Chapter Nine – Mackenzie
MACKENZIE
What in the world? I told Bradly everything about my past. My reason for being in Montana, the terrible things my mother had said about me, what George had done to me. All of it came spilling out as if he was my new therapist. My sister was just as shocked, and she scolded me for trusting a man I barely knew. I couldn’t explain to her that it felt like I had known Bradly forever. That even in the barn, when he’d scared the living daylights out of me, I hadn’t truly been afraid of him. He hadn’t felt like a stranger even then.
Then there was the kiss on the sofa. Lord, oh my. That kiss. It was heated, and his desire pressing into me nearly caused me to moan and rotate my hips, taking what I wanted. Em’s timing had been perfect, even though a part of me had wanted more of him. So. Much. More.
This kiss, though.Each one we’d shared had been different from the last, and this kiss was no exception.
With my arms around him, and his body pressed tight to mine, it was like a fairy tale kiss. The kind you dream about as a little girl when your Prince Charming finds you and claims you as his own. How perfect he had appeared on Christmas Day. Well…night, really. The most amazing Christmas gift I’d ever known.
Bradly drew back and leaned his forehead to mine as we both softly drew in a breath. He swallowed audibly, and I knew he was fighting just as hard for control.
“I think we should have some of that apple pie and a lot of ice cream. Cold ice cream. The coldest you have.”
I laughed and took a step back. When our eyes met, I felt the heat between us. We both knew this relationship was moving at warp speed, and even though I wanted to drag him into my bedroom and take him right now, my brain told me to slow down. Clearly Bradly’s was doing the same, because he took a few steps back and sat down on the sofa.
“Find something to watch on TV and I’ll make up the desserts.”
“The apple pies are ready to be heated. I cut us some pieces and put them on plates.”
I quickly busied myself with storing the leftover pasta, gravy, and rolls, then getting the pies heated and scooping ice cream onto the warm slices. I grabbed some salted caramel out of the refrigerator and drizzled a little over each piece. The entire time, my mind raced with what had transpired over the last twenty-four hours. It felt like it had been a week. A month! Maybe even longer. How could you pack so many things, feelings, into such a short period of time?
Smiling, I licked caramel off my finger and quickly wondered what it would be like to have Bradly’s tongue sliding over my skin. A tightness pulled in my lower stomach. God…where was this coming from? I wasn’t a prude by any means, but fantasizing about his tongue, in places I touched alone in my own bed, was the kind of wishful thinking I usually reserved for my book boyfriends. Other dates just hadn’t inspired my imagination like Bradly.
I picked up the ice cream container and put it to my face to cool my overheating body.
Internally giving myself a slap, I drew in a deep breath, picked up the apple pies, and started back into the living room—coming to a stop when I spotted Bradly.
“Oh my,” I whispered as I gazed down at him sleeping, with Mr. Whiskers curled up on his lap. His head had fallen back on the sofa and he was breathing softly.
I turned and set the pies back on the kitchen counter and made my way into my bedroom, grabbing a blanket and extra pillow. Back in the living room, I bent down and carefully removed one boot, then the other. I placed the pillow at the end of the sofa, removed the cat, and gently guided Bradly until he was lying down. He was so exhausted, he didn’t wake up, only making a few moans of protest about being moved.
Sitting on my bent knees, I studied his handsome face. He had a strong square chin that was covered with a day’s worth of beard growth. I could barely see the indent of his dimples. His nose was perfect and untouched by any effects of his career. His eyebrows were dark like his hair, and those long eyelashes feathered against his skin. What I wouldn’t do for eyelashes like that.
I moved my gaze up to his hair. It was cut short, but the front stood up some, most likely the result of running his hand through it. He did that a lot, I’d noticed. It looked so soft, and my fingers tingled with the memory of being tangled in the strands.
I slowly exhaled as my eyes drifted down to his mouth. That mouth was soft, yet firm. His Cupid’s bow was pronounced, his lips the softest shade of pink, and I had to physically keep myself from running my finger over them.
Closing my eyes, I pictured him staring down at me with that boyish, dimpled smile and those dark, mysterious eyes.
When I let my gaze fall back on him, my breath stilled in my lungs while my heart stumbled around in my chest, trying to right its rhythm. This beautiful man wanted to date me.
I frowned slightly at the memory of him telling me we could take it at the speed I wanted. I wanted him in my bed. I knew that much. I wanted to be with him, feel his body over mine, but at the same time, I wanted to wait. The energy between us seemed to only make the desire that much stronger.
I dropped back onto my heels and stared at him for a few beats longer. Would I be worried, knowing hundreds of women threw themselves at him every weekend? Never mind worrying about him getting hurt. Then I remembered him talking about a career change. Was he seriously thinking of no longer riding? I knew he was struggling with something that was weighing on his mind.
I decided right then and there I wouldn’t pressure him one way or the other, including telling me how he was feeling, if he didn’t want to share. I knew he would tell me when the time was right. But if I was being honest with myself, I hoped he was going to walk away from professional bull riding. Not because I was scared he would get hurt, but because I already didn’t want to be separated from him for a single moment.
“Wow,” I whispered. “You have gone and totally fallen in love with him, Mackenzie Reeves.”
Bradly moved slightly and tucked his hand under his face, and my heart melted into a pool of mush right there on my living room floor.
I pressed a hand to my mouth to keep a small giggle back. It was all insane! But at the same time, it felt so right.
Letting out a soft sigh, I leaned in and kissed his forehead before standing. I’d left my cell phone in my bedroom, so I made my way back to it and pulled up Merit’s phone number. I hit it and waited anxiously for her to answer.
“Mackenzie, is everything alright?” Merit asked in a clearly worried voice.
“Yes, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. I thought I should let you know that Bradly fell asleep on my sofa, and I honestly don’t have the heart to wake him up. He must really be tired, because I only left him sitting there to go heat up the apple pie, and when I came back, he was out.”
A small exhale of relief came through the phone. “I’m sure he’s exhausted, especially with him riding today.”
Chewing nervously on my lip, I said, “I think that was my fault. He wanted to show me what he did for a living, to make sure I knew what I was getting into by dating him.”
The line was silent.
“Merit? Are you still there?”
“You’re dating? I mean, is this official?”
I nearly laughed when I heard Avery squeal in the background.
“Yes, it’s official,” I said with a slight giggle. Shouldn’t I feel awkward talking to Bradly’s mother about this? Strangely enough, it felt as natural as breathing. “I think it’s also going to be one heck of a ride.”
Merit chuckled. “I have an idea. I’m sure Bradly will want to spend as much time with you as he can before he leaves for New York City, but I want to plan a lunch with everyone, so you can officially meet the family. Are you okay with that?”
The idea that the attention would be focused on me made my chest squeeze with anxiety, but I had to admit, I did want to meet everyone.
“Bradly will be there as well, of course.”
And just like that, the tension slipped away. “I’d love that. May I help plan it?”
“Oh, sweetheart, you’re going to be our guest of honor, and I’m sure you’ll want to spend your free time with Bradly. Remember, you’re not expected to work this week, you do have the time off.”
I grinned. “I know, and I do have a few things here and there I’d like to take care of. I was thinking, though, I might go back to New York City with my sister and see if I can go watch Bradly ride in the event.”
She gasped. “Oh, he would love that, Mackenzie! We can talk more on that later. Dirk and I are planning on going and will fly out to New York with Bradly. But back to the lunch. Avery and I will take care of all of the planning. I’ll text or call you tomorrow once I get the date and time. I need to get to planning right now!”
“Okay,” I said. “Well, I just wanted you to know Bradly might be getting home rather late this evening.”
Merit let out a hearty laugh. “If he fell asleep on the sofa, that boy is there for the night. All the years of being on the circuit, he’s always been able to fall asleep anywhere and stay asleep.”
“Have fun tonight, Mackenzie!” Avery shouted.
“Avery Littlewood,” Merit scolded as she covered the phone, and all I could hear was muffled voices. “I’m back, sweetheart. You get some rest. Thank you for letting me know Bradly will be staying the night.”
“Of course, but it’s not like that. He’s already sleeping. On the sofa.”
“I understand. But I also realize you’re both adults,” Merit said with a hint of amusement in her voice. “Good night, Mackenzie.”
My eyes drifted to my bedroom door, which I’d left cracked open, and I ignored the way my stomach fluttered at the idea that Bradly was sleeping so close. I quickly pushed those thoughts aside, since I was currently on the phone with his mother.
“Good night, Merit.”
The call ended, and I plugged my phone into the charger on the bedside table. After checking on Bradly one more time, I headed to my bathroom and changed into my warm flannel pajamas. I prepared some ice water in a Yeti cup and set it near Bradly, just in case he woke up thirsty, put the pie—including the uneaten slices—in the fridge, scooped up my cat, who clearly wanted to sleep with the handsome cowboy, and silently made my way back to my bedroom.
Once in bed, I tried desperately to clear my mind, but it raced with a million different things. I’d come to Montana to start a new life. Meeting someone and dating them hadn’t even been on my radar. I thought I’d been happy with my quiet little life. Then Bradly Littlewood stepped into my world, and everything was changing so quickly. I felt truly alive for the first time…ever.
I was excited about my future when I moved here, but even more so now with him in it.
I turned and reached for my phone. I knew it was late in New York City, and I hoped my sister had her phone on silent.
Me: I am officially dating a sexy cowboy who is asleep on my sofa because he said it’s up to me how fast we move. Swoon!
After I hit send, I went to put my phone back on the nightstand, thinking Emily would see it when she woke up. When it vibrated in my hand, I quickly looked to see she’d texted back.
Emily: Okay, I like this guy. I’d call but Doug is sleeping next to me, and I don’t want to wake him up. Call me tomorrow. I want to hear everything! All of it. Write stuff down so you won’t forget it.
I laughed and typed back my reply.
Me: Trust me, I won’t forget a single thing. Go back to sleep. I love you to the moon!
Emily: I love you back. And I can’t wait to meet him. Night!
Smiling at my phone, I exhaled and placed it back on the table. Drawing the covers up, I couldn’t help but smile. Moving to Montana had been the best decision I’d ever made. Except for missing my sister like crazy, I had to recognize that it brought me to Bradly, and to this beautiful farm and ranch.
My eyes started to feel heavy, and I was pretty darn sure I fell asleep with that grin still on my face.
The smell of bacon caused my eyes to flutter open. I glanced around my room and noticed the sun hadn’t yet risen. Sitting up, I swung my feet over the side of the bed and yawned as I stretched my arms. The familiar sound of purring was absent, and I looked around for Mr. Whiskers. Frowning, I glanced toward the bedroom door, which was partly open.
I tapped my phone and saw it was seven in the morning. I’d wanted to get to the greenhouse early this morning to knock out a little project I was working on. Guess those plans would have to change.
Stifling another yawn, I stood and quickly slid my feet into my slippers. It wasn’t lost on me that I had slept like a baby for the first time in months. Maybe it was because I knew Bradly was here, not far away. I’d never admit it to anyone, but there were times I feared my stepfather would find out where I was and try to do something in the dead of night. He was that evil.
When I stepped into my bedroom doorway and saw what was happening in my kitchen, I put a hand to my mouth to keep from making a sound. I quickly slid back into the bedroom and peeked around the door.
Bradly was standing at the sink, sponge in hand. Mr. Whiskers was sitting to one side of said sink, casually licking his paw and cleaning himself.
“Listen, I get it, she’s been yours this entire time and I respect that, dude. But waking up to you on my chest, your two little paws on my throat…little man…that is a hard no.”
My other hand came up to stifle the laugh.
“You’re going to have to share, and when I’m not here, you can go back to being the man of the house. I think we can both agree Pickles isn’t going to protect her. He’ll probably get his hooves caught in those little pajamas.” He paused for a moment while washing a pan. “Maybe I should get her a dog.”
Mr. Whiskers stopped cleaning himself and let out a stern meow.
“Not a fan of dogs, are you? Well, you just haven’t met the right one. No offense, little guy, but are you up to the task of guarding her?”
Mr. Whiskers stood, turned around, then sat with his back to Bradly.
“Sensitive little guy, aren’t you?”
I lost the battle and a laugh escaped. Bradly looked toward the bedroom and smiled when he saw me. There were those dimples I’d been searching for last night. His five o’clock shadow was thicker this morning, and my word, if he didn’t look so handsome.
“Good morning, Kenzie.”
“Morning,” I said as I made my way over to the Keurig. “Coffee?”
“No, thanks, I don’t drink it.”
I slowly turned and looked at him. “I don’t think we can date now. How in the world do you not drink coffee?”
He smiled and dried his hands, then stepped to the stove and flipped the bacon. “I’ll have to bring over my favorite tea, so you have it here.”
Turning, I leaned against the counter. “Already planning on moving your stuff in, huh?”
Shrugging, he said, “If I’m going to be spending the night on the sofa, with your cat trying to kill me, I should at least get space for a toothbrush.”
I giggled. “I think I can make that happen. I do have an extra brand-new toothbrush if you want it.”
“That would be great! By the way, my mom sent me a text this morning and asked if we were available for dinner with the family tomorrow night. She said lunch wasn’t going to work for Lincoln, and she really wanted everyone there. Said you’d know what she was talking about?”
“Yeah…I spoke to her last night to let her know you’d fallen asleep on the sofa, so she wouldn’t worry. She mentioned wanting me to meet the family and planning a meal.”
Bradly’s brow rose. “Really? I hope you don’t feel like she’s pressuring you to meet the entire family. They’re…a rowdy bunch.”
Laughing, I said, “I think I’m up to the challenge. I’ve liked everyone I’ve met so far. And if things don’t work out between us, I think I might have a shot with Josh.”
He threw his head back and let out a roar of laughter. “Wait until you meet Nathan.”
“Really? Must be something in the water here.”
Bradly winked. “Must be.”
“What time did you wake up?” I asked as I turned and grabbed my steaming-hot coffee.
“Maybe around six. I took a shower; hope you don’t mind.”
My gaze ran over his body, and I mentally pictured what that would look like. Bradly. Naked and in the shower. I shook my head and peeked into the pan on the stove. “Not at all.”
Bradly was busy working on cracking eggs into the pan he’d made the bacon in.
“That looks…healthy.”
“It’s far from it, but it’ll be good. You mentioned something about needing to go to the greenhouse this morning. Do you have to be there by a certain time?”
“There really isn’t a set time during the winter, but I try to get to the greenhouse around eight or so on the days I work. I know I have this week off, but I’ve got a little project I’m doing that I just need to check in on. Also, I want to see if Lou needs me to do anything.”
After taking a drink of my coffee, I put it down on the counter and started to grab dishes and two glasses for orange juice. It was weird how comfortable it was to move around in my little kitchen with Bradly. As if we’d been doing it for years.
“When will you be finished?”
“Maybe an hour or so. I don’t think Lou will ask me to do anything, but just in case, I better say an hour and a half.”
“How do you feel about horseback riding in the cold?” Bradly asked.
“Well, I’ve never done it before, but it sounds fun. And cold.”
He chuckled. “I know Avery mentioned doing something with the girls today.”
“She hasn’t gotten back to me about it.”
“Okay, good. Then she lost her chance. You’re mine today. I’ll let her know that I’m holding you hostage so she shouldn’t expect you.”
“I like the sound of that,” I replied as I poured the orange juice while Bradly flipped our eggs, then pushed the bread down in the toaster. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve noticed they seem to put the more timid horses over here in this barn. Your mom’s horse, Barkley, was a rescue your aunt Timberlynn had been working with. She’s the sweetest thing. I love walking with her. She just follows me everywhere I go. I don’t even have to hold her reins. Such a sweetheart.”
“She was rather enjoying your Christmas show when I walked into the barn the other night.”
My cheeks heated. “I love animals. Sometimes I think our cat and dog saved me growing up. They always seem to know when you need that extra cuddle.”
“When did you get Mr. Whiskers and Pickles?”
“Mr. Whiskers moved to Montana with me. Your mother and father were so kind to let me bring him. And I got Pickles just a few months ago.”
I giggled, and Bradly turned to look at me. “What’s so funny?”
The toast popped up, and I made my way over to it. “Butter? Jelly? I have some that Stella made.”
“Oh, God, I love Grams’ homemade jelly. I’ll take both. What made you laugh just now?”
“I think your father really likes Pickles.”
Bradly grinned. “Mom said he does.”
We worked in a comfortable silence as we both got everything onto plates and made our way to the table.
“This was so sweet of you to make breakfast.”
Bradly flashed that boyish smile of his and set his orange juice down. “It was the least I could do after I fell asleep on our date last night. I didn’t even get any apple pie.”
“You were exhausted. I feel bad that you’re trying to take a break from riding, and here you went and did it yesterday for me.”
He finished chewing a bite and shook his head. “Don’t feel bad at all, Kenzie. I love riding, and trust me, when I’m at my uncle’s, it’s more laid-back and less stressful.”
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t get hurt. I would have felt bad,” I stated with a grimace.
Bradly reached across the small table and took my hand in his. “I wanted to show you because bull riding is something I’m always going to do, professional or for pleasure. It was important to me that you knew.”
I chewed on my lower lip and his eyes smoldered with heat. We ate breakfast relatively in silence, which was so nice. I was glad Bradly wasn’t afraid to not have a conversation going at all times.
“I’m full!” I said with a chuckle. “That was good, thank you.”
I went to clear the table when he reached for my hand. “Go get ready for work. I’ll clean up. Text me when you’re finished and I’ll meet you in the barn.”
Smiling like a silly schoolgirl who was just asked out by the star quarterback, I stood, leaned down, and kissed him. He stood and pulled me closer, causing me to let out a soft moan. When he slowly drew back and put his forehead to mine, we both let out a contented sigh.
“This is what they would call insta-love in my books.”
He drew his head back and said, “I love romance books.”
My mouth dropped open. “Are you being serious right now?”
“I just finished reading Wuthering Heights. I read it every Christmas.”
Feeling my knees go weak, I took hold of him. “Okay, you truly were a gift sent from Heaven.”
He smiled and the dimples peeked out from the light beard. “Go, before I can’t stop myself from doing more than kissing you.”
I raised my brows. “If you meant that as a threat, it didn’t work.”
Bradly closed his eyes and groaned. “Kenz, go get ready for work.”
“Thank you for breakfast,” I said as I lifted and kissed his lips quickly before dashing away. The last thing I wanted to do was beg him for sex, because I was on the verge of doing so.
When I walked into my bedroom, I slid the barn door shut and jumped up and down quietly as I covered my mouth to keep from squealing like a fifteen-year-old.