“You okay?” he asked, not for the first time. He had a feeling she wasn’t about to admit if she weren’t or if she needed to stop for a break. He wasn’t sure how she was managing to keep going like she was. For him, it was different—he was used to this sort of work. She wasn’t.
Raven clenched her jaw together, determination spread across her face and nodded.
He glanced behind him and was relieved to see they were almost at the stack of feed.
“Drop it here, on top.”
He saw her about to lose her hold and quickly changed his grip to take the bag.
“Fuck,” she cursed as he took the bag, swinging it easily on top of the pile.
“Did you hurt yourself?”
She shook her head. “I just was so close to getting through without dropping a bag. I wanted to show you that I could do the farm work with you.”
Ben’s heart melted hearing her words. He strode over, scooped her up into his arms, lifting her off the ground. A surprised squeal came from her as he spun her around before lowering her back down.
“I’m so impressed with you.” He gazed into her eyes. “You worked so hard.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
“How impressed are you?” She raised an eyebrow suggestively.
He grinned. “This impressed.” He pressed his lips on hers, slowly parting them with his. She leaned into him, returning the kiss, and he felt the connection between them intensify.
“I don’t think you’re really showing me how impressed you are.” Her eyes sparkled with cheekiness.
He blew softly on her neck, nibbled at her skin playfully, enjoying seeing her shiver with pleasure.
“Better?”
“Getting there. My arms are a bit sore. Come to think of it, I’m sore all over.” She pushed her body into his.
“Are you suggesting something in particular?” He knew damn well she was angling for a massage.
“Whatever you think would show me properly how impressed you are with my work ethic.”
He grinned, reached down, and grabbed her hand. “We better go inside then.”
“And why’s that?” She let him lead her back toward the house.
“Follow me, and you might well find out.”
“Sounds like an offer too good to refuse.”
“You better believe it.” He glanced at the shed and noticed his mom’s car wasn’t there. “And things have just gotten even better for us.”
“How?” She frowned.
“Mom’s car isn’t in the shed, so the house is ours.”
Raven squealed playfully, shook her hand free from his and started running toward the house. She looked back over her shoulder. “Hurry up, then.”
Ben laughed. He didn’t need to be told twice. He rushed to catch up with Raven. He might not be about to be harvesting because of the weather, but this was the perfect way to spend a hot afternoon.
“I need a shower first,” said Raven as she opened the screen door. She hated to think how badly she must smell right now, and her clothes felt like they were clinging to her body.
