Catalina
Iwanted to be a doting wife and accompany my husband on his ranch chores, but as soon as the smell of shit hits my nose, I’m done for.
Still, I insisted on coming. So I expect a reward once we’re done.
I’m standing at the edge of the pasture in my blinged-out boots, shorts, and one of Carter’s tees tied at my waist, watching my husband do the thing he was born to do.
He’s on horseback, hat pulled low, his voice carrying across the field as he whistles and calls to the dogs. Yes, we have two working dogs now, blue heelers. The cattle shift and move in waves, following his steady commands. He looks carved from the land itself, broad shoulders, reins in one hand, as the sun reflects off his tattoos winding down his forearm.
Sooooo sexy.
I lean against the fence with my arms crossed, pretending I’m not staring like he’s the star of my cowboy romance daydream. He sees me anyway, his blue eyes locking onto mine, a slow grin spreading across his face, a smile he only reserves for me.
“You just gonna stand there lookin’ pretty, darlin’?” he calls, voice low and teasing.
“Yes,” I shout back, dramatically. “This is my contribution. Moral support. You’re welcome.”
He shakes his head and chuckles, then whistles again, guiding the herd toward the loading pens. The dogs dart and bark, quick as shadows, keeping the cattle in line.
When he finally rides back toward me, sweat soaking his shirt, his grin is smug. “Told you it ain’t glamorous.”
I push off the fence, reaching up to brush dust from his beard, my heart pounds at the way he leans into my touch like it’s second nature. “No,” I admit, softer now. “It’s not glamorous.”
Smirking, I loop my arms around his neck. “But it is sexy.”
His chuckle is low as his hand slides around my waist, leaning down to kiss me, dust and sweat and all. “Good. ’Cause this is who I am, darlin’.”
Hours have passed, and I’m sitting in the shade, wondering if I’m dehydrated or in a coma from horse shit.
Carter swings down off his horse, his boots hitting the ground hard. He wipes his forehead with the back of his hand and squints at me.
“You look real comfortable over there,” he drawls.
I gasp, clutching at my chest. “Excuse me? I’m providing emotional support. Do you have any idea how exhausting it is to sit here looking this good while you’re covered in cow shit?”
He snorts, shaking his head. “You ain’t even touched a cow yet.”
“Yeah, and I don’t plan to,” I fire back, wrinkling my nose as one lets out a loud, wet moo. “They’re terrifying, Carter. Look at them. They’re huge and judgy. That one over there just gave me side-eye.”
“That one’s a steer, darlin’. He doesn’t care about you.”
I point dramatically. “He cares.”
Carter chuckles, and I want to be annoyed, but it’s stupidly hot. “C’mon,” he says, crooking a finger at me. “You wanted to see what I do, you’re gonna help.”
I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes. “Define help.Because if it involves me being trampled to death, I decline.”
“Just stand by the gate, baby,” He smirks, “Wave your arms if one tries to bolt. That’s it.”
“Oh, sure, just wave my arms. Easy.” I toss my hair, climbing the fence, “If I die, tell Layla and Amelia I love them, and make sure my bow is buried with me.”
Carter groans, dragging a hand down his face. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet you married me,” I sing-song, giving him a dazzling smile.
He steps close, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his voice dropping low enough to make me shiver. “Best damn decision I ever made.”
I blush hard, then immediately cover it with a dramatic sigh. “Ugh. Stop being sweet when I’m trying to complain.”
