Page 22 of Something More

“So, I can kiss you in public?” I teased.

“Sure.” She shrugged.

“Well, ok then.” I pulled her back into my arms and planted a deep kiss to her lips. When I released her, she wobbled slightly. “If we’re going to kiss in public, it needs to be a good kiss. I’ll see you tonight.” I smacked her butt, and she skipped away, waving as she climbed back into the truck.

“So, is this a thing again?” Jeff clasped my shoulder as Codie drove away.

“I sure hope so.” I shook the moment off and prepared to go back to work.

*****

Dakota

It was hot today, much hotter than anticipated, and my AC unit seemed to be struggling to keep up. I longed for the days when I could open the windows and have a soft breeze blow through the house. I leaned against the counter in the kitchen, just taking in the space. The guesthouse finally looked like a home, my home. The fridge was already covered in artwork from Jack. I’d finally unpacked all the remaining boxes, and now I just had to remember where I stored everything. School was goingto start next week, and then the town’s fall festival was coming up. I hadn’t been in years, but it was always fun as a kid, and I couldn’t wait to take Jack.

“Hey, Mom!” Jack came rushing inside. He was sweaty and covered in dirt.

“What have you been into?” I stood up straighter as I appraised him.

“Just helpin’ Grandpa in the barn. He said he needed my help with somethin’ else. Can I stay till dinner?” He rocked back on his heels and put his hands together as if he were praying.

“Sure. If Grandpa needs you, then help.” I laughed as he turned and took off outside in a sprint, the door slamming behind him. It’s been months since he’s been this carefree and watching him spread his wings here just reaffirmed my decision to move back.

I spent most of the afternoon relaxing and coming up with a plan to convince my father to let me really look at the farm’s finances. I mean, this was why I was here, and so far he’d just given me chores to do. I needed to see what kind of shape the business was in if I was going to manage it. Surely, he would let me at least look.

By the time Jack came back, it was already getting dark. The air was still heavy with heat, so I made sandwiches for dinner. I didn’t want to heat up the kitchen more with the stove, and Jack didn’t seem to mind. He chatted away about helping with the horses and learning how to muck stalls. After dinner, he took a bath, and then got right into bed. Farm work was tough, and he seemed exhausted when we were eating. I’d told him that I was going down to the bunkhouse for a little bit, and if he needed me, to call. As much as I hadn’t wanted to, Alex and I got him a phone last year. We knew that sometimes he might not be near a phone, and we wanted him to be able to reach us. He’dyawned, and then rolled over in bed. As tired as he was, I didn’t think I’d hear from him all night.

I waited until I saw the guys leaving the big house to head back to their quarters before I slipped my flip-flops on and quietly made my way outside. The crickets were chirping, and lightning bugs were filling the air. A light in the barn was still glowing, and I could hear muffled voices from the guys as they milled along through the dark, before they slipped inside the bunkhouse. I waited so it wouldn’t seem like I was following them.

Right when I reached the edge of the darkness by the door, a hand reached out, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me into the tree line behind the building. “I missed you.” His voice was deep, gravely. My back was against the brick on the back of the bunkhouse. “I thought I might go crazy thinking about you today.” He stepped closer, pressing his body to mine. His chest vibrated as he spoke, and his breath was coming in quick pants. “I need to be around you.” He moved closer, brushing his lips over mine before he slanted his head, knocking his hat off in the process, and deepening the kiss. One hand cupped my jaw, while the other gripped my waist. I sighed as I leaned into him. He was all hard muscles and smelled of soap. He leaned back, breaking the kiss, his bright blue eyes almost glowing in the dark. “That should hold me over for a little while.” One side of his mouth curled up before a toothy grin appeared.

“What if it doesn’t for me?” I pressed my lips together to hold back the smile. “What if I need more?” My head tipped as I wrapped a strand of loose hair around my finger, a coy smile beginning to spread.

“Then we’ll just leave the game early.” He chuckled. “I am looking forward to you cleaning out Johney’s wallet though.”

“Maybe we can do both,” I flattened my palm on his chest and ran it all the way down to his belt. I tugged at the buckle and then moved toward the door, pulling him with me.

“This is gonna be a long night,” he grumbled under his breath.

“Parts of it might be.” I giggled as we stepped into the light from the porch lamp. I collected myself, and then opened the door. Music was blasting from a radio, and the whole crew was seated around a small table.

“It’s about time. You two done rubbin’ on each other?” Ben hooted.

Hank picked up an empty beer can and hurled it in his direction. Ben ducked, the can clattered to the floor, and both of them started laughing.

“How come he can say stuff, but I can’t?” Johney furrowed his brow as his eyes darted between them.

“’Cause I already got my ass beat the first go-round.” Ben laughed.

“Naw, man. It’s ‘cause I say so.” Hank glared and then burst into laughter himself. “Get us some chairs.” Bo jumped up and grabbed two chairs as Jeff began dealing cards.

“What are we playing, boys?” I winked as I sat down.

“Five card draw.” Johney grinned. “That’s when…” he started and glanced at Hank.

“I’ve played this before.” I smirked.

“Don’t you want a refresher before we start?” Johney seemed confused.

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