Chapter 3
Bailey had no idea how much of a whirlwind her life was going to become. Lunch with Duke had turned into dinner a week later, another lunch date, and then another dinner date after that. Every moment they spent together, he bulldozed the barriers she’d erected and it scared her.
So why couldn’t she say no to him? Why did the thought of him make her giddy? She couldn’t ever recall feeling this way about anyone.
And that was the reason why she was still sitting in the driver’s seat staring out the window like a loon.
She didn’t know why she’d said yes to coming out to the cattle farm today but she had. A part of her wanted to see Duke in this element. A marketing consultant turned cowboy was a little of a stretch for her to believe.
But by all accounts of town gossip, he was doing a great job of it. There were also a few whispers of her because it was now clear that she and Duke were involved. Even though she was usually able to convince Duke to go the next town or two over for their dinner dates.
Yet, the one lunch date they’d had at a local diner had been enough to get some tongues wagging.
When the front door of the main house swung open, she realized she could no longer delay the inevitable.
Only she was surprised when an older woman stepped out on the porch.
She knew it wasn’t Miss. Jorie because the woman wasn’t old enough.
When she waved, Bailey pushed her door open and swung her legs out.
“Bailey?” the woman called out.
“Yes,” she confirmed cautiously.
“Hi, I’m Rae, the part-time housekeeper. Duke asked me to keep an eye out for you. One of the ranch hands hurt his back so Duke is a little behind with the evening chores. He’s finishing up in the barn. Can I offer you something to drink?”
“Um...thank you, but I’m fine. Can you point me in the direction of the barn?”
If her request seemed strange, Rae didn’t bat an eye. “Of course, just go around the side of the house and follow the trail toward the back. You can’t miss the corral or the barn.”
“Thank you again. Nice to meet you,” Bailey replied before heading in the direction she’d been pointed in.
As she cleared the house her breath stalled in her chest. It was beautiful.
Green pastures for as far as she could see.
Several of the black cattle roamed the enclosure and part of her felt a little guilty.
The steakhouse in town was one of her guilty pleasures and she knew they purchased their meat here.
Realizing that she was wasting time, she walked toward the barn, finding one of the main doors open. As soon as she stepped inside she realized why. The smell was horrendous. She fought back the urge to gag. Then Duke stepped outside of a stall carrying a bucket.
“Oh my God,” she mumbled.
Evidently, she was loud enough for him to hear her for he looked in her direction. The sexy grin he flashed her almost distracted her from the fact that he didn’t have on a shirt. That was what he’d been hiding under his clothes all this time?
Yes, she’d figured that he was in good shape because, during the handful of kisses that they’d shared, she’d always ended up clutching his firm shoulders are chest. But the sight before her was beyond her wildest dreams. Duke had a six-pack that tapered off into a sexy vee that begged to be touched.
The only blemish was a scar that seemed to start at the base of his throat and trailed down to the top of his abs. She frowned at the sight of it. Something like that could only be the result of a serious injury or surgery.
“Bailey?”
“What? Oh, sorry. I...was...uh...yeah. I’m here,” she stated weakly.
“I see. Sorry that I’m running a little behind schedule. One of the ranch hands has an old back injury that flared up today. But I’m done. I just need to get rid of this then we can head to my place for dinner.”
“Your place?” she parroted.
He nodded. “I took over one of the bunkhouses that was in decent shape. It still needs some work but it works for me.”
He continued toward the empty corner of the barn and sat down the bucket. “By the way, you look beautiful. New blouse?”
She smiled. “How do you always do that?”
“What?” he asked as he pulled on a blue button-down shirt.
“Know what to say to put me at ease,” she replied.
He frowned. “Are you nervous?”
“With you? Always,” she admitted.
“Why?” he asked as he motioned for her to go ahead of him.
“We’ve talked about this,” she reminded him. “This is new to me. Technically you’re the first man I can honestly say I’ve dated. I haven’t been able to keep a man’s attention long enough for it to be more than something casual.”
“You’ve been meeting idiots. Something I’m selfishly happy about,” he replied as they exited the barn. “You park by the main house?”
She nodded.
“Okay. I’ll lead the way to my place.”
He opened the door for her and then waited for her to get it. “It’s not far. See you in a bit.”
Duke closed the door, then walked a short distance to his uncle’s truck before climbing into the cab. True to his word they arrived at a quaint home that was perfect for a bachelor based on the outside.
But she was shocked when they stepped over the threshold. It was masculine and cozy but clean. It smelled like Duke, sandalwood, and leather.
“Make yourself at home. I need to take a shower, then I’ll get the food on. Fortunately, I seasoned the steaks this morning. Would you like something to drink?”
“I’m fine,” she murmured, still looking around.
“Okay. I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time,” she stated as she walked over to the photos lining the wall.
They were all candid photos of Duke. Most appeared to be with his family and a handful of friends. It made her realize just how he’d given up to move to Centerville to help his aunt.
“Hey.”
She jumped at the sound of Duke's voice before turning with a smile. “Hi. That was quick.”
“I’ve been gone for twenty minutes,” he replied with a grin.
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yes. Now, let me get dinner started before it gets too late. Want to join me in the kitchen? I don’t expect you to help, just keep me company.”
“I’d like to help,” she offered.
“I’m okay, but first, something I couldn’t do earlier,” he murmured.
Before she could question him, he pulled her into his embrace and lowered his mouth to hers. As usual, her brain completely short-circuited. She went up on tip-toe, clasping his shoulders as she leaned into him.
Arousal surged through her and she bit back a moan. What was too soon in her opinion, Duke pulled back.
“Hey,” he greeted with a grin.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“Come on. Tell me how your day was while we prepare dinner,” he stated as he grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the kitchen. “Did you do anything fun today?”
She washed her hands as she nodded. “Yes, I finished rebuilding the engine that I’ve been working on.”
Excitement and pride swamped her. It was a side project. One she’d started just to challenge herself. Other than verbal consultations with her father, she’d done it by herself.
“Nice. Congratulations,” Duke stated as he pulled a container out of the fridge. “What do you plan to do with it?”
She shrugged as she dried her hands. “I’m not sure. It was just a challenge to me. What do you need me to do?”
“I’m thinking of a salad and baked potatoes to go with the steaks,” he replied as he put the container on the counter. “Let me get you the stuff for the salad. I’ll work on the potatoes. I hope you don’t mind if I quicken the process by putting them in the microwave instead of the oven.”
She shook her head. “I don’t. I’m starving and I love Josie’s beef. I almost felt bad over admiring the cattle earlier while thinking about how good they taste.”
Duke laughed. “It is kind of weird, huh?”
“Yep, but it’s the circle of life, so.”
They made small talk as they moved around the kitchen making dinner. A short time later, they sat down at the table. She studied the food on her plate before looking up at Duke.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?” he asked.
“Making me feel normal,” she answered.