CHAPTER EIGHT
T he women aren’t in the kitchen when I return downstairs. Their whispers lead me to a cozy room at the opposite end of the house. The space is designed for cuddling on the couch to watch a movie or hiding from a certain someone who isn’t familiar with the floor plan.
I smirk while studying Cassidy huddled in a secretive formation with her cousin. They aren’t aware that I’ve found them, which allows me to admire the sassy redhead at my leisure. She changed clothes in the five minutes I was gone. Snug jeans conceal the toned legs that were very recently draped around my waist. The denim molds to her round ass like a wet dream, especially in her bent position. A stretchy crop top does the same ample service to her breasts, as if offering them to me on a shelf.
A pleased rumble announces my presence. The hushed tones cut off instantly and the women whirl to face me. Cassidy’s cheeks are flushed, displaying the freckles on a map to her getting caught. Paisley smiles as her gaze noticeably dips to my groin. Satisfaction spreads through me. The fact that my cowgirl couldn’t wait to share intimate details about me might as well be a marriage proposal.
“Um, hi. You found us.” The uncertainty in Cassidy’s voice stretches my grin wider.
I close the gap separating us, drifting a thumb along her blush. “Were you talking about me, beauty?”
“Yes,” she breathes. Her lashes flutter, but then she straightens. “I mean, no. Freaking dicksand. Why would we be?”
“It’s been an eventful morning.” I rock on my feet.
Paisley giggles. “That’s putting it mildly.”
Cassidy nudges her cousin. “Zip it.”
“I’ll warn you now,” the blonde drawls. “It’s unlikely I’ll ever shut up about this.”
“Just great.” Cassidy rolls her eyes, catching sight of my outfit in the process. Her blink is slow as she gives me a once-over. “Is that…?”
“Yours?” I pluck the cotton tank practically glued to my chest. “Figured it was only fair seeing as I gave you mine to have and hold from this day forward.”
“Oh, my,” she exhales.
“Fits perfect,” Paisley muses.
Cassidy snaps out of her dreamy stupor. “Are you ogling him?”
“Can you blame me? Especially after what you just told me.” She adds the second part under her breath.
“This is going straight to his big head,” Cassidy gripes.
“Already there.” The cheeky smile curving my lips has reached clown status.
My better half admires me again. “Consider that shirt yours now that it’s sculpted to your… bulging bulges.”
“Bulging bulges?” I whistle. “Damn, beauty. You know how to wrap me around your little finger.”
The red splotches on her cheeks burn brighter. “I’m a tad out of my element. Give me a break.”
“What’s bothering you?”
She flails an arm in my direction and huffs. “Um, hello.”
“Would you rather I take it off?” I begin peeling the hem off my abdomen.
“No!” Cassidy blurts while her cousin says the opposite. That earns the blonde a fierce glare. “Seriously, Ley?”
Paisley shrugs. “He offered.”
I hold up a palm. “No need to argue. I’ll stay decent.”
“Not sure that’s possible,” Cassidy mumbles.
“This is the thanks I get after everything I’ve done to make our one-week anniversary special? Ouch.” But my smirk isn’t fooling anyone.
Paisley’s jaw drops. “I didn’t know it was your anniversary.”
“It’s really not,” Cassidy argues.
“Definitely is,” I counter and give her a thorough perusal. “The celebration isn’t over based on what I’m seeing. You look better than a Sunday brunch buffet after eating salad all week.”
Paisley chokes, which morphs into a cough as she levels her cousin with a stare. “Wow, that’s worth spreading yourself out on the counter as a holiday feast. Why are you still standing here?”
Cassidy hangs her head. “Don’t encourage him.”
“Too late,” I chuckle.
“Okay, trouble. This has been super fun, but we have chores to do.” She makes a shooing motion.
“Awesome.” I clap and then rub my palms together. “Where do I start?”
Cassidy blinks. “Huh?”
“How can I help?”
“By going home,” she deadpans.
I frown. “That’s not a preferred opinion.”
“For you.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me again?”
“My kids will be home this afternoon. I have piles of shit to clean up before then. Literally.” If she actually wants me to go, I will. But the humor in her eyes tells the truth.
“Just let me lighten your load for an hour or two. It’s my fault you’re behind.”
Cassidy inspects my muscles, which flex for her approval. “Have you ever worked on a farm?”
“No, but I’m a fast learner.”
“I’m sure he can be useful,” Paisley comments.
Cassidy’s lips pinch together. “Whose side are you on?”
“The one where I get to continue watching this play out.” Paisley gestures between her cousin and me.
“Fine.” Cassidy tosses her hands in the air. “You can feed the chickens and goats.”
“What else?” I ask while we walk to the foyer and put on our boots.
“Just start with that,” she says.
“Really? It’s gonna be a breeze. Animals love me.” Chester and Cheeto dash outside when I open the door. “See?”
“Missed your calling as a dog whisperer.” Her grin is tipped high enough to cause concern but I’m too happy to see the expression to question it.
The morning sun beams down on us while we stride into the stable elements. Apple blossoms and horse manure are fresh in the air. Cassidy prattles off instructions that seem easy enough. I swerve toward the coop as the women walk to the barn, going our separate ways.
“Good luck,” she calls over her shoulder.
My smirk is smeared in confidence. “Won’t need it.”
Cassidy’s response is carried off on a breeze but I catch the laughter in her tone. That sound strokes me to distraction while I scoop feed from the labeled bin. My head is in the clouds, replaying her orgasmic bliss from earlier, when the metal latch lifts in my grip.
“Holy flock!” I stumble backward and nearly fall flat on my ass.
Countless chickens rush at me in a whirlwind of feathers and gratitude. Their clucks flutter the silence as they escape the confines without a care for breakfast. A whiff from inside the coop reveals why they’re in such a hurry to leave. It smells like dust and poop had a dozen babies in this hot box. The sweltering heat predicted for today must make the environment inhospitable. I hold my breath before dumping the grains and seeds into the dishes.
There’s a swarm of birds surrounding me once I evacuate, as if applauding my efforts. They totally get it. Clean oxygen has never smelled so good. My lungs greedily soak in several breaths while I mentally check off the first chore.
An impatient clatter shakes me from the reprieve. The bang rattles the chain link fence again. I squint at the pen a few paces away where two goats demand an audience.
“Hey there,” I croon. “You must be Billy and Gruff.”
Synchronized bleats confirm my assumption.
“I thought you’d be bigger. Are you a miniature breed?”
The gray and white pair bump their heads into the cage, proving to be mighty regardless of size.
“Got it, dudes. Hungry?”
Their strikes against the enclosure gain momentum to prioritize a plan of action. Forget fetching the pellets. Freedom to roam can’t wait.
I swing open the gate and wisely step aside. Unfortunately, my sole clips a divot in the yard and I tumble to the ground. Next thing I know, I’m splayed out in a starfish position. The blue sky mocks me while I collect my wounded pride. Muffled clops approach and a nose snuffs me. I ruffle the goat’s coarse hair, which he views as permission to climb on top of me like a very masculine mountain.
A wheeze is stripped from me when his front hooves stomp my chest. “Damn, you’re stronger than you look. Give me space, yeah?”
Billy or Gruff—not sure which—doesn’t do boundaries. The little guy nibbles at the cotton stretched tight over my nipple. I squirm while trying to dislodge him without causing injury.
A shove at his neck does nothing. “Whoa there. I’m spoken for.”
The goat chomps on the fabric, chewing until an unmistakable rip sounds.
“Dude, did you hear me? I’m a taken man.”
Our conflict of interest gains the attention of his buddy. He trots over to us, a gleam in his beady eyes.
“Oh, hell no. I’m not getting double teamed by you two.”
A threatening thrash stops the incoming one in his tracks. By the time I wrangle the other horny goat off me, there’s a large hole torn in my shirt. I shrug and accept the damage as free air conditioning. A whistle purses my lips while I dust myself off and get the goats fed. They barely sniff the pellets, too preoccupied following me into the barn.
Cassidy is saddling a horse in the center aisle when I strut inside. I don’t get to admire her methodical technique for more than three seconds. Paisley whizzes past me, pushing a full wheelbarrow. Her dedicated concentration on the pile of shit narrowly misses slicing off my toe. I leap from her path, which allows me to inspect the spotless interior.
“Damn, how long was I gone?” Not that I saw it before, but this must be an improvement.
“At least thirty minutes,” Cassidy answers as she finishes tacking her steed.
“What? No way.”
“Rookie.” She glances at the condition of my shirt. “Doing okay over there?”
“Your goats took advantage of me.”
Her grin slides to the naughty duo loitering behind me. “They’d never do such a thing.”
“I feel violated, but I’ve put myself back together again. Just call me Humpty Dumpty.”
Paisley laughs, returning from her poop duty. “I like this guy.”
“You can keep him company while I ride Levi.” Cassidy gives the horse’s neck an affectionate pat.
“Gonna make me jealous, beauty.”
“Good.” Cassidy winks and takes hold of Levi’s reins, his hooves clomping on the concrete to announce their exit.
“C’mon, lost cause.” Paisley claps my back. “We’ll get you turned on.”
I lock my knees. “Excuse me?”
She rolls her eyes. “Cassidy is sexy in the saddle. You won’t be able to control yourself.”
“Oh.” The strain in my posture deflates. “That’s nothing new.”
“You’ve seen her ride before?”
I nod. “Years ago. When we were in middle school. She was at the county fair for a barrel race or something. Her horse was scary fast, but Cassidy handled him like a pro. I imagine her skills are even more impressive now.”
“Ah.” The blonde’s features pinch. “She’s such a natural talent. Meant to be on the back of a horse. Too bad she doesn’t compete anymore.”
“No?”
“Nah, but that’s not my story to tell.” And her hasty retreat tells me she’s done talking about it.
When we get to the outdoor arena, Cassidy is already sitting on Levi. Her untamed hair blows in the slight breeze while she steers him to the outer edge and urges him to trot. The gait seems bouncy, but she’s one with the horse. Their pace increases in speed until it seems like Levi’s legs don’t even touch the ground. Cassidy hovers in the saddle to avoid jolted impact, at least I assume. It’s like they’re both floating.
She guides him at a diagonal across the ring. There’s a mutual respect while they appear to get cues from each other. I notice she barely touches the reins, controlling him some other way. The training that requires goes way over my head. All I can do is watch in stunned silence.
“Damn,” I breathe.
“Told you.” There’s a smug edge in Paisley’s voice.
It’s only then I remember she’s beside me. I was too caught up in Cassidy. “Aren’t you supposed to be helping her exercise the prospects or whatever?”
“Yeah, yeah. We have all day. Want me to get one saddled for you?”
I burst out laughing until I realize she isn’t joining in the amusement. “That’s a negative.”
“Have you ever been on a horse?”
“Nope.”
“Do you plan to?”
“When Cassidy’s ready to teach me.”
“Excellent answer.” She spots something over my shoulder. “Pussy incoming.”
“The fu—?” My question cuts off as sharp claws pierce into my legs. A peek behind my shoulder reveals two kittens climbing me like a scratching post.
“Meet Ethel and Ester. Such rascals but very loved. They’re Kenzie’s pride and joy.”
The mention of Cassidy’s daughter forgives the felines’ antics. “I’m beginning to believe the animals are testing me.”
Paisley assists in plucking the kitties off my jeans, and then proceeds to cradle them like babies. “Welcome to your Greener Pastures initiation.”
I scratch Ester and Ethel behind their ears. “Does this mean I’m accepted?”
“Meh. If her kids approve of you, then you’re golden.”
Warmth spreads through my chest. “Hopefully I’ll get the chance to know them and plead my case. I met Charlie, but haven’t seen Mackenzie yet.”
Paisley studies me for a moment, long enough that my skin starts to itch. “Can I give you some advice?”
“By all means.” I gesture for her to let me have it.
“Cassidy is a rare gem. She’s the type you meet once in a lifetime and want to smother in so much love that she can’t deny how much you appreciate her. I get it, but you need to understand she’s fiercely independent.”
My attention returns to the spirited redhead who’s loping Levi in figure eight patterns. Her body sways into the horse’s stride. I find myself mesmerized once again. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Her head bobs to agree with me. “Her barn doors have been sealed shut until you barged in somehow. She might’ve agreed to let you tickle the twat, but there’s no way she’s ready to go all in. I bet she’s planning on walking away after whatever happened last night.”
“No,” I snap.
Paisley just rolls her eyes. “You doubt me?”
“Why would she do that?”
Paisley shrugs. “Cassidy has been on her own, raising her kids, building a name for herself in the horse training industry. She has a load of crap on her plate. It’s everywhere. If you push her too hard or fast, she might buck you off. Permanently. Not because she doesn’t like you, but she’s accustomed to doing things her way. It’s no secret that you’re coming on really strong. I admire your devotion and determination, but there are limits for a reason. Too much change to her routine will spook her.”
I frown at the possibility of not having Cassidy at my side. It doesn’t take more than a quick glance at our surroundings to expose her responsibilities, and that’s only on the surface. I’ve always worked best on a team—but she’s running this entire operation by herself. Unless I can convince her to let me on the stable squad. This type of labor isn’t my wheelhouse, but I wasn’t lying about being a fast learner.
“What do you recommend?”
“Be patient. Give her time and space.”
“But—”
She presses a finger to her lips, telling me to shut mine. “You asked. Don’t argue.”
I slump in defeat. “If I back off, she might go about her business and forget about me.”
Paisley snorts. “She won’t.”
“How do you know?”
“We’re family, but she’s also my best friend. Honestly, just this morning is a huge sign. I’ve never seen her act the way she does around you. She’s flirty and funny and just… herself. It’s refreshing.”
That’s a term I’m well versed with when it comes to Cassidy Brooks. She isn’t a blip on an overgrown path I once traveled. She’s the permanent mark where I’m meant to plant roots.
Whatever expression I’m wearing has the blonde smiling. “There we go. You’re listening. Now, don’t fuck it up. Let her come to you.”
“And if she doesn’t?”
Paisley’s focus returns to Cassidy, her grin spreading. “That won’t be a problem.”