“We’d better head back, it’s getting dark,” he said, huskily.
Riley faced forward, and Garrett adjusted the blanket, ensuring his rock-hard cock didn’t make contact with her. He nearly groaned as her body bumped against him with the movement of the horse.
When they arrived at the barn, he swiftly jumped down and led them inside. She avoided his gaze as he helped her off and sat her on the bale of hay while he tended to Gus. He latched the gate and glanced at her flushed cheeks. The dress did nothing for her body, but he caught glimpses of her ample breasts, and her hips were the kind he liked to grab onto as he brought them both to pleasure.
He carried her to the truck for the short ride home. The darkness outside seemed to capture her attention, and he worried he might’ve taken things too far.
“The beans will be finished by the time we get back. I can fry up the pork chops if you can sit at the table and mixup the cornbread. I’ll preheat the cast-iron skillet,” he offered as he helped her inside.
“It’s a deal,” she said, breathlessly, seeming relieved he broke the silence.
Garrett went to work, flouring and seasoning the meat. He turned on the oven, handed her a mixing bowl, cornmeal, and flour, then turned away.
“I need the buttermilk,” she said when she finished with her dry ingredients. “I put some diced jalapeños in the fridge.”
“Don’t you use water?” he asked, bringing her the items she requested.
“Not if I want to eat it. Do you like it spicy?” she asked, peering up at him. Her blue eyes blinked, waiting for him to answer. His mind already raced with his idea of spicy, and it didn’t involve cornbread.
“Ugh, yeah. I love a little spice,” he said, moving away from her.
“I’m ready,” she said, while he gritted his teeth. “Did you swirl a bit of cornmeal to the bottom with the heated oil?” she asked innocently.
“Oh, shit,” he said, taking out the smoking pan. “I forgot to add it,” he said while waving the towel in the air to clear his vision.
“It’s all right. Let it cool for a sec and then add a bit in. Don’t let it cool down too much, it likes the heat.”
Garrett nodded as he performed his tasks, wondering if Riley liked the heat, too. “The chops will be done in another minute or two. Do you want me to prop your leg on a chair, or do you want to sit on the couch?”
“Let’s sit in the living room. There’s a comedy on tonight, and I wanted to watch it. Do you mind?” she asked, using her crutches to go into the living room.
“No, not at all. Why don’t you turn to the channel you want? I’ll bring our plates and drinks over.”
“You got it,” she said, turning on the television and flipping to the channel. “It has good reviews.”
Taking their meals into the living room, he set placemats on the coffee table and the hot plates. “What do you want to drink?”
“Tea, please,” she said, glancing at the clock. “Do you think they’re done eating?”
“Stop worrying about Tara. Matthew and Rachel will bring her home,” he assured her. “Plus, I wanted to ask you a few questions about the bikers who nabbed you.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Did they say why they took you?” he asked, watching her.
“They said Tara scratched the motorcycle. I gave them all the money I saved, except for the emergency fund. They asked where you kept the money, and I told them which bank. They didn’t appear smart enough to pull off a robbery, and I told them. They didn’t like my answer, but I don’t think it mattered much what I said. They planned to keep both of us there. I knew I needed to get Tara out of there. They threatened to…” Riley sniffled.
“You did a great job. She’s a tough cookie and drove that old beater here with the gang members following her,” Garrett said, reminding her how she raised a strong sister.
Riley shuddered. “I’d die if something happened to her because of me,” she whispered.
“It doesn’t sound like you’ll have to worry about her. She takes after her big sister,” he praised her. “Let’s eat and watch the show.”
Halfway through, Tara entered the cabin. “Riley, I have a new friend,” she announced, bouncing into the living room. “They invited me to their farm on Saturday to spend the day. Please say I can go,” she pleaded.
Riley shook her head. “I don’t feel comfortable with you off the ranch. We don’t know if the bikers are still searching for us.”
“But Riley, come on. She’s the first friend I’ve met in like forever,” Tara begged. “It’s bad enough I can’t go to a real school, and I’m stuck home all day with you.”
