Page 5 of Rancher's Healing

“You’re the one that started it.” She shrugged before looking back at the computer.

“I know.” I said, before kissing her neck.

She turned in her chair and smiled at me. “So I guess playing doctor here is out of the question, too?” Her sassy smirk was going to get me in trouble as I leaned down and kissed her again.

Pulling away, I said the only thing that came to my sex starved brain. “I don’t need an office. I prefer to do that remotely.”

CHAPTER FOUR

TAYLA

The barn had been transformed into something from a magazine. Fairy lights were hung in the rafters, the posts holding up the structure were draped in black tulle and the tables that covered the floor were so elegant I wondered who Nora thought was showing up tonight.

People milled about and catering staff wandered around with trays of appetizers and drinks. “You look like you could use this.” A drink appeared in front of me, and I turned to see Jake smiling.

“Thank you.” I said, reaching for the glass of champagne. “How’s your evening been?” I asked, before taking a sip.

“A nightmare, to be honest. Starcie Stinener has been on my ass all night.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“I’ve noticed.” My words came out flat.

“You have?” The look on his face was mild surprise.

“Of course, I’ve hated her since kindergarten, and I feel bad for anyone who ends up getting her claws buried in their backs.” Taking another drink, I wondered if I had the courage to say what I really wanted to. Oh, what the hell, I was going to. “Plus, I’m jealous.” I shrugged.

My words seemed to launch him into action.

Jake grabbed my hand and pulled me off to the side of the room. It was darker over in the corner, and unless someone was looking for us or saw us come over here, they wouldn’t even realize where we were. “What do you mean, you’re jealous?” His words were almost a growl.

“I want to be the one that’s taking all your attention.” Letting my gaze fall to the floor, I couldn’t stop the burning of my cheeks and the fluttering in my stomach at the revelation.

“God, Tayla, you are the one that’s taking all my attention tonight. I don’t even know what Starcie’s been saying to me, because I can’t keep my eyes or mind off you in that dress.” His words sent shockwaves to my core. “I wish we could leave and go to my house right now.”

I wanted that too, but it was a bachelor auction. As one of the town’s bachelors, he had to stay. “What if I win you?” I asked, straightening his tie.

“Then I will take you home as soon as this thing is over.” He whispered in my ear. I couldn’t help but smile. He moved his hand from my waist to my cheek and around to the back of my neck. Pulling me to him, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to mine. This wasn’t the accidental, chaste kiss that we shared the other day. This was passionate, needy, and I remembered why I’d liked kissing him so much.

“The time has come to round up all our bachelors.” Kipp called into the microphone.

“I hope you brought your wallet with you tonight. Starcie said she’s going to run up anyone that bids on me.” Jake’s smirk made my heart stop.

“Good thing I saved all my winnings from last season.” I arched my brow, and he leaned down for another quick kiss.

“See you in a bit.” His whispered words fluttered over my ear, and all I could do was nod as I watched him walk away.

Taking a deep breath, I walked out of the shadows and immediately caught Starcie’s eye. The anger on her face should have killed me on the spot. “There you are,” Nora said as she walked up to my side. “Who the hell have you been kissing?” She frowned and crossed her arms.

“Nobody.” I scoffed.

“Your lipstick is a mess, your lips are puffy, and you’re wispy.” She fluttered her arms like she was floating.

“Wispy? Nora, you’re crazy.” I brushed her off and walked to the table that had been reserved for the ranch.

“Who was it?” She whispered as we waited for the auction to start.

“Jake.” I whisper yelled back to her.

“Pay up girls.” She held her hand out. Fallon, Elle, and Kristin each put a hundred dollars in her hand.

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