“We’re just getting food,” said Ben defensively.
“Sure, sure. Now go.” He shooed them away.
“Come on, it will be good to have a quick break. I’ll have to spend some time watching out for this little fellow and his mom.” Ben took Raven by the hand and guided her out of the shed. It felt great having her by his side with the prospect of a future together.
Raven couldn’t believe that she ate a dagwood dog. It was disgustingly delicious. It was a whirlwind. She’d started the week expecting to enjoy a fling with Ben, and now she was at the Show helping him clean out the dirty straw from Evie’s pen. Lunch was fun talking, getting to know him, and finding out details about his life that she had longed to know. This was the last thing she’d been expecting to be doing this morning when she left Ben’s hotel room.
The day had passed quickly. The baby alpaca was still a bit wobbly on his legs but was getting more confident every minute.Just how I feel. She hadn’t been sure about a relationship with Ben, but the more time she spent with him, the better she felt. There were, of course, the details that needed to be discussed. But she didn’t want to do that. Not right now. She didn’t want to ruin what was turning out to be one of the best days ever.
“Is there anything else you need me to do?”
“I’ll feed up for the night in a minute.” He paused. “You don’t have to do all this work, you know.”
“I don’t mind. In fact, I’m enjoying it.”
“Really?” She saw his grin. Her stomach twisted a little. It wasn’t a lie. She really was enjoying doing the work only because he was here with her.
“Yes. But don’t tell anyone.”
He laughed. “Course not, I’m keeping you all for myself.”
He planted a kiss on her cheek. The sort that was quick but warm and full of potential.
“I don’t think I’m doing it right, though.”
“There’s not much you can do wrong. So consider yourself hired.”
“Good rates?”
“The best in town for you.” He winked at her. “You get me.”
She giggled. “Then I’ll make sure I collect my payment later tonight.”
“I’m all yours.” His smile faded. “Ummm… I might need to stay here for a while tonight, though.”
“Oh, delay in payments already? That didn’t take long. You just wanted to snag me first.”
“Not at all. I just need to make sure—”
“I know. The alpacas come first.” It was a joke, but he didn’t smile. A shadow crossed his face. What am I missing? It was hard to change from a fling to something serious, Sure, there were feelings between them, real and reciprocated, but they lived such different lives.Will that be our undoing?She felt her knees wobble. So many emotions in such a short time.
“You always come first. I want you to know that. It’s just well, you’re taking on a farm and the care of the animals as well when you’re with me. I don’t want to sugarcoat it or string you along.”
“You’re not.” She appreciated his honesty. But how could they work out the details now when realistically, they were still getting to know each other.He just got a big tick for honesty and respect.
She could see him struggling with her response. “How about I stay with you tonight? I mean, I’ll stay here with you. I’ll get my payments later, and trust me, I’ll be making sure I cash them in.”
“If you insist. You don’t have to. This is my responsibility, and I don’t want to burden you.”
“You said it yourself, you come with a farm and animals to care for. Best I get an idea of what that really means now.” And that she meant. “Besides, it will be fun staying here with you in the shed. Who knows what might happen?”
“Anything could happen.” He raised an eyebrow in a suggestive motion.
Anything could very well happen, indeed, and she had a few things in mind if the opportunity presented itself.
Ben enjoyed the way Raven curled up next to him while they sat on the hay bales. They’d eaten a decent meal at the member’s dining room and now were back on watch duty. The little guy was doing very well, and so was Evie. He reckoned another hour or so, then they could leave. Though, for once, sex with Raven wasn’t so much on his mind. He was still in a bit of shock that they agreed to be in a relationship. Now that they were sitting and chilling, the day’s work done, the shed going quiet as the last of the public were ushered out for the day, a little doubt was creeping in. She’d helped him top up the water and feed the alpacas and didn’t blink an eye about doing the dirty work cleaning out the straw from Evie’s pen. Just the sort of woman who would fit in his life on the farm. And that was the issue.Would she want to move?She was a city girl. Did she want a life-change like this? He hated how as the day wore on, this thought bugged him more and more, and it was getting to the point where he couldn’t ignore it any longer.
It was all very well admitting that there was something between them, that they essentially agreed to be in a relationship, but would the relationship work long distance? That wasn’t what he wanted. If it meant that was the only way he saw Raven, then maybe he would have to make it work because he didn’t want to think what it would be like to no longer see her.
