Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
JOEY
Ihave to stop myself from flying down the road to the ranch. I’ve never been so excited to get to work. Because I get to see Sam again.
After working nights and then being off with Max, this is the first time I’m going to see him since we slept together.
Excitement bubbles up inside of me.
I don’t know what is going to happen with the two of us, but being with Sam last week was better than I ever could have imagined.
I don’t want it to be a one-time thing. I want him every chance I can get him.
Pulling into the employee lot, I pull down the visor and give myself a once-over. I fluff my hair and swipe a coat of lip gloss over my mouth.
Perfect.
I can’t wait to find Sam later today, but when I walk into the lobby, he is standing behind the front desk.
Guess I don’t have to look too hard for him.
“Morning.” I smile at him, walking around the desk and stuffing my purse into the drawer.
“Morning, darlin’.”
No one is around. It’s still early. Breakfast won’t start for another hour, and with our staggered start times, I’m guessing Reenie is back in the office.
I let myself take him in. Somehow Sam looks even sexier now than he did a few days ago. Maybe it’s because I know what he looks like under these jeans and tight tees.
Abs for days.
A light smattering of chest hair.
And the holy grail of dicks.
I try not to squirm at the thought of him filling me. How he stretched me and made me ache for him.
“Thinking some pretty heavy thoughts there it seems.” Sam steps closer to me, his presence overwhelming in the best way.
“Thinking about how we might be able to spend our lunch break today.” I walk my fingers up his chest.
“I wish, darlin’. I’ve got a group going out for a picnic today.”
“Shame.”
The side of his mouth quirks up. “Think I could take you out?”
“What do you have in mind?”
“There’s line dancing a few towns over. Think you could work that out?”
“I think I can.” My mind is already spinning, wondering if I can get Max a babysitter.
Life of a single mom.
“Come find me if you can work it out.” Sam takes a few steps back.
I watch him go. No ass should look that good in jeans. It’s mouth-wateringly delicious.
Grabbing my phone before starting on the list of reservations today, I fire off a text to the girls.
Joey
Anyone available to watch Max tonight?
Rylee
I think Uncle Chase and Aunt Rylee can watch him
Georgia
I’m free too
Presley
He’s more than welcome to come hang with us
Y’all are lifesavers
Rylee
What’s going on?
I might have a date tonight
Rylee
Seriously?!
Georgia
So exciting
Presley
Do we get deets?
No
Presley
For real?
I don’t want to jinx anything
Rylee
When will we get to find out?
Rylee
We at least need to know where you’re going so you won’t get kidnapped
There won’t be any kidnapping
And I promise I’ll be safe
In more ways than one, please
Presley
Damn, G!
Rylee
Just looking out for our girl
If you don’t mind, Presley, I think Max would love a playdate with Poppy
Presley
Bring him on over
Presley
I’ll try not to burn the grilled cheese
Rylee
What she means is she’ll totally burn it and then Kade will have to make macaroni for them
Presley
Rude! I’m not that bad
Georgia
We love you, Pres, but not for your cooking skills
I plead the fifth
Presley
I hate you guys
Rylee
Love you too babe
I shake my head, laughing at my friends. I don’t know what I would do without them. They’re always there to jump in when I need help and they make life a little easier.
With Max taken care of, I let my thoughts drift to Sam.
A date with Sam. Getting to go out with him and be together where no one knows us. A pleasant shiver racks my body.
I cannot wait for tonight.
The morning goes by in the blink of an eye.
If I’m not helping guests or confirming new reservations, I’m doing my best not to focus on tonight.
With a junior baseball team coming to stay at the guest house—Kade’s idea to bring in more revenue by allowing kids to stay in bunk rooms—I’ve got my work cut out for me.
Until Rex comes out from the kitchen.
“Either of you want to run this out to the barn?” he asks, two picnic baskets in hand. “We’re kind of tied up in the kitchen with tonight’s tasting menu.”
“I’ll do it,” I say, a little too eagerly based on the look Reenie casts my way. “What? I don’t mind getting a little sunshine.”
“Whatever you say.”
I take the baskets and head out the back door. I’m not ashamed to admit there’s a skip in my step. I feel like I’m in high school again with a crush on the cutest guy in school. Except the guy feels the same way.
The doors are flung open with some of the horses moseying out in the pasture. With the mountains in the distance and the sun shining overhead, it’s a picture-perfect day.
Strolling inside, I head to the offices in the back. A few of the ranch hands are talking with Sam when he spots me.
“Joey. Is that our lunch delivery?”
I grin at him, holding up the baskets. “It is. The guys got busy and Rex asked me to deliver it.
“That’s awfully kind of you.” A lazy smile spreads across his face. “Why don’t you guys finish tacking the horses and I’ll make sure everything is ready for our ride.”
“Yes, sir.”
They brush past me and I smile at them. I’ve only met them briefly, but Sam has told me what good workers they are.
When they’re all gone and the door closes, I turn my attention back to the man who captured it.
“Sir? Is that something I need to be calling you?”
Sam grumbles, closing the distance between the two of us. “You call me sir, darlin’, and our secret might be blown.”
“Mmm.”
I’m tucking that away for later. I’d do anything to make Sam lose his mind.
“Any updates on tonight?” he asks, taking the baskets from me and setting them down.
“Taken care of. What time should I be there?”
“What if you meet me in town? Say at the park? I think that’ll work.”
“Perfect.”
It’d be so much easier if we didn’t have to sneak around, but it is what it is. I’ll do what’s necessary to have a night with this man. Just the two of us.
“I’ll see you then, darlin’.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Joey…”
I wink at him before I can do anything else. Like press up onto my toes and kiss him.
“See you later, Sam.”