28. Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Maci
B y Monday, my wound is almost completely healed. The skin will never be unblemished again, a reminder of what I fought to keep that night. I haven’t made it by Nana’s yet, but other things are getting back to normal.
I spend the morning catching up on work and emails and preparing for my holiday mini-sessions in Austin, and decide to wander around the property to take some more photos.
I’ve always loved family photography, but there’s something majestic about photos of the ranch and animals. Aside from a few curious stares, the animals largely ignore me.
Coming up on the backside of the stables, my attention is drawn to Cody and Jason repairing one of the gates. Unlike Sutton, they both wear various ball caps with jeans and their t-shirts most days. I manage to get a few candid shots without them noticing me. Johnny Walker gives me away by sauntering to the fence closest to me. I rub his muzzle. “Hey, boy.”
He gives me another solid bump.
Cody perks up at the distraction, waving in my direction. I snap another photo. He has such an innocent disposition, my heart warms at his genial demeanor. I wave back with a smile, just as my phone rings in my back pocket.
Hank.
“Hey, Hank,” I say cheerfully.
“Hey, Maci. How are you?” His voice is like smooth waters, calm and unbothered.
“Honestly? Taking it day by day.” I hardly know Hank, but he has a way of grounding me and seeing to the truth of things, like Sutton.
“I don’t know if I have the right words to make you feel any better, especially given everything that’s happened in the last few weeks. But I’m sure whatever you’re feeling is natural. Do you have anyone to talk to? Family, at least?”
Johnny Walker blows into my hair as I lean my back against the fence. “Yeah, Liv and Randi. I have some girlfriends and my boyfriend, Sutton. His family is amazing. Actually, that’s where I’m staying.”
“Good. I’m glad. Speaking of Liv and Randi, I’m calling them next. I need to have you and Liv come by my office to fill out a bank affidavit to distribute the funds allocated to each of you in the will.”
“Oh.” With everything going on, I’d forgotten about probate. “Sure, I can come by.”
“Perfect. Once you do, we’ll initiate a wire transfer.”
I contemplate briefly. “I didn’t pay attention to the amount. Do you think it’s enough to retain a lawyer?”
“Well, I can’t speak on specific rates, each lawyer is different, but yes, I would think so. Do you need an attorney?”
The weight on my chest has returned. “I’ve been trying to cooperate with the investigation, but I think I underestimated how long it would go on. I was defending myself, and with the other reports about incidents with Colt, and the fact that he approached me at Nana’s, I thought it’d be a done deal.”
“Yeah, I can see that. Unfortunately—and fortunately—even in self-defense cases, the department should be conducting a full investigation.” He pauses. “I’m sorry this is happening.”
I fill my lungs to the point of bursting before releasing my breath. “Yeah…me too. Thanks.” Johnny nibbles my hair and I jerk away. When I turn around, Sutton is standing on the other side of the paddock, studying us curiously. I can’t tell if it’s directed at me or his horse.
“I’ll stop by to fill out the form for you. Thanks again, Hank.”
“You bet. Bye, Maci.”
After hanging up, I pocket my phone and begin to make my way around to the front of the stables. Sutton meets me there.
“You trying to steal my horse from me, Firecracker?” His hands rest on his hips, his head cocked to one side.
I chuckle. “I beg your pardon. I think your horse is after me.”
His lips purse. “This seems to be a recurring thing. Pretty soon, I’m going to have to start defending my property.”
A startled laugh bursts from me. “So long as we agree that doesn’t apply to me.”
His eyebrow hitches, but he grins. “Everything ok? I saw you on the phone.”
“Oh yeah. Just Hank updating me on probate. I need to stop by his office soon.”
He nods and reaches out to pull me closer to him. His voice is low. “Does he have an associate who could represent you?”
“I don’t think so. I think he’s a junior partner or something, but the firm is all estate lawyers as far as I know. I can ask when I stop by.”
Sutton drops his chin, looking pointedly at me. “You can, but will you?”
I stick my tongue out at him. He shakes his head and kisses the top of mine.
My fingers draw on Sutton’s bare chest as I study his face. One arm is behind his head and the other is wrapped around me as we come down after a figurative romp in the hay.
His eyes are closed, but I know he’s awake.
“Wake me in the morning, Cowboy.”
“Hot date?” His voice is playful and croaky as his eyes peel open and he peers at me from the side.
I smack his bare chest and he snatches my hand in his, bringing it up to his mouth to kiss. He may have already had his way with me, but I’m happy to indulge in another round.
“I’m going to Austin tomorrow, remember?”
He says nothing, flipping my hand over and kissing the open palm. My core throbs. This man and his mouth.
“How long will I be without you? Because as I’ve said, I’m wholly addicted.” He scrapes his stubble against the sensitive skin.
I grin against his pec. “I’ll be back after dinner.”
“Unacceptable.” His tone is serious despite the joke.
“Besides the holiday mini-sessions, I’m going to stop by my apartment. I need to get some clothes and check the mail. Organize a few things before the move.”
He turns his head my direction. “I don’t want you worrying about that. I told you I’d go up there and help you get everything squared away.”
I roll my eyes and his grip on my wrist tightens. “Don’t sass me, Firecracker.”
A huffed laugh bubbles out of me. “I know what you said. And that’s fine. It’s just a little organizing.”
“You’re still healing.” Before I can argue, he tightens the arm I’m tucked in and slips the other hand to my waist, pulling me atop his body.
“It seems to me you only want to use me for your pleasure.” I lean down and dance my lips over his.
His head lifts up from the pillow to get closer. “I distinctly remember you telling me to have my way with you.” One hand comes off my waist and he grips the back of my neck, forcing my head down so he can kiss me deeply.
When I pull back, breathless, I barely manage to whisper, “That was a one-time thing.”
“Liar.” He nips my lip. My hips rock against him instinctively. “You ready for me to light you up again, Firecracker?” His fingers wind through my hair.
“I’m always ready for you.” I raise my hips and he reaches between us to guide his shaft through my waiting heat. He slides fully into me before pulling me down for a searing kiss.
My side protests that I’ve been doing too much lately, but there’s no way I’m stopping. Instead, I grind harder as he thrusts deeper, both of us seeking something only the other brings.
The moment our breathing rights after finishing, he scoops me from the bed and carries me into the bathroom as I giggle like an idiot, until he sets me in the shower and turns the spray on.