His knuckles crack against the marble counter. “For one, being naked would likely be less provocative than what you’re wearing. With this shit, I can see what I can’t touch, and yet, I can’t see it as well as I’d fucking like to. It’s a tease, and it’s fucking ridiculous.”
I’ve never seen him so worked up. I should’ve made him jealous years ago.
He sneers at me. “From here, I can see your nipples are pierced too, which is news to me—news I could’ve lived forever without knowing.” He straightens, and I lift my eyes to his, my blood pounding at a furious pace. I feel like I’m dangling over shark-infested waters, and I’m desperate to see just how low I can go before they devour me.
I open my mouth to offer him the small detail, but he shakes his head, his eyes flashing with warning. “Don’t test me, V. It’s unfair.”
I begin to tell him it doesn’t have to be unfair if he’d simply take me like I’m so desperate for him to do, but I think better of it. Desperation isn’t attractive, and I want nothing more than to be attractive to this man.
“How’s your arm?” I chew on a bite of cereal, waiting for him to answer.
His eyes are practically little slits at this point, and I become mildly self-conscious.Maybe he doesn’t like what he sees.“Fine.”
“That’s it? Nothing else? Where’s your sling? You can’t work without it. You’ll never heal.” I set my bowl down, prepared to march my ass down the hall and get it for him.
Stupid, prideful men.
“I said I’m fine. Let me take care of myself.”
My mouth hangs open, the pill that are his words too bitter to swallow. It’s as if something’s shifted between us, and I can’t help but think it’s my fault. He’s hurt because of me—naturally, things would change for him.
I swallow thickly, trying to think of something else to say, but the sound of a vehicle coming down the driveway steals both of our attentions.
“Fuck,” he hisses, moving toward the entrance. “Faith's early. Get dressed before someone sees you and meet me outside. It’s time you learn how to run this ranch.”
He doesn’t wait for me to respond. He just leaves, like he can’t get away fast enough.Or is it get to her fast enough?
I don’t think I want to know.
“You need to get some cowboy boots.” Faith eyes my tennis shoes, and I inwardly cringe. I’ve always prided myself on being the best-dressed for every job.
“I didn’t exactly plan on this lifestyle shift,” I snap, and she shrugs.
“Still, get some cute pairs and make it worth your while. You’ll want to wear them every day, more or less.”
“Fine.”
She smiles at me, a teasing grin, and I don’t know whether to be offended or grateful for the banter. “I can take you if you want. To get some stuff.”
I open my mouth to snap at her about not needing help but decide against it.I need all the help I can get.“I’d appreciate that.”
She nods and then turns, walking in the direction of the enormous stables I’ve never once stepped inside of the month and a half I’ve lived here.
“Who’s been taking care of the animals?” Faith asks, looking over her shoulder at me. I freeze, unable to answer. The truth is, I don’t know. I hadn’t even thought about it.
“I have,” McCrae grumbles, brushing past me in ripped jeans and an already dirty white t-shirt. He’s got a baseball cap on, shading his eyes, and my mouth dries at the sight of him. I note with great irritation that he’s still refusing to wear the sling to protect his injured arm, and I wonder if it’s because Santos is here.Or Faith?
Men.I roll my eyes.
“When did you start wearing baseball caps?” I ask.
He slowly turns to look at me, confusion and irritation on his face. “Since I started working a ranch in the heat of Texas summer a month ago.”
Guilt instantly settles in my stomach. I never once considered the health and safety of the animals Mateo left me with, and I certainly never thought to hire extra help.
“You’ve been doing all the workandbeing my bodyguard?”
He sighs exasperatedly and then faces me fully, crunching the bill in one of his tattooed hands.
