Page 71 of In Full Bloom

She pulls back, far enough that she can get a good look at my face, but not so far I’m not still touching her with almost every part of me. “Not a single one.”

31

KATIE

It is nearlyimpossible to get anything done at work when you’re in a relationship with your boss.

We’ve managed to keep it quiet around Sadie for two weeks now, but every adult on the property knows exactly what’s been going on.

Flynn has caught us in compromising positions more than once and is constantly wolf-whistling in our direction, even when we aren’t making out against the side of the barn.

At least both Dallas and I have kept our heads enough to not do anything more than kissing on the farm, so no one has caught us with our pants down.

We’re also lucky that Olivia is in full support of us, or she’d be getting way more annoyed about how long our lunch breaks at the cottage are running. Especially when we don’t actually eat any food while there and still raid the main house kitchen for sustenance.

Progress with Aurora has been as swift as progress withDallas. She now stands quietly while I saddle and bridle her and will let me ride her around the yard. She’s also spending the majority of her time in the small paddock beside the yard, getting used to more typical fences, rather than the sturdy yard railings.

Today, Flynn is keeping an eye on us as I take Aurora into the main arena to ride for the first time. She’s wary and skittish, but eventually relaxes into our work. I’m grinning widely when I finally stop in front of Flynn and dismount.

“She’s doing great,” he says, reaching out to ruffle the horses mane. She doesn’t even flinch at his touch like she would have a month ago.

“She is.”

“So are you,” Flynn says quietly.

I freeze where I am, running the stirrups up their leathers so they don’t bang against Aurora’s sides as I lead her back the barn to untack her.

Flynn tugs on my ponytail. “You okay there, Katie Kat? I didn’t mean to break you.”

I smile, but it’s watery. “I know you didn’t. But you’re right. I’m doing good.”

“Does this thing with Dallas mean you’re staying?” His eyes are so hopeful that I’m relieved at the truth.

“Yeah, I think so. I mean, I want to. I really do. I missed this place.”

Flynn steps forward, his eyes uncharacteristically wet, and wraps me in a hug. “This place missed you, Katie Kat.”

I push away from my friend’s embrace. “Damnit Flynn.” I wipe at my eyes. “No crying on the job.”

He laughs. “I told you Dallas was a good one.”

“You were right.” I turn and lead Aurora towards the gate.

“Could I have that in writing?” Flynn asks, jogging to catch up, then opening and closing the gate as we pass through.

“No. But do you know what Dallas does with most of that time we spend at his place?”

“Um, I’m really not sure I want to,” he says, lifting his hands as if to cover his ears. “Innocent little ears over here.”

“Yeah right,” I laugh and shove him.

“More than you’d think,” he mutters, so low I’m not sure I was supposed to hear. “What does Dallas do?” he asks at normal volume.

“He braids my hair. Over and over.”

“Well, that’s … different. I guess whatever gets your rocks off.”

“So he can do it for Sadie.” I roll my eyes. “He spends half an hour a day with me in his house alone so he can learn to braid his daughter’s hair.”

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