“How long do you figure before it’ll be ready?”
They’d hardly finished repairing the east-side fencing. The north was in worse shape. Soon he’d be out of time off. But he could work later hours if it meant a source of income. Maybe beg a couple of owed favors off buddies. Especially to accommodate one of the most prestigious ranchers in the area. “Couple weeks.”
“Send a lease agreement over for me to review. Just see to it’s not a day longer than two weeks before I can move my herd,” Joe said. “I can’t afford to wait longer than that.”
Hudson didn’t bother to ask why Joe was leasing land when his own ranch was over a thousand acres with plenty of decent grazing land. Maybe it had more to do with Jed than anything else. It wasn’t his place to question. He was grateful for the business. “I’ll get that sent over right away.”
Joe tipped his hat and continued down the sidewalk.
Despite the monumental task ahead of him, Hudson felt relief. He’d been getting harassed almost daily about allowing hunting on his land, and now that there would be cattle grazing, he had a stronger reason to say no.
“Good news?” Reese asked when he hopped in the truck.
“I think I’m getting a lease for the grazing land.”
“That’s great!”
“It’s definitely a start in the right direction.” He backed up and headed down the road toward Ronnie’s house, feeling more confident about everything. He still had to work with Paul Whitfield, the wheat farmer, on next year’s crop, but one victory at a time.
“What are you going to do with the rest of the stable?” Reese asked as he snaked up Ronnie’s driveway. “Are you going to board horses or get more? Maybe breed them?”
He recognized that twinkle in her eyes as wheels turning. “I thought about boarding horses, but I don’t have the manpower to pull off that operation. The two I got are low maintenance, and manageable. Even when Jed heads off to college.”
“You meanif?”
“About that.” He reached for her hand and squeezed. The jolt of electricity was stronger than ever before, but he held on through it. “I was hoping you might help me bring up the subject.”
“Ah, that’s what his dad wanted.”
“Would you mind? I’m not asking you to change his mind or anything. Just . . . plant some seeds? Feel out how head-over-heels he might be for the mystery girl?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll think of something.” She glanced toward the front porch. “We’re being watched. Better go inside before your sister thinks we’re up to no good.”
He held on when she tried to wriggle her hand free. “Or we could make out in the truck to see how she reacts.”
Reese’s cheeks turned deep red, her eyes darkening a shade. The swirling magic from the night before returned, daring them to give in. He hadn’t kissed her in months. “Hudson, we can’t.”
“I was teasing,” he finally said, despite his erratic pulse. “Let’s get inside before she comes after us for being late.”
Chapter 10
Reese
Reese leaned over Cami’s crib, unable to tear her eyes away from the sweet, sleeping child. Never mind that the toddler threw not one, not two, butthreetantrums during their visit. One in particular with ear-splitting screams. Or that she made a complete mess of her dinner, and bath time to get lasagna out of her hair brought onanother. Reese’s heart was still full.
“She’s an angel, isn’t she? At least when she’s not screaming like she’s possessed.” Hudson’s soft, deep voice gave her shivers in the dark room. She’d slipped away to use the restroom and thought no one would know she was here.
Despite witnessing Cami at her worst, Reese could hardly believe it true now as she stared at the sleeping girl. She looked too peaceful. “She’s perfect.”
“You want kids?”
She gripped the edge of the crib tighter, her shoulders tensing. He’d never asked this question before, and if he had, she doubted it would’ve held the same weight as it did now. “Someday.”
“Even after tonight?”
Reese laughed softly, though Ronnie promised nothing short of a bomb could wake Cami once she was knocked out. Maybe not even then. “I know it’s not all snuggles and giggles,” she admitted. “But without challenging moments, how do you know to appreciate the extra special ones?”
Hudson took a step closer, a wafting of cologne she hadn’t caught a whiff of since her last visit months ago drifting toward her. She should leave now, before Ronnie or Becca came looking for her. Or she did something foolish like follow through on that kiss.Why can’t I stop thinking about kissing Hudson Ross?
