“Well, first off, we need to get these pants off you. There is no reason for you to have ten layers on while trying to sleep.I thought we bought you some thick flannel gowns with the stockings in Chicago?”
“I didn’t feel like digging through the crates trying to find the luggage, and I don’t want to ruin any of my new things while traveling.”
“Jessica, I bought them because we were traveling, that was the point. Now get out of these pants so I can help work out some of this tenderness, or the next couple of days will be miserable for you. Tomorrow, I expect you to dig out the things you are going to need to make you more comfortable, with no more excuses about saving anything.”
I know I should be arguing, maybe even pick up the top blanket and head to one of the wagons to sleep, but I have zero willpower when it comes to Reggie. Reaching down, I unbutton the few clasps holding these pants on and shimmy out of them while trying to hold my gown down. Before I can fold them up, Reggie pulls them out from under the blankets and lays them over his boots, and I suddenly feel very undressed. When his large hand lands on my sore butt cheek and he starts kneading it deeply, the moan that leaves my lips is humiliating, and the fact that Reggie laughs makes it even worse.
“I take it that feels good?”
“In a good and bad way. I should have gotten off and walked some today, but I didn’t realize how bad I was hurting until it was too late. Ugghhh, I don’t know if I should laugh or cry. Ow ow oww… I think you’re enjoying torturing me.”
“Yup, sign me up to be your ass rubber anytime.”
I should not laugh, but it bursts out of me, and I cover my mouth to keep everyone from hearing me. At some point, I must havepushed myself up on my elbows, because Reggie’s large hand lands in the middle of my back, forcing me down so that I’m lying flat on my stomach again. My entire body feels like there are ants under my skin as I’m tingling all over as he massages not only my butt cheeks but my lower back and the top of my thighs. I must have fallen asleep, because him maneuvering me back against his large, warm frame has me jerking awake.
“You’re alright, go back to sleep.”
The next thing I know, I’ve slept the night away. The only thing waking me is the need to pee. Opening my eyes, I find myself tucked against Reggie’s side, with him still snoring lightly. Slowly, I untangle myself and slide out of the blankets. The cold ground instantly makes me shiver as I walk barefoot a few feet into the woods. Making sure no one is around, I hurry up and do my business, only to realize the sun is coming up, and it’s time to get this day started. Crawling back under the wagon, but on Reggie’s side, I grab my pants only to reach across him to get my discarded dress when I suddenly feel a set of eyes on me.
“Good morning,” I whisper as I peer down at the bright blue eyes looking up at me.
“Come back to bed for just five more minutes.”
“I have hungry mouths to feed. Go ahead and sleep a little longer; it will take me half an hour or so to get the biscuits done.”
“The bed is cold without you.”
Without thinking about it, I kiss the tip of his nose and pull the covers up over his shoulders. Before crawling out, I slide on my pants first, then lace my shoes before sliding the same dirty dress over my head, sighing when I see the dust flying off it.
Forty minutes later, the biscuits are ready, as is the bacon and the eggs. The men must have smelled the coffee because I don’t even have to yell as I see bodies headed my way. I am just fixing a cup for Reggie when he walks around the wagon, his face newly washed, and he has a clean shirt on. I frown when I look down, as I am not only covered in yesterday’s dirt but now flour as well. Holding the cup out for him, I fix one for myself, setting it on a log to cool. I’ve just turned to get the plates when I find him standing right up against me. He leans down so only I can hear him.
“How are you feeling this morning?”
“Like a new woman, thank you for … you know.” My cheeks flush just thinking about his large hands on my bottom.
He lifts his eyebrows up and down with an impish smirk. “Just call me old magic hands from now on.”
I close my eyes, shaking my head because I’m biting my lip to keep from laughing out loud. “I am going to call you something, and it may not be as favorable. Now, grab a plate so I can get this all served up.”
CHAPTER 20
REGGIE
I’ve had a shit-eating grin on my face all morning as all I can think about are my hands on that luscious ass of hers. I stand back, drinking my coffee, watching Jess fix everyone’s plate before her own. Her dress is dirty, and her long hair is escaping its braid, but she is just as beautiful to me now as she was in that fancy dress. I look out over the valley while they all talk amongst themselves, contemplating how far we will or can make it today, as I plan on pushing hard. Traveling alone took me about six days, so with this load, I figure it will be around eleven if the weather doesn’t slow us down. The brush of Jessica’s skirt across my leg has me looking down.
“Reggie, you need to eat before it gets cold and enjoy those eggs while they last.”
“Sorry, I was woolgathering. I have a few things to address this morning before we get the animals hitched up.”
Gathering my plate, I smile at her after the first few bites, once again impressed at how women create such wonderful meals out of nothing.
“It’s delicious, Jess.”
“Thank you, it’s been a while since I’ve cooked over an open fire, and I almost burned the biscuits. I just put another batch on so we can have some for lunch. There were a few pieces of chicken left over from dinner last night, and I plan on making a large pot pie out of them this afternoon. I saw some berry vines yesterday, and I am hoping we can collect a few on the way so I can make a cobbler one afternoon. Gathering is a little harder when you can’t get off your main transportation.”
“Just wave, and I’ll come back if you see a patch you want to stop at.”
“Reggie, you’re busy scouting ahead. I’ll figure it out. I already have an idea of how to get on and off Zeus without help; it just depends on how cooperative he chooses to be.”
