“Nope.” I wandered out the door and stopped by the couch to pet Akiva who was now very used to our shenanigans. She kept out of the way but always looked at us when we reappeared as if to sayAgain? in what I imagined was beleaguered disgust.
She did, however, buss into my petting and when I crossed to the door, she hopped off the couch to follow me.
“Wait.” Ramsay strode out of the bedroom, pulling up a pair of joggers.
My cheeks flushed at the sight of his gorgeous half-nakedness, his hair mussed from my fingers. Seriously, I was insatiable for him.
“Shoes.” He pointed to my feet.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Shoes. There are wood shavings and pieces of metal in there. Shoes. Or I carry you.” He pulled on his own boots with a warning, bossy glare that really should have pissed me off.
Instead, I felt warmed by his concern. I didn’t show him that, though. I huffed, muttering about him bossing me around as I pulled on my boots.
“You love it,” he grumbled, stalking out the door.
“Only when you’re inside me!” I called back.
He flicked me a heated, amused look over his shoulder before marching to the barn to open the door.
Suddenly nervous, hoping for both our sakes I loved the dresser, I hurried with Akiva to follow him.
Ramsay hit the lights and gestured toward the back of the workshop. “Here.” He guided me across the barn.
“It needs either a stain or paint, but I wanted you to choose that.”
We stopped in front of it, and I gasped.
“No. No paint,” I opined immediately. “Can I touch it?”
“O’ course.”
I smoothed my hand along the top of the sideboard. Like a traditional dresser it had a countertop and mounted to that was open cabinetry. Except Ramsay had added drawers between the top and the bottom to match the cupboards in the sideboard. There was space to display belongings on the countertop, maybe even put out breakfast items. And shelving on top to display the more elegant pieces I’d inherited from my grandmother’s crockery collection.
What made it modern were the clean lines, sharp edges, no fancy frills. And the legs, which were slanted at an angle with a midcentury modern vibe.
What made it beautiful was Ramsay had created it using small planks of wood to give the effect of herringbone.
It was cool and contemporary while still being beautiful. Exactly what I wanted.
“It’s stunning.” I opened the cabinets, inhaling the rich scent of the wood.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Turning to him, I slid my hands up his strong pecs and entwined my fingers behind his neck. It forced our bodies flush since I was quite a bit shorter than him. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
Seemingly uncomfortable with my gratitude, he gave my ass a little pat. “You’re welcome. Now, what color of stain to seal it?”
My lips twitched at his gruff subject change, and I studied the dresser. I couldn’t wait to see it in the dining room. “It matches the dining table we chose as it is.” He’d clearly paid attention to my overall design. There went my heart beating a little faster.
“So, a clear stain?”
“Yes. Please.” I bit my lip against a giddy grin as I stared at the piece of furniture.
Maybe … maybe he did care about me. Just a little.
Of course, I had to thank him properly.
