CHAPTER 7 #2
“I hope you were able to use that Bibb lettuce before it went bad,” I tease Cliff.
Kendrick huffs out a laugh next to me and shakes his head. “I should have known you already know each other.”
“We do,” Cliff agrees, his weathered face breaking out into a grin. “Can’t say I ever knew her as your woman, though.” There’s a warning in Cliff’s voice, but Kendrick doesn’t seem even a little bit worried about it.
“Didn’t know she was my woman until she almost knocked me on my ass in the middle of the market.”
I roll my eyes and sass him, “I did not almost knock you on your ass.”
“Coulda fooled me,” Kendrick shoots right back, a twinkle in his eyes as he looks down at me.
Without thinking much about it, I tip up on my tiptoes and lean in to kiss his cheek. Right before my lips brush against his skin, he turns his head and our lips meet. It’s chaste, as far as kisses are concerned, but a blush still coats my cheeks and neck.
“Well,” Cliff can barely contain his laughter, “ain’t that something.
” When we turn toward him, Kendrick with a shit eating grin on his face and me with my eyes on the ground, he teases, “I guess you have an even better reason to stick around than this old ranch, an ornery father, and some cows who have seen better days.”
“I’m staying,” Kendrick’s voice is filled with resolve.
“I can see that,” Cliff agrees with a nod of his head. The look he gives us is filled with pride and it makes me stand a little taller.
There are plenty of people who won’t understand and who will try to warn me away. They’ll point to the rumors which used to swirl around Kendrick. They’ll paint a picture of him even though I’m sure most of those people wagging their tongues never took the time to get to know him.
We’ve spent a lot of time talking over the last week. Sure, he was a kid who didn’t have as many rules as he should have, but he had heavy expectations. Wasn’t he also supposed to have fun? Why was everyone judging him for it and making assumptions?
But, then again, I know all about those kinds of assumptions. I lived in them and cowered before them.
As Kendrick pulls me out of the barn, I wave at Cliff who tips his hat toward me. It makes my heart flip in my chest because of how much gratitude and respect exists in the simple gesture.
When we get back to the house, I pull Kendrick toward the swing on the porch. He follows me willingly. He could easily dig his heels in, and I wouldn’t be able to pull him anywhere.
Once we’ve settled, I give his hand a squeeze. “Now,” I prompt, “tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Nothing,” he rushes out, “I just wanted you to see the ranch because I’m always talking about it.”
While he’s telling the truth, I can feel there’s more to it. He doesn’t realize how his eyes soften, and his spine straightens when he talks about Watts Ranch. Pride radiates off him whenever he’s talking about how he’s going to turn this place around.
Well, if he can figure out who is behind all the things that have been going wrong.
“How about a reward for telling me what’s really going on in your head?”
His head snaps around and his eyes darken as he looks at me. “What kind of reward?”
I make a humming sound and tap my lips like I have to think about it. “I don’t know, but I’m sure you would enjoy it.”
Kendrick’s hands grip my hips tightly as he picks me up and sits me on his lap. I let out a shriek of surprise which turns into laughter as I wrap an arm around his shoulders and hold on. His crooked grin is back and just as sexy.
“How about we make out?”
I bite my lip and look up at him from underneath my lashes. “I’m sure it could be arranged.”
When he kisses my forehead, I melt into him and snuggle against his strong, broad chest. He tucks me into his body and grips me tighter against him, like he needs me close.
“I’ve gotten used to being here and getting the things done that need to be done. When Dad comes home tomorrow, he’ll throw everything off. He’s going to try and get out there and work before he’s ready without caring about his health,” his words come out in a rush.
“Are you worried he’s going to have another heart attack?” I whisper the question and feel his body tense underneath me.
“Yeah,” he grunts. He looks out over the land, the expression on his face turning pensive. “And that he’s never going to trust me with this land. That he’ll only see the kid who walked away instead of the man who came back to stay.”
“Just give him some time,” I murmur as I reach up and run my fingertips along his jawline. “Give yourself some time too. It’ll work out.”
“How do you know?” He looks down at me, his eyes searching my face.
“You’re family,” I remind him. “He’ll see who you are and the work you’re putting in. You both need to give each other a chance.”
“Maybe,” he murmurs. He smirks down at me, his voice dropping to something downright seductive. “I believe you promised to make out with me.”
“Promised?” I arch an eyebrow in challenge. “Is that what happened?”
Kendrick doesn’t answer. We both know I didn’t say it, but I didn’t need to either.
His mouth slams down against mine and my arm tightens around his shoulders to ensure I don’t fall off his lap as I turn into a puddle of desire. This man. The way he makes my body light up should be illegal.
I never want him to stop. Even if it’s wrong. Even if it doesn’t make sense on paper. Even if everyone is against us.
While we kiss, the heat between us rises. We cling to each other, our lips meeting with little moans and growls coming from our chests. I want more. I need it.
But I’m not sure I’m ready.
Kendrick doesn’t push; he just kisses me like he’s savoring the way I taste and never wants to let me go.