Chapter 40
Istayed up way too late trying to figure out an alternate plan for saving the Turner Ranch, so I’m dragging this morning. Mawmaw’s already drinking her coffee, dressed and ready to open the diner. I still need to get dressed, but first I’m gonna enjoy this cup of sugary caffeine.
“I’d ask if you had a long night, but I don’t recall hearin’ company,” Mawmaw says with her coffee lifted to her mouth.
“I’m tryin’ to figure somethin’ out for Indy’s summer camp,” I admit, maybe Mawmaw’s got an idea I haven’t thought of.
“Mmm,” she nods, looking back down at the paper for the Ridge. “What’s wrong with the camp?”
“Indy says her Mama told her they won’t be able to open next year.” Slumping down into the seat, I drink a long swing of coffee and feel it warm my body from the inside out.
“Hmm,” she raises a brow and looks at me.
“She had a brilliant idea for a fundraiser, and I know it would’ve worked too, but the town council shot us down,” I admit.
“What kind of idea?” Mawmaw asks, setting her cup down.
“A carnival, with games and a bake sale,” I yawn, “but I’m not sure where we could do it. I mean, Spencer would probably be okay with it here, but parking–”
“What about the Turner Ranch?” Mawmaw interrupts.
“I did think about it, I mean, they’ve got a lot of land, but her Mama said she would never approve it…” My brain’s churning a mile a minute trying to find a way to run this by Spencer and Heath.
“I’m sure you can pull it off, Loo,” she says, laying a hand on my shoulder and walking back to her room. “I’ll drive separately today.”
I’ve got to get everything ready for dinner with Reese tonight, but I’m gonna head to the diner for a bit to make Sunday pies.
Rushing around the house, I make sure my hair’s as smooth as it’s going to get and head down stairs.
I’ve got the stuff I need in a bag in the fridge ready to take to Reese’s house.
Everything else is sitting on the counter waiting to be put into the bag, and once it’s in, I head out to the truck and start down the road.
Thoughts about what I’m making for us tonight swirl in my belly because I hope he likes it.
I’ve got a stash of cookies in the bag too that I managed to make at the diner this morning.
The drive feels short, probably because I’m starting to second guess my choice for dinner, but as I pull into the ranch, I see Reese standing on the front porch waiting for me. His smile sets my nerves at ease, at the same time it sets my core aflame.
Meeting me at the truck, he helps me out and wraps his arms around my middle. I jump up and wrap my legs around his as our mouths meet. He kisses me, his lips slow, tongue lazy as it mingles with mine.
Pulling back, I grip the back of his neck and tangle my fingers in his hair. “Hiya, Old Man.”
“Hello, Goldie,” he purrs and lets me down.
Fixing my dress, I have to open my door again, to reach across the bench seat and grab the bag of ingredients. “Fuck,” I curse when it spills over and Reese laughs, jogging to the other side and picking up all the things that fell out.
Holding up a block of cheese, he looks my way. “White cheddar?”
I smile across the cab and grab everything else, shutting the door he joins me on the porch and leads us in. Heading for the kitchen, I put the cheese, mayo, minced garlic, butter and chipotle sauce in the fridge.
Reese has the bread and stash of cookies in his hands, laying them on the counter he smiles.
“Are you ready to help me cook?” I ask, smirking his way with my hands on my hips.
“I’m ready for whatever you want to throw my way tonight, Goldie.”
The way his eyes roam over my body makes me want to say to hell with dinner and get right to dessert. Not the edible kind. My whole body vibrates with anticipation. Ever since that kiss at the rodeo, I’ve thought of nothing but having my way with him in bed.
“We’re alone this time right?” I ask, stepping toward him as his eyes drink me in.
I’m wearing a dress I’m not confident enough to wear out in public yet.
Briar helped me pick it out, it’s tighter than what I normally wear, a deep purple that makes my freckles stand out against my skin.
The straps are thick, with the chest piece crossing over in the front, pressing my boobs up.
“We’re alone,” he nods, clenching his fist against the counter.
“And if I were to ask you to fuck me, would you do it?”
His eyes close and he lets out a breath, “I’d do just about anything you asked of me.”
“And if I told you I want you bare, and I’m on birth control, would you fill me up so when I walk around while I cook for you, I can feel it leaking out of me?”
He groans low and watches as I sway toward him, licking my lips and stopping when my body brushes against his.
He blinks, looking down at me. There’s a rumble in his chest, a small shiver when I touch him, and when I step up on my toes his hands circle my waist and our lips meet in a frenzy of energy.
I gasp, and his tongue invades my mouth.
His hands move up my body, squeezing, driving me mad with need.
His hands make their way to my hair as he positions my head the way he wants, taking the kiss even deeper.
I moan as his hands tug my hair back and his mouth carves a trail across my jaw, down my neck.
“Reese,” I moan, pressing my body into his.
“Mmmm,” he rumbles, pressing another kiss to my lips. “Follow me.”
I do, completely lost and flustered, I’d follow him straight to hell if he asked. He maneuvers through the living room, stopping to kiss me every now and again as we stumble our way to his bedroom. I’ve never seen it, but I know it’s his, the smell alone gives it away.
Smooth dark chocolate and a hint of crisp whiskey. It’s almost dizzying.
He leads me in, allowing me a moment to look around at the deep earthy tones. His bedroom’s cozy, painted a deep tan with a few books on shelves.
Turning around, I wind my arms around his neck and press my lips against his. His palm spreads wide against the small of my back, the other cradling my head.
“Tell me you want this,” I breathe between kisses.
He chuckles, the vibration against my skin drives me wild. “I can’t begin to tell you how much I want this.”
With a grip on his belt, I pull the leather through the belt loops and he reaches back with one hand to tug off his shirt. His hands come around my shoulders as he wrestles with the zipper going up my spine.
Gliding it down, the dress falls away, leaving me in the lacy dark-green matching set I’d put on in hopes that we’d end up here.
“Goddamn.”