It warmed him to know that Cerise had Nadia and Mitch on her side, but neither one of them needed to worry.
Brodie stood. “No, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her. In fact, if anything happened to her, I’m not sure what I’d do.”
“See, Boston, you have nothing to be concerned about.”
“I’m beginning to see that,” Nadia murmured, a big smile played across her face. It shouldn’t matter that he had her approval, but to him it did.
“This might be of interest to you, Brodie.”
“Yeah, what’s that?”
“Mom and Dad said that the Crabtrees are looking at selling their ranch. Seems their daughter’s husband got a new job in Atlanta a few months ago. They’re missing them and their grandchildren, so they’re thinking of joining them there. Would be a quick sale too.”
Brodie’s mind turned over the possibilities this information represented. Was it too soon to get his own place? The Crabtree property abutted the Alexander Dude Ranch on the west side. It wasn’t as huge as the Alexanders’ and Mitch’s parents had even purchased some of their land when their daughter had married a man who wasn’t interested in ranching. They only ran a few hundred head of cattle. It was probably the perfect size for him. “Anything I need to know about the land, their cattle, etc.?”
“Not sure, but Dad would be happy to talk to you about it.”
“Your dad would be happy to talk about what?” Cerise asked as she came up to them.
Immediately, Brodie slung an arm over her shoulder and pulled her in tight. Desire slammed into him at the contact and the way Cerise all but melted into his side. “Mitch was telling me about a property that could be coming up on the market soon.”
“You’re thinking of buying it?” she asked, her nose screwed up in a cute way, as if the thought surprised her. He’d told her about his idea of getting a small place sometime in the future, hadn’t he? He was pretty sure he had.
“Thinking about it, yeah. I’ll need to look into things.”
“As I said, Dice, Dad will answer any questions and the Crabtrees are as honest as the day is long.”
“Thanks. I’ll definitely come see him.”
“Okay, well it’s time we went home. Good to see you both.” Nadia grabbed Cerise and pulled her tight for a hug. He didn’t like not having her at his side, but he wouldn’t begrudge her a hug with her best friend.
Nadia whispered something in her friend’s ear and Cerise’s eyes widened. What the hell had she said to cause that type of reaction?
“Have fun, you two?” Nadia wiggled her fingers as they walked away. “Don’t do anything we won’t be doing tonight.”
“Nads. You’re terrible. It’s lucky I love you,” Cerise admonished.
“Your life would be boring without me,” she threw over her shoulder as the couple disappeared into the house.
“I think it’s the other way around, but whatever.”
“Not sure she can hear you.” Brodie said and pulled her close to him again. “Did Finn get off okay?”
Cerise wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. He closed his eyes as he placed his cheek against her head, little wisps of her hair tickling his nose. He had her in his arms and that was all that mattered. “Yep, he was jumping out of his skin with excitement.”
“That’s good. He needs happiness in his life.”
“I’m sure it’s a combination of all the s’mores you fed him and him looking forward to the sleepover.”
“He only had two and I’m pretty sure more ended up on the ground than in his mouth.” Brodie straightened but kept her close to his body. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yep, it’s been fun. Thanks for inviting us.”
“Always, Sparkles.” He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. It was only supposed to be a brief touch, but like every time he kissed her, the need to be closer to her overwhelmed him. He adjusted his hold on her so he coulddeepen the kiss. Her body molded to his as if she was made for him.
The desire to consume her and make her his overwhelmed him and the only thing he could think of was being able to touch her skin to skin. Find out all the places that were sensitive. His place was a lot closer than hers.
Breaking the kiss, he hooked a finger under her chin and lifted it so that their eyes met. “Come back to my place, Sparkles. I need you.”
