18. Val
EIGHTEEN
VAL
Ever since our hookup in the laundry room, my body had been a coiled spring, ready to explode. I craved his touch. The tender familiarity that we shared at the farmers market was surprising, but not unwelcome. Being there, walking around and enjoying the day together, was freeing.
Back at Redemption, acting like there was nothing more between us than friendship was significantly harder.
Every glimpse I caught of Evan roping cattle or bending to rake out stalls had my body thrumming with desire. It had been two days, and besides the occasional hot look he’d shoot me across the barn, we hadn’t had a single opportunity to sneak away.
Gemma was also proving to be a pesky little cockblock.
I’d learned that they stayed together in one of the larger cottages, and that meant his space was off-limits. If we wanted to hook up again, we’d have to get creative. Much of my day was spent fantasizing about all the places I’d let Evan push me up against a wall and take me.
Spoiler: pretty much everywhere.
I missed his hands—the way his wide palms claimed me and stroked fire down every inch of my skin. I could tell he was frustrated too. He was grumpier than usual, and a time or two he snapped at a worker for no reason, only to exhale deeply and walk over to apologize.
That was one of the things I’d grown to appreciate about that complicated and brooding man.
If he was quick to temper, he was just as quick to apologize and try to make it right.
It didn’t matter if it was Gemma he snapped at or a ranch hand—he treated everyone with the same respect.
Having grown up in a home where my parents never apologized but rather swept things under the rug and pretended as though they’d never happened, I was shaken to my core.
How could someone so selfless and kind get caught up in the criminal lifestyle he’d led?
It was a struggle to remind myself of who Evan truly was—at least, who he had been—and to make sure I wasn’t viewing him only through my extremely horny rose-colored glasses.
As if I’d conjured him straight from my thoughts, I smelled his delicious man smell before I sensed Evan behind me. As I stood in the corner of the barn, finishing up my chore list, his front pressed into my back. His breath hot on my ear.
“Tonight.”
A thrill ran through me.
God, yes.
I could only nod.
One large hand squeezed my hip before he slid something into the back pocket of my jeans and stomped away, his heavy boots softly echoing through the large barn. I stood for a moment, my eyes closed and already missing the heat of his body pressed against me.
I glanced around, making sure none of the other workers saw us and appeared suspicious. He’d slipped a small piece of brown paper into my pocket. I unfolded it to find his small, blocky handwriting.
I can’t think of anything but you.
Tack Room, 10 p.m.
Simple and to the point—my heart tumbled at his words. He seemed just as affected by whatever this was between us. I glanced at the clock. It was going to be a long seven hours.
“What are you looking for exactly?” Gemma flipped through the clothing rack in Johnny’s boutique.
Something your brother can rip off me.
“Um ... I’m not really sure. Just something that makes me feel more me .” It wasn’t a total lie, but I added for good measure, “All the work clothes just make me feel kind of gross sometimes.”
“I hear you. I wouldn’t have been caught dead in this outfit.” Gemma gestured to herself in work boots, jeans, and an oversize flannel, and we shared a laugh.
I flipped through a few more tops but wandered closer to the small table with delicate bras and underwear laid out.
“Special occasion?” Johnny’s upbeat, playful voice startled me, and a fresh blush heated my cheeks. I moved away from the table and scanned a new rack.
“Me? No. Definitely not.”
He quirked one eyebrow, clearly not believing my bullshit.
“That’s too bad. My aunt Trina lives over in Chikalu Falls, and she’s an absolute genius when it comes to women’s undergarments.
She sent over a few items last week to see if they’d be a hit here in Tipp.
” Johnny moved toward the table again and rearranged a few delicate, silky pieces.
“She has a knack for picking the perfect set to have any man eating out of the palm of your hand.”
“There’d actually have to be guys around here worth feeding first,” Gemma chimed in as she walked up.
I bit my lip, trying to reel in the bubble of nervous laughter that threatened to escape. Johnny pinned me with a stare. “That’s too bad. You know, it never hurts to have a set or two, just in case.” He shrugged. “And there’s nothing wrong with having sexy underwear that’s just for you.”
Gemma was enticed by his words as she looked over the small display. Deep down, I yearned for something lacy or silky. Something that would surprise and, hopefully, delight Evan.
“Maybe something fun just for me would be nice.” I did my best to sound as casual as possible.
“Mm-hmm,” he agreed.
The options were limited but a sexy step up from anything I’d worn before. I found the few lacy thongs I’d packed too scratchy for the grueling, sweaty work on the ranch, so I’d all but abandoned them for the more functional underwear I wore when I was on duty. Beige was decidedly un sexy.
I let my fingers roam over the silky fabrics, and one deep orchid purple set caught my eye.
It wasn’t overly intricate, but the smooth fabric was thin and luxurious.
The matching balconette bra had a thin feminine lace.
I imagined how hot it would be to feel Evan’s mouth on my nipple as he toyed with it through the delicate fabric. My nipples tightened in anticipation.
“This one.” I had to clear my throat, thick with desire.
Johnny winked. “Perfect choice.”
“I’m getting some too. I like the black lace. So hot. ”
I nodded in encouragement. Gemma may be younger, but she was a woman in her own right and deserved to feel sexy too.
With my new lingerie tucked away in tissue, I found a simple black wrap dress that complemented my curves.
I really had nowhere to wear it, but I meant what I had said—work boots and flannel shirts were fine, but sometimes I just wanted to hold on to the last, fading bits of me .
This dress was something I would have chosen for a night out in Chicago or a dinner date.
Something small and sharp twinged in my chest. There was excitement sneaking around with Evan, but given our current situation, we could never go out on a proper date. It would always be lies and secrets. The truth was too risky.
As Gemma continued to browse, I went to the register.
Johnny’s voice was low enough so only I could hear. His eyes flicked in Gemma’s direction. “Are these for a certain tall, dark, and stunning man?”
Panic flickered through me, but there was something deep and trusting about Johnny. “Please don’t say anything,” I pleaded. “Not even to Gemma. I could lose my job and they could be in danger if anyone uncovers his connection to before . Besides, his future is here and mine isn’t.”
He straightened, rang up my items, and squeezed my hand as he handed the small bag to me. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Relief flooded through me.
When we finished walking through town, we grabbed a bite to eat at the local coffee shop and café, Brewed Awakening.
I looked at the coffee shop’s sign with the happy little mug with hearts for eyes and chuckled at the pun.
Warm, smiling faces greeted us both, and I was reminded of the small-town charm I’d only ever read about or seen in Hallmark movies.
In the late-afternoon summer sunlight, the entire town felt enchanted.
Safe.
It was a feeling I couldn’t quite place, but it felt altogether glowy.
Later, Gemma drove recklessly down the open roads, reminding me that I should offer to drive next time. She then dropped me off at the lodge before bouncing down the dirt path toward her and Evan’s cabin.
Four hours to go.