Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
He leaned closer, peering at my sketches of the cabins. We had discussed the water supply and the wells on the property, as well as the septic needs. Agreed on the maximum number of guests that could be on the ranch without putting a strain on the entire system and structure. He’d been informative and knowledgeable, and my notebook was filling with our discussion. “Why do you have notes that say ‘Ask Dad’ scattered all over the place?”
“Oh. My dad was in construction. I can ask him questions about load-bearing walls and things.” I took in a deep breath. “I was thinking about asking him to come out and help refit the bunkhouses.”
He frowned. “Why would he want to do that?”
“Because I asked him to. He’d bring a few other family members, and they’d do an amazing job. Save some money on construction costs.”
“I wouldn’t ask him to do it for free. I don’t need handouts.”
I shook my head. “He would love it. So would Hunter. Some time on a ranch? Ride the horses, breathe in the fresh air—see the beauty of this place?” I grabbed his hand as he started to shake his head. “Besides, my mom and aunts want to come here when it’s ready—you can comp them in, like a trade. My dad would be so amazing here. He is such a great builder.”
He blew out a long breath, and I held mine. “Do you involve your father in other projects?”
“No,” I answered honestly.
He studied me. “Why?” he asked quietly.
“Because I want this to be great for you.”
He shifted, bringing his chair closer. “Why?” he asked again.
I shrugged, unable to tell him. To say out loud how important it was that this be successful. That what I planned and my ideas helped him keep his ranch. Made him happy. I didn’t understand it, so I couldn’t explain it to him either.
He reached out and ran his finger over my cheek. He tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear, brushed my earlobe with his fingers, tugging at it. “You’re going to be trouble for me, aren’t you, Lady?” he murmured. “Big trouble.”
“I’ll try not to be.”
He lowered his head, and he came closer. “I don’t think either of us can stop it.”
I felt his breath on my face. Smelled his clean scent, the heat of him. I lifted my hand, covering his that now cradled my face, his callused skin rough on mine. My gaze fixated on his lips. I wanted to feel them on mine. To taste him again. I leaned into his caress, and he pressed forward, his mouth descending.
“Hey!” A voice rang out.
We pulled apart as if we were on fire. I almost fell off my chair in my haste. Luke grabbed my arm, steadying me as he rose from his seat. “Rach?” he asked. “What are you doing here?”
Rachel was tall with blue eyes like her brother, although her hair was lighter. She looked weary, although she beamed in welcome as I shook her hand. I smiled as I watched Luke pull her in for a hug.
“What’s going on?” he asked. “How’s Tyler?”
“Grumpy and bossing me around. So, in other words, on the mend,” she replied. “His mom is with him, so I came home to get some sleep and fresh clothes. What did I interrupt?”
“Um—” Luke looked uncomfortable as he scrubbed the back of his neck.
“I was showing him some ideas. He was asking questions,” I said smoothly.
Her brow furrowed. “Oh. I’d like to see too.”
“Why don’t you relax for the night, and I’ll show you in the morning?” I suggested.
She smiled. “That actually sounds good. I need a soak in the tub and some sleep. Food, too, if there is any.” She sniffed the air. “I smelled something good when I walked in.”
I jumped up. “Let me get you a plate.”
She sat with Luke, and they talked quietly as I heated some casserole for her. I observed the way he acted. Listening carefully, rubbing her arm, reassuring her in his low voice that everything was going to be fine and he would make sure the farm was okay and the project moved forward so she could concentrate on Tyler. He was in big-brother mode—one I recognized because of the way Reed was with me at times. Caring, protective, and loving. It was nice to see that side of him.
I turned and stirred the casserole on the plate, popping it back in to finish heating.
Rachel had interrupted more than us talking. A shiver ran through me as I wondered what she would have seen if she had been a few minutes later. Would I have been on Luke’s lap as he kissed me? Wrapped around him as his mouth devoured mine? God knew I wanted that to be the case. Internally, I shook my head as I pulled the plate out from the microwave. I couldn’t decide if it was a blessing or a curse she had arrived when she did. I only knew I was torn.