Chapter 2
Chet was surprised to learn that Jenna’s rock was confirmed gold.
She’d been fairly certain it was and was eager to get it tested.
Over the years, Uncle Chester’s determination there was a major gold vein on the ranch had waned into a tall tale.
He had long since died, and the drive to find the gold had died right along with him.
Which if Chet thought about it, was sad.
Old Uncle Chester had been a character, and preferred living up in his cabin by the creek with his old dog, mule, and horse, alone in the bush. The quintessential Mountain Man. Chet smiled remembering him.
It wasn’t until Jenna’s visit last winter, when she’d learned of Chester’s search for gold and his history, had she brought the idea back to life.
So, Chet had indulged her. Why not? He loved seeing her enthusiasm.
So, he was shocked as shit to discover the sample she’d found was placer gold and once it had been confirmed, she was overjoyed.
It was close to half an ounce, and proved to them that there was gold in them there hills. Now they had to make decisions.
He’d organized a team of geologists to do what they do.
Chet knew Jenna wouldn’t be left behind and she’d joined him when he took them up to the creek.
He’d made them sign an NDA, because neither she nor he wanted this to get out in the world.
Both of them were well aware of the impact of mining, and depending on the deposit type, how it could affect the land
Their private cabin had become a hub of activity.
Jenna and he settled in the cabin, while the team had their own tent city of sorts set up.
Jenna was like a mother hen, fussing over them, making sure they had everything they needed, food, drink, facilities, that the horses and mules they’d use to bring up supplies were cared for.
She hovered around them, watching them like a hawk. Which she was doing now. They had two nights remaining here at the cabin. She was always looking over their shoulders as they sampled and recorded their finds.
The murmur of their voices was comforting and every now and then she pointed to something and they explained what it was they had found. Their patience with her was admirable, but he needed to give them a break to complete their work.
Chet went to her and took her hand. “Hey, darlin’, how about we give these boys a bit of a break? Let them do their thing. Let’s go for a ride. I’ve got our horses tacked up and it’s a sweet mountain morning, perfect for a ride up to the high meadow.”
She faced him, concern etched on her brow. “Should we leave them? Won’t they need us?”
Chet gently tugged her to the lean-to where they’d shared a steamy kiss last winter in the middle of a snowstorm.
“They’ll be fine. It’s what they do. C’mon, we could use a bit of private time as well.” He waggled his eyebrows and smiled when he saw her eyes dance.
“Oh, you mean private time as in you and me, naked on a blanket under the blue sky?”
Chet grinned. “Clever girl. I knew you’d suss it out.”
“Let me grab a few things for the ride.”
“Already done. I’m a step ahead of you. Let’s ride,” he said and led the horses out into the sun. “See, backpacks are full, blankets tied to the back, we’re all set.
“Oh, you’re such a good man!” She placed her hands on his cheeks and pulled him down. “You shall be royally rewarded when we get to the meadow,” she whispered against his mouth.
“Exactly what I wanted to hear.”
She easily swung into the saddle, and he did as well. They waved to the men working under the tents and rode off into the trees.
The week had come to a close and the geologists were satisfied that their roaming around and recording all the areas they explored and sampled was enough for now.
A few sites had been identified as possible for the origination of the deposit and samples would be sent off once they came down from the mountain.
Jenna lay in his arms, her body coated in a sheen that glistened like the gold she was seeking in the early morning light after a slow and lazy love making session.
“Sounds like the guys are getting up and packing. I’ll have to make them some breakfast.” Jenna rolled onto her belly, rested her chin on his chest, and gazed into his eyes.
Lord, how he loved this woman.
“They told me last night they wanted to head out quickly and there was no need to prepare anything. They have snacks to tie them over.”
“They’ll at least want coffee!” She exclaimed and crawled over top of him, her breasts temptingly brushing over his flesh.
How easy it would be to snag her and pin her down to the bed, but he let her go. “If you insist.”
He watched her dress and get the coffee on.
A big old pot that she’d found here in the cabin the last winter.
Chet rested against the pillow with his hands behind his head.
He could watch her all day just doing her thing.
She moved with a grace that took his breath away.
He was relieved that his kids liked her.
A lot. That made things so much better with the plans he had.
Soon the aroma of coffee filled the cabin and he forced himself out of bed, dressed and went over to her, snaking his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck,
“Oh, hey now!” She squealed and turned in his arms to face him. “What if I’d had a tray loaded with full mugs of hot coffee?”
“Oh, I knew you didn’t, and you know how I can’t keep my hands off you.” Chet let her slip out of his grasp and pick up the tray she’d gotten ready. “Open the door and I’ll carry it out. I’m sure the guys want to get back down the mountain.
The team disbanded, and they were alone.
Now all Chet had to do was try to dissuade her from heading home at the end of the month. His heart ached at the thought of her leaving him again. He wouldn’t try to change her mind as it was up to her, but he did have something up his sleeve.
He glanced at Jenna beside him and smiled.
She was inspecting the rocks in her hand.
The sun shone through the back window of the truck, setting her hair afire with sparks of copper.
It had lightened the past few weeks from being under the mountain sun.
She had tanned too, a lovely golden tone.
Surprising for a redhead, but beautiful.
“Hope you’re not nervous about the barbeque tomorrow, darlin’.”
She glanced at him and smiled. Chet couldn’t help the surge in his heart rate. She was so goddamn gorgeous and to think, she wanted to be with him. He still couldn’t get over that.
“Not at all. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and meeting your parents. Finally.”
He nodded and turned his attention back to the road leading to his house. Or mansion, as she called it.