She crosses the room, resting a hand on my forearm, giving it a small squeeze. “I get it. Mindy knows all of my secrets. The good, the bad, the ugly. Animals are our comfort creatures, and you acted quick when you realized Zeus wasn’t being himself.”
“I can’t imagine life without him, even though that’s dumb. I know pretty soon everyone leaves, but he’s always been larger than life. Tough. Able to face anything, and then I saw him visibly unwell. My soul may have left my body for a second or two when I found him.” I palm the back of my neck, taking a breath as I relive those moments out loud.
She nods. “I know exactly what you mean. He’s your boy.” She smiles softly, taking a sip of her coffee. I do the same; it’s just what I needed.
“Were your parents happy to see you?” I ask after a few moments of silence.
“Yes, they were very surprised.”
“After Christmas Day, things slow down a lot until January. That’s when people will come back and we’ll replant their trees. If you want, you can help Mom and Iz in the Lodge once we’re up to date,” I say. “I know they’d appreciate the help.”
“I’m done with all the paperwork,” she says. “I’m happy to do whatever you need me to, so yes, I can help in the lodge. I’d be more than happy to help with replanting too.”
“You would?”
“Sure.” She shrugs. “I think it’s an amazing thing you offer, and a beautiful way to replenish and give back. We call it upcycling in the city.”
Her eyes meet mine and the air practically crackles between us.
She’s so fucking beautiful. The stars would be jealous if they could see her tonight.
This tension, it’s been brewing for a while now. Maybe Sadie is right about me self protecting, and I’ve been an ass about it. I never meant to put her off.
“I’m your boss.” The words are out before I can stop them.
She blinks. “I know that, Zane.” Her hand is still touching me, it feels warm and electric.
“We probably shouldn’t go there.”
“Why? It’s not like I’m going to be working for Lawless Farms forever.”
I raise my brow. “Oh, really? Sick of us already?” I never believed Sadie was here for the rest of her life. I know how gun-ho she’s been to get back to New York. I’m not an idiot. But over the last week or so, she’s mentioned it less and less.
“No, not nearly. Your family has been amazing. I’ve felt more at home here than I ever have in New York. I miss my friends, but?—”
“But?”
“Wow, I can’t believe I’m saying all this, but I don’t know. Maybe New York doesn’t have the shine it used to have.” She tucks a lock of golden hair behind her ear. “Maybe I like this small town and the people in it.”
“Do you like me,Manhattan?”I need to know.
Her lips part, and the sweetest words come out of them. “Yes, Z. I like you.”
My mouth feels dry. I know how to talk to women, heck, I’ve bedded plenty in my heyday, albeit there hasn’t been anyonelately. But with Sadie, it’s not like that. I want to spend more time around her, and I want to get to know her.
“So, you agree this is a dumb idea?” I shift, placing my coffee on the ledge nearby. I take her cup from her as she steps back.
“Y-yes.” Out of nowhere she reaches out and pulls on the lapels of my jacket. Not pushing me away, but pulling me closer. I glance down at her hands, needing more of her touch. She sparks something in me that lights everything up, things I thought I’d long forgotten about.
“I’ve tried to stay away,” I mutter, my hands moving into her hair as she lets out a groan that goes straight to my dick. “I swear I have, but I just can’t seem to get you outta my mind.”
“I feel the same.” Her breath comes short and raspy as she steps back. I move forward until her ass hits the back of the stable wall. I cage her in. My big body towering over her tiny frame. She’s smells like fucking Christmas in a bottle. Winter weather. Vanilla. Cookies. Jesus, this woman is the definitive of an angel.
My forehead presses against hers. “What am I gonna do with you,Manhattan?”
Her chest rises and falls, I know it’s not possible, but I swear I can hear the racing of her heartbeat. “I’ve got a few ideas, none of them are decent.”
“Such as?”
