I lift my eyes to the house, seeing Elena leaning against the porch railing, her arms crossed, my shirt hanging from her shoulders, hitting about mid-thigh.
“You look after her,” I tell Chase, voice full of gravel.
He rolls his eyes, “You act as if you’ll be gone weeks and not the day turn around it’ll take.”
“I’m serious, Chase.”
“I’ll look after her,” He promises.
I dip my chin in a nod and then make my way toward her, watching her push away from the railing to meet me.
Her hands crawl up my chest, and then she’s on her tiptoes, her fingers holding my chin as she tugs me in for a kiss.
I ignore the hollers of the guys behind me and lose myself to her, feeling the most free I have in along time. I told myself I’d never lose myself to a woman, but here she is, stealing every part of me.
She really is the devil in lace. She didn’t need to ask twice before I sold my soul to her.
“Behave,” I break the kiss.
“I’ll be as good as gold,” She flutters her lashes. Behind her, Judge ambles out the open door and sits his ass down on the top step, watching us, his wiry grey fur all out of sorts. He needs grooming or something because that hair is getting out of control.
“I don’t believe you.” I kiss the corner of her mouth. “Just stay out of trouble.”
“How much trouble can I get in here?”
I laugh, “Too much.”
She flutters her lashes and gives me a sultry grin. “I won’t golookingfor trouble.” She promises.
“And stay away from Ralph.”
She snaps her head back as if I just physically assaulted her, “Fuck no.”
“He’s dangerous.”
“He is not,” She gasps. “He’s misunderstood. And he loves a little kiss on his nose. Maybe I should get a ball or something? I saw a video online once where this cow was playing with one, and honestly, it just looked like a puppy.”
I shake my head, “See you soon, Hellion.”
“I’ll be waiting, cowboy.” She kisses me again and then steps back, her hand falling to Judge’s head where she then scratches behind his ear.
My boots kick up dust as I make it back to the trailer, the cattle moving around inside. Chase dips his head, and I climb into the cab, starting the engine.
Unease knots in my stomach as I make my way down the long drive, the ranch house getting smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. I can no longer make out Elena on the porch, and when I crest the hill, she and the house disappear.
I’ll only be gone one day; I’ll be back by this evening at the latest.
What’s the worst that can happen?
CHAPTER 30
“Just blow it up!” I command, “That isn’t inflated enough!”
Chase cuts his eyes to me, his cheeks red as he pants. “You tried to blow one of these up before?” He huffs, “It’s fuckin’ tiring sweetness, I feel like I’m having a heart attack.”
I roll my eyes. “Stop being dramatic.”
He glares at me.
