Page 31 of New in Town

Sure, but that doesn’t matter. A decision like this belongs to the team lead. And we all know who the new team lead is!

Grey. Her stomach flips at the thought of him. He seems to really be going out of his way for her. It must mean something, right? On cue, a text from him comes in next.

Grey

Please tell me you agreed to take care of my cows.

Maddie

Tell me you want me.

Grey

I always want you, Madelyn.

Maddie

Dirty.

Grey

You started it. Can you come tomorrow?

Maddie

I’ll clear my busy schedule for you.

Grey

Maybe after I can show my appreciation.

Maddie

Very much looking forward to that.

* * *

Looking up to the ‘H’ mounted high in the sky over the dirt road, Maddie feels giddy as she turns into the ranch. The sun is shining in a cloudless blue sky that stretches endlessly across the valley. The river beside the road sparkles in the sunlight and the fields dance in the gentle breeze. She wonders how beautiful the scene can be in the mountains if Laurel describes it as more amazing than this.

She parks her Jeep beside the row of trucks at the barns, same as before. This time though, when her boots hit the dirt, it’s Grey waiting for her. She leans back against the fender as her heartbeat quickens.

He’s towering and well-muscled, in a stone-colored pearl snap shirt all the country songs warn ladies are the mark of a seducing cowboy. And yet, she can’t take her eyes off him. Her gaze follows the trail of pearls down to his leather belt and adorning buckle, and she notes the way his jeans perfectly fit his strong legs.

“Mornin’ sweetheart.” A playful grin spreads across his face. She flushes, knowing she hadn’t been very discreet checking him out just now.

“Good morning, Greyson,” she replies, matching his flirty tone. He approaches her and leans forward, resting his hands against the Jeep on either side of her head.

“Are you ready for me to work you hard today?” he asks. She feels tension screaming between her legs in response. He is the one not playing fair today apparently.

“I can take it,” she replies, tilting her chin up at him. He brings one hand down to hold her chin there and her body comes alive with his touch. Her pulse is thrumming.

“I think so too.” There’s a heat in his eyes and no fake date to attribute it to this time. It’s just Grey wanting her. And she wants him back.

He trails his hand from her jaw, running the back of his knuckles down her throat and across her collarbone. She shivers hopelessly, eager for more.

“Ready?” he asks.

Ready to explode from need, she thinks, her breathing jagged. “To work? That depends on how you were planning on showing your appreciation,” she replies, glancing up at him just in time to see the tail end of a smile.

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