Slowly, his lips curve into a grin. “You cooked me breakfast?”
My smile matches his as I make my way over to him for a quick kiss. “You told me not to help with chores, you said nothing about cooking breakfast.”
“No one’s ever cooked me breakfast before. And no. You think I’d bring him in here when I left you naked in my bed?”
Swallowing hard, I fight the unexpected sting of tears when he gently brushes my cheek with the back of his fingers. The gesture is so gentle. Filled with reverence. It makes me sad to think he’s never had anyone do something as simple as cook him breakfast. I can’t say I’m surprised, since he seems to have spent all his time trying to care for everyone and everything else. Including Boulder Ranch.
Before I can come up with a response, he captures my lips in a kiss before pulling back to study my face once again. “Thank you.”
Walking into the kitchen, he heads for the sink, leaving me staring after him as he washes his hands and then takes two plates and two mugs from the cabinet. It’s like we do this every morning. I join him at the counter and pour coffee while he fixes his plate.
“You have a long day ahead of you. I just wanted it to start off right,” I say with a nervous shrug.
“I love you.”
Judging by the look on his face, his words took us both by surprise. Warmth spreads through my chest as his words sink in. I don’t have to think about it. I love him too. Once again, I find myself blinking back tears as I part my lips to respond.
“You don’t have to say anything,” he breathes. “I just needed to tell you.”
I must look like a deer caught in the headlights, but it isn’t because I don’t feel the same way. It’s because I do, and it’s fucking terrifying. I thought I loved my ex, and maybe I did. But it was nothing like this. Trying to stay away from Tate, no matter how noble I thought my reasons, was torture because I couldn’t continue to ignore my feelings.
“I love you too.”
Chapter 32
Tate
WhatthefuckwasI thinking, taking this place over without having any help, or a plan? I’m beyond exhausted. So exhausted that I blurted out the three words I never thought I’d say to a woman. Not even twenty-four hours after she finally decided to stop giving a shit about what people think of our relationship. I continue to pace inside the barn, trying to get my head right.
“Tate?” Joy’s voice interrupts my spiraling. “Are you okay?”
I look up to meet her gaze. It’s no wonder she came looking for me. I insisted she come back here instead of going straight to Boulder Ranch tonight, but I’ve been avoiding her since she got here.
“I’m sorry. Just came out to clear my head,” I admit.
“How can I help?”
Surprised to hear that response, all I can do is stare at her for a moment. After inviting her here only to ignore her, she’s asking how she can help instead of telling me that I’m being a dick. If Gray ever decides to talk to me again, I’ll have to thank him for making me lose my temper that day. If I hadn’t been leaving the doctor’s office when I was, there’s a good chance I would still be miserable and alone. Albeit I didn’t realize how miserable I was until I allowed happiness to seep into my life.
“Sweetheart, you’re already helping. Come here.”
Tilting her head, she eyes me for a moment before straightening and closing the distance between us. She looks so good, if I was just riding, I’d suggest we skip tonight. She has on a pair of tight jeans that show off her soft curves and a tight black T-shirt paired with her trusty boots. Fucking gorgeous. I hold out my arms and she steps right inside, squeezing me in a desperately needed hug. Instantly my nerves begin to fade as I relish in her touch. I’ve gone my entire life without this. Without someone who makes me feel like things might be okay. Someone to make me believe maybe there is a reason I’m here.
“You ready?” My chin brushes the top of her head when I speak.
“When you are,” she says in a soft voice.
Since she no longer cares to keep things quiet, and everyone already knows about us anyway, I drive us over in my truck. It’s a short, silent drive. If I had to guess, we’ve both got a case of nerves, but for different reasons. I’m stressed out over tonight, and she’s likely worried about her decision for us to be seen together. I give her thigh a squeeze before swinging my door open. She meets me at the front of the truck before I can get around to open her door like I figured she would. But I jolt in surprise when she takes my hand and squeezes it a few times, flashing me a quick smile before letting go.
“It’s going to be great,” she reassures me. “I’m going to go get everything done in the stables and then I’ll come find you to see if you need anything.”
“Joy, you don’t have to work extra hard to prove anything to anyone.”
Grabbing my arm, she pulls me to a stop just before we reach the stables. “I’m not coming to find you as a hardworking ranch hand. I’m going to come find you as your girl.”
She says the words without hesitation, but her cheeks begin to flush, and she swallows hard. I randomly told her I loved her for the first time today, but she’s worried about calling herself my girl. God, I really do love her.
“I’ll see you later,” I say before kissing her on the cheek and heading for my office in the main house.
