“Good?”
Wiping my mouth before leaning forward on my elbow, I crook my finger. “You didn’t tell me you could cook.”
The air grows heavy with his face so close to mine. Breath fanning out over my cheeks, hiding the flush from thinking about him bending me over this kitchen island and taking me right here, I study his face. The tiny flecks of gold mixed in the deep brown of his eyes and the freckles that line his nose from years in the sun. Even the fine lines that frame his eyes, along with those long lashes.
With a brush of his lips against mine, a shiver works through me. His grin spreading knowing the effect he has on me. “You didn’t ask.”
He’s right, I haven’t. The few times we’ve eaten here, I’ve cooked for him. Something I’ve never enjoyed doing for anyone but my grandmother. Somehow, though, being in Gray’s presence, it felt so natural.
Leaning away from him, the first slivers of daylight trying to peek through the clouds, I can only smile at my fortune in meeting this amazing man. “Show me how to be a rancher, cowboy.”
Stalking around the island, Gray slips his hand around mine, kissing my knuckles. Our eyes never break contact. His dark and mine light. A perfect contrast.
Without a word, he leads me through the French doors off of the kitchen and across the back patio, Bull and Bronc at our heels.
“We’ll keep it simple today. Looks like another storm is rolling in.” He looks up at the sky, the brim of his backward cap hitting his upper back. A different one than I’ve seen him wear since we met.
“Where’s your normal hat?”
He only grins at me. “Someone got it wet in the shower last night.”
“Shit. I forgot. Sorry.”
“Nothing a little time can’t fix.” His added wink sends butterflies soaring into my belly. Damn, will that ever fade?
Gray is quick to walk me through his morning routine—an endless list of things he has to do every day, often by himself. I don’t understand how he does it. We’re not even done in the stables, and already, I’m itching for a nap. Too bad I won’t get one since I have six surgeries today.
The cows are our last stop. While Gray feeds them, checks the fences, and tosses out hay, I greet each one. Same as the last time, I hug and pet them. One calf deciding to lie down next to me in the wet grass while snuggling into my side.
“All set.” Gray walks up, tucking his gloves in his back pocket.
The roll of thunder makes me flinch, the air suddenly thicker.
Bolting up, I dust off the back of my sweats. “We’d better hurry.”
He takes my hand, our steps quick as we walk back toward the house. Just as another crash of thunder sounds, the first raindrop hits my cheek. Cold and harsh against my skin.
Tugging Gray’s hand, I try to get him to move faster. If we’re caught in the rain, we’re both bound to end up sick. “Come on!”
But he doesn’t quicken his pace, releasing my hand when the sky opens up. I immediately take off running, only to turn back to find Gray standing there, his arms out to the side, face turned up to the sky.
The thick sheet of rain pouring down doesn’t faze him at all. His clothing clings to the muscular frame of his body. Every groove and curve accentuated for my viewing pleasure. His back rippling with each inhaled deep breath.
“Gray! Gray!” I call, making my way back to him. “What are you doing?”
He’s silent for a moment, his eyes pressed shut. “Letting the rain wash away all the negative shit of the past.”
He says it as if it is so obvious. As if it’s something he’s always done.
Standing beside him, I tilt my head back, too. “What are you doing, River? Get inside.”
“No.”
“River.” His tone a warning.
“If you’re going to wash away the bad shit, then so am I.” Spreading my arms, I let the rain pelt into me, soaking through his sweatshirt and joggers. “Maybe it will wash away everyone who ever made me feel like I’m not good enough.”
My smile spreads, feeling as if a weight has lifted. Only when I open my eyes, Gray stands directly in front of me. Those brown beauties are filled with what seems to be every emotion under the sun. Sure hands grip my cheeks before his mouth collides with mine. I cling to his wrists, pulling him closer. Holding him in place because I don’t want this moment to end.
