CHAPTER THIRTEEN
I roll open the heavy door while mentally reviewing my morning chores. The list is longer than usual thanks to a certain someone and his prize penis. My empty core clenches at the reminder of just how full Drake packed me over the weekend. A soft moan accompanies the lingering ache. Totally worth it.
Chester and Cheeto spin circles around my legs before spying a cat to chase. That sets my sights on the tasks straight ahead. The first signs of dawn stream inside the barn. Dust dances in the open space, welcoming a fresh start. Energy thrums in my veins to rejuvenate my tired body. Several whinnies greet me. A warm comfort soon follows, chasing off the early hour chill.
“Good morning,” I croon to the sheltered herd.
“Morning, beauty.”
I halt in my tracks. Once my eyes fully adjust, I notice the lights are on. Drake is leaning against a wheelbarrow in the aisle. I might’ve whimpered, not that anyone can blame me. A backward hat has never looked sexier. My gaze narrows onto his very naked torso. Colorful tattoos and gleaming muscles command admiration. His dimpled smirk isn’t hard to drool over either.
Our stares collide, mutual attraction blazing hot. Static buzzes in my ears and a wave of heat crashes over me. Desire that should be thoroughly satisfied snaps hungry jaws at the sweaty man in front of me.
“What…?” My voice cracks and I gulp to try again. “What’re you doing?”
Drake spreads his arms wide. “Mucking the shit out of these stalls. Literally.”
“You’re…?” I blink at him and his shirtless glory, taking up residence in my barn. “Why would you willingly do that?”
“To make a grand gesture.”
“But we’re not fighting, and you definitely don’t owe me. Not after the orgasms you served on tap,” I mumble.
“We don’t have to be at odds in order for me to do something nice. Besides, I’m getting acquainted with my roots. Granger isn’t my last name for nothing.”
“Ummm…?”
His chuckle is rich and deep. “Grange translates to barn in French.”
“Does it?”
“Not sure.” He laughs again. “My mom told me that once. It would explain my irresistible charm. Right, mon amour ?”
I suck in a sharp breath as the foreign term of endearment curls off his tongue. Crisp pine hangs heavy in the air, overpowering the scent of dirt and manure and horsey goodness. How I didn’t notice the clean smell before can be blamed on the guy holding the pitchfork. Such a pungent level suggests that a major amount was used.
A peek into the nearest stall reveals that Drake didn’t just scoop out the poop and pee. He replaced the old shavings with new stuff. I had explained the once-a-week, deep clean process while joking about my boss firing me for slacking off. Clearly, Drake was listening, and extremely well considering the task appears complete.
My focus returns to him. Everything else fades into a blur, which is becoming a habit whenever he’s around. “This is more than nice, trouble.”
He stretches, putting his captivating physique on display. “You flatter me.”
I scoff, but the sound lacks ire. “This is a huge job. How long did it take you?”
Drake glances at the rising sun behind me. “Not sure. I started at three.”
“It’s after six now.”
“Well, there you go. That explains why I had to pause and water your bushes.”
“I bet you did.”
His smirk isn’t apologetic in the least. “Why have all this land just to pee inside?”
“No judgment. I can pop a squat as steady as the next cowgirl.” My mind whirls in reverse. “Didn’t you work at Roosters last night?”
He nods. “The bar closes at eleven on Sundays. That gave me a few hours of sleep before I drove over here.”
That sends my curiosity in the opposite direction momentarily. “How’s your elusive house? Still standing?”
A chuckle bounces from him to chisel at the tension. “You’re always welcome over there. My bed is very comfortable.”
“Yet you left it after a short snooze. Just so you could clean the stalls.”
“Grand gesture,” he repeats.“I’d rather be here with you. No matter the conditions.”
I blindly reach for the closest surface before my knees give out. “It’s very much appreciated, but you don’t need to try this hard to get laid.”
“That’s not what this is about.” Drake straightens, seeming to measure the distance separating us. “I’m after your heart. Your trust. Your love. Your future. I don’t just want to date you, beauty. I want to keep you. Forever. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. Hard work doesn’t scare me. Besides, you deserve a day off.”
Good grief, this guy. The kindness in his tone strikes a very sensitive note. Conviction pulses from his broad frame and I’m captivated again.
Heat stings my eyes. I sniffle, wiping away the emotional evidence. Drake is too observant, already stalking toward me. His gentle touch swipes at a stray tear I missed.
Natural instinct has me leaning into him. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“Like in a good way?”
“The best. You saved me a lot of hard labor. My back thanks you.”
He deflates as if my answer is responsible for removing a pallet of bricks from his shoulders. “It’s good for me. I’ve been getting soft after leaving the league. Too complacent.”
“Oh, puh-lease.” I gesture to his chiseled abdomen. “Look at that stack.”
“Feel free to stroke me while you’re at it.”
“Shameless.” But I allow my fingers to trace the sculpted ridges.
His groan is paired with an obscene thrust from his hips. “Little lower, beauty.”
I eye the bulge below his belt. “My kids are asleep, but not for long. I’d hate to leave you hanging.”
He nods in understanding. “Blue balls is my least favorite color.”
My palms drift along his arms, pausing to squeeze his biceps. “How about a massage for now?”
“Happy ending later?”
“Of course.” I encourage him to turn, granting me better access.
His skin is still slick and I use that to my advantage. My fingers glide along his shoulders, curling into the impressive bulk. Soft, my ass. The man is a solid brick. There’s no squish to be found, only tough spots. A tremble ripples through him when I knead at a knot.
Drake’s head hangs forward. “Damn, baby. Go deep in there.”
“Just the way you like it,” I purr.
“Careful or you’ll turn me on.”
“Too late.”
He chuckles but the noise drops into a sigh as my thumbs press harder. My knuckles don’t stand a chance against his build. The pleasure oozing from him is distracting too. He’s warm and clammy and irresistible. His big body slackens, pliant for me. My mouth waters to lick him.
Soon I’m basically appreciating his brawn through languid caresses. My technique is far from professional, more gropey than relaxing or soothing. He doesn’t seem to mind based on the grunts and heavy exhales.
A quiet nicker on my left distracts me. “The horses are still locked in.”
“Yeah?” The confusion in his voice is warranted seeing as my statement is obvious.
I failed to recognize the implication earlier.
“You cleaned the stalls without taking them out?”
“Is that a problem?”
“No, it’s just much more difficult.”
“Really? Huh. Maybe they took pity on me. Except that one.” He points to a particular mare. “She kept nibbling on my pants.”
I pause Drake’s massage to stroke her velvet nose. “Doesn’t surprise me. She’s a bit of a troublemaker. You two have a lot in common.”
He joins me in pampering her with a scratch under her chin. “She must’ve sensed one of her own. What’s her coloring called?”
I pet her speckled coat. “Leita is a bay roan.”
“Beautiful animal,” he coos.
“Definitely a looker. Great on the barrels too. I haven’t listed her for sale yet but there’s already several very interested buyers. She has tons of potential.”
A swift maneuver has him facing me again. “You’re not keeping her?”
“For what?”
“To have as yours.” His brows lift.
“She would just waste.” But I’d selfishly considered the possibility of saving her for Kenzie and Charlie.
“Or you could take her to a show,” Drake suggests casually.
A sharp pang hammers my chest. “Not gonna happen.”
His lips press into a firm line, undoubtably trapping a retort. “Are you riding her today?”
“That’s the plan, but a bit later.”
“Fantastic.” He claps, rubbing his palms together. “Is there a horse I can hop on?”
My jaw drops. “You want to ride? Voluntarily?”
“Been waiting for an invite. I didn’t buy these boots for nothing.” He taps a sole on the concrete floor.
A peek at the expensive Ariats suggests those soles wouldn’t have met manure without my influence. The supple leather is still unblemished even after the hours he spent on chores. “Had those seen a speck of shit before this morning?”
“Nope.”
“Better get some miles on ‘em. Go open that gate.” I point at the one on the opposite end of the barn. “We’ll free the beasts.”
Drake’s feet remain firmly planted. “I’m not qualified.”
“It’s easy.”
The cowboy in training doesn’t look convinced and moves at a tortoise’s pace to fulfill my request. It’s actually very funny and cute to see his typical confident swagger replaced by apprehension. Once the route is clear, I begin unlatching the stalls. The horses exit their private quarters and form a single file line toward freedom. It’s a smooth transition that they perform twice daily.
Drake watches the practiced routine as if it’s a Broadway show worthy of an award. His eyes bulge as his fellow troublemaker stops to sniff him for treats. My heart flutters faster at the sight but I ignore the sensation. The roan mare settles for a ruffle to her forelock before she trots off to catch up with her herd. She bucks at the air, showing herself out with a proper farewell.
“Better keep an extra eye on her.” He shuts the gate while chuckling.
“Told you.”
“That was impressive.” His arm arches over the aisle where he just received our demonstration.
“They’re highly motivated by food and playing follow the leader.” I stand beside him, gazing at the paradise spread in front of us. “You’re a very capable stable boy.”
“Does the position come with benefits?”
“I could probably whip up a bonus structure.”
Drake bites his fist and groans. “Don’t tempt me or I’ll give you a private tour of the tack room.”
I snort at the mention of the random space. “Did you stumble in there by mistake?”
“Sure did, and it was hard to leave. The smell of leather and victory is very sexy. Those trophies are such a turn on,” he rasps.
“Maybe I’ll let you spread me over a saddle.”
“Now?”
I shake my head and begin backing away. “Still no. Rewards come after chores.”
“Delayed gratification? Kinky, beauty.”
“Especially once Billy and Gruff get their hooves on you again.” I wink and blow him a kiss. “Can you handle the goats and chickens? I’ll turn the horses out to pasture, portion their grain for dinner, check on the cats, and sweep.”
“Is it a race?” Drake stretches his legs, doing several lunges and flexes.
I study his effortless movements. Chester and Cheeto arrive on the scene, sensing the competitive shift between us. The dogs will herd the horses from dirt to grass for me. Too bad they can’t unlock the chain and save me a trip. But that won’t alter the outcome.
“Sure,” I quip. “We can make it interesting.”
“What do I win?”
“Presumptuous much?”
His eyebrows wiggle. “Just confident.”
“You have to beat me first, grand gesture.” My route to success is ready and set. “Go.”