“Why are some of your bags in here?”
Sky screeched and spun around.Her hand went to her chest as she fought for her breath.Her heart seized at the expression on his face.She didn’t understand why Jared was so angry.
“So, I could find something nice to wear tonight.”She exhaled as he relaxed.
“I know we have a lot to talk about, but we need to get to the dining room before Abby starts yelling.”
Sky chuckled.“I can’t see that sweet woman yelling at anybody.”
Jared snorted.“Just wait.”
Jared was pulling out Sky’s chair when Abby came into the room carrying two large plates.
“Thank you, Jared, for being on time for once,” Abby said sarcastically.
Jared laughed at the look of surprise on Sky’s face.
“See, I told you she could get mean.”
Abby chuckled and turned to Sky.“But never with you, Honey.Only big obnoxious cowboys that don’t know how to tell time.”
A gruff laugh spilled out of Jared.“Abby, do you see what you’re doing to Sky?”
“Sorry, dear, but this man is notorious for being late.”
“But I always have a good excuse.”
“Yeah, I’ll give him that.Now, maybe he’ll be on time more since he has someone to come home to at night.”
Sky smiled at the way the two bantered with each other.It would take a while before she got used to it, but she looked forward to watching them like this for a long time.
“Thank you, Abby, for the wonderful food.It looks delicious.”Her plate held a rib-eye steak, a baked potato, and asparagus.On the side was a small salad, and on the other sat a scrumptious-looking chocolate cake on a small plate.Abby had even gone and made the table look romantic with a white tablecloth and crystal glasses, silver, and China.It was beautiful, but Sky was uncomfortable with how intimate it made the atmosphere.They didn’t know each other well enough for that.
“You’re very welcome.I’m going to head home and give you both some privacy.Just leave the dishes, and I’ll get them in the morning.”Abby turned at the door.“By the way, congratulations, you two.”
“Thank you, Abby,” they both said in unison.
Sky jumped when a warm hand landed on her arm.
“Sky, look at me.”He nodded when she immediately lifted her eyes.“You will never have a reason to fear me.”
She relaxed a bit.“I know that, or I am pretty sure.It’s just that I’ve never done this, and I don’t know how to act.”
“I want to see you relax and enjoy being with me.”
Sky turned her hand and grasped his.“I’ll try.
“Good.Now eat.”
Several minutes of silence went by as they both dug into their meal.
After he finished, Jared sat back and studied Sky.She was dressed in one of the flowery dresses they’d bought that day.She’d left her hair down to fall over her shoulders and down her back.She had used some makeup, eyeshadow, lipstick, and mascara that enhanced her features.
She didn’t need it because she was a beautiful woman.His eyes slid over her.He felt a tranquil emotion, unlike anything he’d ever felt, spread through him.It would have bothered him if he hadn’t already decided to enjoy his time with her, but not to let her distract him from the ranch.
Her beauty would make it much easier to have sex with her.He had been resigned to sleeping with an unattractive woman for the rest of his life, but now he had her.It definitely wasn’t a hardship looking at Sky.
“What’s wrong?”
