11. Jack #2
Because suddenly, the thought of parading a bunch of women around this ranch, pretending like one of them could be my future, pretending like they could fit here?—
That doesn’t sit right at all.
Especially not when Cami’s standing right there, arms crossed, hazel eyes sharp, waiting to see how I react .
I clear my throat, rolling my shoulders. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
“Uh-huh,” the rancher says, amused. “Better hope your future wife likes coffee, ‘cause looks like she’s got competition.”
The crowd erupts into laughter.
I grumble under my breath, shaking my head, but I can’t stop my eyes from flicking back to Cami, who’s suddenly looking anywhere but at me. But I don’t miss the slight blush to her face.
Huh. Interesting.
Later on, Cami is busy as can be, and our meat sales skyrocket even more.
We are completely sold out of all our meat from the freezers, and we have a ton of future orders.
Tessa and Hank have hired a dozen new hands, and we’re going to be busy getting everything ready.
And this is just the benefit from her being here one day.
Having people like Maggie and Cami endorse us and bring traffic out here has worked wonders.
I've even had inquiries about horse training, which is usually my thing.
Weston handles the sales, Tucker handles the day-to-day ranch work, and I train and breed horses.
If we keep this up, it just might work. I just have to get through this ridiculous reality show.
I will admit that the show will bring many more eyes to the ranch and help us too.
So, I'm doing it. But I hate every second of this.
But having Cami here makes it ten times better.
By noon, things are slowing down at Steamy Sips, and Cami seems to be settling in nicely.
Ollie and I set up planters full of flowers in front of her trailer and add half a dozen more tables and a tent under Cami’s watchful eye, but I don’t miss the approval in her eyes.
Which is a good thing because it’s been packed, and the tent was needed.
Her coffee is just that good. People will go where she is.
Maggie, Mack, Poppy, and Violet all sit at the table and wave when they see me heading that way. Weston and Tucker must have the same idea because they're leaned up against the trailer talking to everyone as well.
I walk up and hear Maggie say, "That much tension? I give it a month."
Weston chimes in, "A week. Max."
"Y'all are weak," Tucker drawls. "They'll be making out by Friday."
"What are you guys doing?" I ask, but I already have a feeling that I know.
"Oh, just speculating on you and Cami," Maggie says casually with a grin like it's public knowledge.
It’s been hours, and Cami is still going like she’s powered by spite and caffeine.
Which, to be fair, she probably is,but that doesn’t stop me from watching her work.
She moves like she’s been doing this her whole life, slinging coffee orders like a professional, laughing with customers, handling the morning rush like it’s nothing, even though I know damn well she was probably up at some ungodly hour baking fresh pastries.
She should look exhausted and be worn out, running on fumes.But instead, she’s glowing.This is Cami in her element.
Face flushed, hair coming loose from whatever half-assed bun she twisted it into, flour still dusting the edge of her apron. She moves fast, sure-footed, sharp as ever, serving up coffee and baked goods that are to die for.
She’s the most exasperating woman I know. And the best woman I know. And somehow, she’s also the most beautiful damn thing I’ve ever seen. This is exactly why I need to focus on literally anything else.
Unfortunately, I don’t get that luxury because right then, Cami leans down through the window of her trailer, eyes glinting like she’s up to something. Soft music plays in the background, something slow and twangy, a stark contrast to the murderous look on her face.
I cross my arms, watching her carefully. "Are you selling coffee or plotting my murder?"
Cami doesn’t even hesitate. “Two things can be true, Jessop.”
Tucker, sitting nearby with his coffee, grins like a damn idiot. “This is fun. Keep going.”
I exhale, pinching the bridge of my nose and glare at him. “I should’ve left you at the feed store when I had the chance.”
Tucker shrugs. “Yeah, but then you’d make me miss out on all this.” He waves a hand between me and Cami like we’re some kind of live-action soap opera he subscribed to for free.
Cami grins at Tucker, then turns back to me, resting her arms on the counter, and glares. “Stealing a trailer is a felony, by the way.”
Then she looks at Tucker and over to me, “How’s your very own bustling empire?”
I look around. Sure enough, people are everywhere. Weston and Jenna are chatting it up with locals, and it feels like we actually have a chance now.
Farmers, ranchers, tourists, and even a couple of old-timers who usually grumble about anything new in town. They’re all here, sipping coffee, eating pastries, and talking.
The Jessop Ranch hasn’t seen this many visitors in years. And damn it, she brought this here.
I roll my jaw, giving her a look. “I’ll admit it’s pretty amazing. Thank you.”
Cami gasps, pressing a hand to her chest. “Oh my God. Did you just thank me?”
“I did," I admit with a grin. At this point, I don't even have any crap to give her. She's worked damn miracles just being here today for just one day. We've had so much positive interaction with the town today that this has been a godsend. I know a miracle when I see one.
She laughs, shaking her head before grabbing another cup to fill. The sound of her laugh settles somewhere deep in my chest.
Tucker leans back in his chair, grinning. “So, Cami, you gonna be here full-time now?”
She glances at me, her expression unreadable. “Still thinking about it.”
But I know that look. She’s staying.