Page 16 of Mountain Rancher

Images from yesterday flash through my mind. Her back against the storage room wall. My hands sliding up her thighs. Her head falling back as pleasure overtook her. It takes everything I have not to reach for her right now, in full view of everyone.

Her clipboard lowers slightly as she finally meets my eyes fully. “Hunter...”

I take a careful step closer but still maintain a respectable distance. “I had an idea I wanted to run by you.”

“Oh?” There’s wariness in her expression, but curiosity too.

“I’ve been working on some improvement plans for the eastern pastures,” I begin, my tone deliberately professional. “Sustainable grazing patterns, water conservation systems. Things that would benefit from a financial analyst’s perspective.”

Understanding dawns in her eyes. “And you’d like my input?”

“If you’re interested. I could show you what I’m thinking tomorrow evening. Say around seven thirty?”

She considers this, and I can practically see her mind working through the implications. “Where exactly would we be reviewing these plans?”

“My cabin. It’s on the edge of the property, near where the eastern pastures begin. I have all the surveys and proposals there.”

A slight smile plays at the corners of her mouth. “And we need to review these at your cabin rather than the ranch office because...?”

“Fewer interruptions. Better views of the land in question.”

Wyatt chooses that moment to walk by with a stack of empty platters. “What are you two conspiring about?”

“Hunter wants my financial perspective on his eastern pasture improvement plans,” Abby explains smoothly.

I hold my breath, uncertain how her oldest brother will react. To my surprise, Wyatt’s face lights up with approval.

“That’s a great idea. Abby’s got a good head for numbers. She could help you prioritize those projects. We’ve been wanting to develop that section for years.”

Part of me wonders if Wyatt knows exactly what he is doing. Is he genuinely oblivious to the electricity that crackles between his sister and me every time we are within ten feet of each other? Or is he playing matchmaker? Either way, I am not about to question this gift he has just handed me.

“So…” I turn my full attention back to Abby. My voice drops slightly, just for her ears. “What do you say? Would you be willing to give me your professional opinion?”

Her blue eyes lock with mine and search for something. I let her look, keeping my expression open but intense. I want her to see exactly what I’m offering. It’s far more than financial consultation.

“I’d be happy to help. Seven thirty is fine.”

“Perfect,” I say, unable to completely hide my satisfaction. “I’ll pick you up at the main house.”

For a moment, we just look at each other, the air between us charged with possibility.

Yesterday was impulsive, driven by years of suppressed attraction. Tomorrow will be a choice. Deliberate. And all the more powerful for it.

“I should help with the last of the cleanup,” she says, breaking the moment. “Make sure everything’s in order before we lock up.”

“Always responsible,” I comment, a hint of admiration in my voice.

“Someone has to be.” She straightens her clipboard. “I’ll see you tomorrow evening, Hunter.”

“Looking forward to it.”

She walks away, and I don’t bother hiding the fact that I’m watching her go. The sway of her hips, the confident set of her shoulders.

Tomorrow, I’ll have her in my space. Alone. With no brothers or party guests to interrupt us.

I finish my water and set the glass on a nearby table, a sense of anticipation building in my chest. I’ve wanted Abigail Clayton for longer than I care to admit. Yesterday in the storage room, I got a taste. Tomorrow at my cabin, I intend to feast.

Chapter Five

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