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)
She flung her arms around my neck, kissing me back. “So, you’re not mad?”
I lifted her off her feet, holding her close. “I’m mad, but we’ll deal with that later. Show me all the buildings, Lady, and explain them. I want to see my happy cows.”
She grinned up at me. “Come on, then.”
I let her pull me around the ranch. I had to admit, the buildings all looked good. Way different than I would ever have chosen, but good. Rachel appeared, and I gave her a hard time for the first few moments until she slapped my arm and told me off. I walked between my two favorite women, wondering if I’d lost my balls somewhere. Their enthusiasm and happiness trumped my anger, dissipating it completely. I could barely keep a straight face when Rachel informed me egg and milk production were up. “That happens on occasion,” I murmured. “Not sure we can credit color changes with an increase in eggs.”
Sammy sniffed, indignant. “Whatever, Cowboy. I researched the colors.”
“I have no doubt you did.”
Back at the house, we sat on the porch, and I relaxed, leaning back in the rocking chair. It felt good to be home, odd colors dotting the landscape or not. Sammy went inside when her phone rang, deep into planning mode with someone from her team. Rachel watched her, then turned to me.
“She worked really hard, Luke. Overseeing, painting, planning. She’s been going nonstop since you left. Try to show some gratitude. She is doing all this for us, you know.”
“I’m aware. I didn’t tell her to repaint, and I’ll get used to the colors.”
“You should take her to dinner. Say thanks.”
I looked at the bright blue sky, felt the warmth of the breeze. Inspiration struck, and I grinned.
“I’ve got a better idea. But I need your help.”
“You got it.”
“Great.”
SAMMY
I rubbed my temples and double-checked all the lists I had. If everything stayed on track, I would complete the project on time and, even more important, on budget.
I stood and stretched, then headed out to the porch. I was surprised to see Maverick there, but I assumed Luke would immediately head back to work. The man really needed to learn to take a break once in a while. I had heard him and Rachel talking, and they were in and out of the house as I spoke with various members of the team, ensuring everything that needed to happen behind the scenes was being done. But I couldn’t see either of them, so I sat down with a sigh.
Luke accepted the painted buildings far easier than I expected. I was certain we were in for a large blowup and angry words. Instead, he had been more amused than anything. Annoyed that his opinion hadn’t been sought, but he gave in fairly quickly.
I heard footsteps and saw him walking toward the house, full saddlebags slung over his shoulder, including what looked like a bedroll. I felt a flash of disappointment. He just got back, and he was going somewhere overnight? I watched as he fitted the saddlebags on Maverick, talking low to the horse and patting his neck. He came over, dressed in jeans, his shirts layered, dusty cowboy boots in place.
He leaned on the rail, frowning. “Everything good, Lady?”
“Yes,” I replied.
“You look like someone rustled your favorite calf.”
“You’re going somewhere?” I asked.
He grinned. “That’s why you’re upset?”
“I’m not upset,” I replied, tossing my hair.
“Then when I tell you I won’t be back until the morning, you’re okay with that?”
I was shocked to feel my bottom lip quiver a little. He was leaving.
“Whatever, Cowboy. You don’t owe me any explanations.”
He chuckled and flipped up the brim of his hat. “So, I guess you’re not interested in a night under the stars—with me.”
I sat up. “What?”
“Me, you, dinner, and camping out. Cowboy style. No tent, no glamour. I’ll make us dinner and build us a campfire, and we can talk about the colors you chose. How much you missed me.”
“I never said I missed you.”
He leaned forward, his voice low. “I think you did.”
“Maybe a little.”
“I missed you, Lady.” Then he grinned. “I’ll show you a rope trick or two if you’re good.”
The sadness disappeared, and heat set in. Everywhere. “What do I need to bring?”
“Something warm like a sweater or a jacket. Your toothbrush. I got everything else we need. Grab some marshmallows from the cupboard.”
“That doesn’t sound very cowboy-ish.”
He laughed. “It’s this cowboy’s favorite.” He stood, eyeing me. “You have ten minutes, Lady. Move that sexy ass of yours.”
I jumped up. “I only need five.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
SAMMY
I nestled back against Luke’s chest as we headed up the mountain. Or hill. Whatever. When I asked him why only one horse, his reply had been simple.
“I get to hold you more this way.”
I was good with it. He pointed out the trail for hiking, various pretty spots people could visit. He made his way to a location he was obviously familiar with. A nice brook bubbled and danced in the sunlight. Lovely tall trees surrounded the area, and there was a level surface with scatterings of rocks and a well-used fire pit.