She holds up a couple of plastic bags. The smell of burgers and fries makes my stomach grumble. “I thought you guys might be hungry.”
“Oh, hell, yes.” Sam hurries over and grabs one of the bags from her. “I’m starving.”
“Glad I came then.”
“Did Betty send you?”
She shakes her head. “Nope. I know how hard you’ve been working to get this place in shape and figured you wouldn’t stop for a break.”
“That’s true,” Sam agrees. “He barely stops.”
“Hey. Someone has to work around here,” I fire back.
“Like I’m not?” Sam flips me off.
“Yeah, yeah. Save some for the rest of us.”
“There’s plenty,” Presley tells me. “I dropped some off at the front desk too.”
“Thanks,” Sam says. “I’m going to head inside and eat and let you two have some time together.”
Way to be subtle.
People are coming in and out of the barn still, so I find a quiet spot for us to eat where we won’t be seen. Presley starts pulling burgers and fries out of the bag.
“You heading to work after this?” I ask.
Her Hash ’N Hop uniform shouldn’t look so sexy, but it does.
“Coming from work. I have a few hours before I have to get Poppy from school, so I figured I’d come out and see you.”
“Couldn’t stay away from me?” I ask, sitting next to her and kicking my legs out.
Presley rolls those gorgeous blue eyes at me, passing a plate to me. “Yeah, yeah.”
“Hey.” I grab her hand before she can get too far. “I’m glad to see you.”
“Me too.” Her smile is warm and soft. “Now, eat. You’ll need your energy for later.”
“For later?” I cock a brow at her.
“Stop it.” She smacks my leg. “I meant for working around the barn.”
“Need I remind you, you did say next time.”
“I said maybe.”
“You’re killing me, Pres.”
I pop a fry into my mouth, my stomach growling at me.
She side-eyes me. “I think you need to worry more about eating than me.”
“I can do two things at once, Pres. I can eat and want you at the same time.”
Ever since our date, all I’ve been able to think about is Presley. How much I want her. How much I need her. Crave her.
All I want is Presley. No amount of time is ever going to be enough with her.
“You’re zoning out.” She snaps her fingers in front of my face.
I smile back at her. “Sorry. You’re very distracting.”
“Me? Distracting? What, this old pink shirt is doing it for you?”
I hook a finger in the loose buttons and pull her close. “You could wear a paper bag, Presley, and I would still be distracted by how fucking sexy you are.”
A shudder racks her body, one I can feel. My lips ghost over her mouth as a needy moan escapes.
“Kade.”
Fuck. I can’t contain myself anymore. Not when need and lust drip from her voice. Pushing the food to the side, I pull her into my lap and seal my mouth over hers.
From the clawing hands, she’s as desperate as I am. Our tongues clash as we both fight for control. Sliding my hand into her hair, I slow her down.
I want to savor every second of this kiss. From her taste to her soft skin, everything is perfect. I swallow every moan and whimper. Her hips rock over my cock as she grips my hair between her fingers.
“We can’t do this here, Pres,” I whisper, pulling back and swiping my thumb over her swollen lips.
She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. “Do you have somewhere we could go?”
“Are you able to stay?” I ask.
“For you?” She nods. “I have all the time in the world.”
Fishing the key out of my pocket, I hold it up to her. “Want to go up to my room then?”
Presley steals one last kiss. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll meet you up there, okay?”
“Room seventeen. I’ll be waiting.”
She stands and gathers up our lunch, but before I can let her go far, I grab her hand. “Don’t be long.”
“I won’t keep you waiting, Kade. I’ve been waiting a long time.”
“Not as long as I have.”
Almost six years to be exact. Because now I want Presley more than anything.
And fuck, I finally get to have her now.