Page 78 of Gotta Dig Deep
“He’s a mite jealous of the attention, that’s for sure.”
“He worked well with Golden today, though. Sometimes I forget how stinkin’ smart the doggo is. Smooch me.” She pushed to her toes, lifting her face in a demand he immediately met. Their lips touched and lingered, and she steadied herself with one hand on his arm. “Remind me later I still need to thank you.” Backing away, she grinned again as Horse touched his mouth with fingertips that left a tiny smear of grease behind. “But you’ll have to wash your face, first.”
“Dammit,” he grumbled as he scrubbed his mouth against the shoulder of his shirt. “Gonna hold you to that, darlin’.”
“Gonna let you hold me against anything you want,” she returned, turning to go into the stables, adding an extra swing to her hips.
“Daaaammmmmmnnn,” he drawled, and she glanced over her shoulder to find him clearly appreciating the view. “Woman, you are F-I-N-E, fine.”
He disappeared behind her as she continued into the dimly lit stables. Thirty minutes later, she was finishing up with the horses, Golden brushed out and back in his stall, then all of them fed. Shamu rested patiently in the sunshine at the front of the building, head stretched out so his jaw lay on his paws. He jumped up as she approached.
She walked into the kitchen, dog at her heels, to find Horse at the stove. He was stirring a pan that was sizzling nicely, the smell of frying meat filling the room.
“Whatcha making?” She pulled off her boots and left them on the tray next to the door, stopping for a moment to appreciate the fact her footwear was no longer alone. Horse’s boots and single pair of sneakers were lined up next to hers. “Smells good,” she offered over her shoulder.
“Food,” he responded, and she turned to see him smiling at her. “Chef Horse needs an assistant.”
“Oh, does he?” She went to the sink and washed her hands. “Before the assistant even gets a shower? What needs doing?”
“Chef needs a kiss.” He leaned close, lips puckered ridiculously. “Now. Quick, before things get spoiled.”
“I see how it is.” She rested her shoulder against his side and glided her lips across his, then pulled back for a quick peck, ending with a loud, smiling smack. “How’s that? Enough to hold Chef over until I get a chance to clean up?”
“Not sure.” Horse angled his neck again and Glenna gave him what he’d asked for, pausing longer as their lips moved together. He lapped at her bottom lip until she opened, turning to face him as his hand came to cup the back of her head. His fingers tangled in the bun, leaving it messier than before. “Okay, that might do it.” Now he was the one leaning in for a final smack. “Go clean up, woman. Supper’ll be ready in a flash. We’re havin’ tacos tonight.”
“Okay.” She rested her weight against him for another moment, reluctant to move away. “I’ll go.” Her head touched his shoulder and his arm swept around her waist. “In a minute.”
“You stay here long as you need to.” She heard more than felt the delicate kiss against her hair. “I got you.”
He’d been like this since regaining consciousness. It didn’t matter what was needed, he was happy to pitch in and help. If it was something he didn’t know, he set himself to learning quickly, ensuring he’d become a dab hand at everything around the ranch.
I love that about him. One of the many things.
She pulled away. “Gonna shower, and I’ll be right back out.”
“Take your time. Tacos are forgiving. You need to soak a bit, it’ll be okay.” His hand trailed around her waist as she walked away, fingertips keeping contact until the last moment. “That said, I selfishly want to you hurry through it and come back to me.”
“I’ll do that, then. Can’t disappoint my best fella.”
Hands full of suds, she scrubbed her scalp in the shower, thinking. He’d made himself at home here. Made the cold house a home again for her. Suddenly, she desperately needed to make sure they were on the same page, so she rushed through the rest of her shower. Roughly toweling her body off, she dressed as quickly as possible, shoving still-damp legs into a pair of loose pants meant for lounging around the house. Seams in the shirt popped as she yanked it over her head, Glenna uncaring as she flipped her wet hair out from underneath the collar.
He had their plates set on the coffee table, which was where they seemed to eat most meals. She’d finish her food and stay right beside him, cuddling into his side while giving him room to clear his plate before he leaned them both forward to set the empty dishes onto the table. Later, he’d take her into his arms, and they’d talk or watch TV, snuggled as close as possible. Or they’d make out like teenagers hoping to get every last caress in before the porchlight curfew.
Horse seated himself and smiled up at her, handing her a plate and paper towel napkin as soon as she was settled.
“They’re messy,” he warned as he picked up his own plate.
“That’s the only way to eat tacos.” She picked up the first rolled tortilla and laughed. “These are more like burritos than tacos. They’re ginormous, Horse. How much stuffing did you shove inside?” After taking a bite, she groaned. “Doesn’t matter what it looks like. I approve a hundred percent. This is delicious.”
“Grease is where it’s at with tacos.” He reached across and dabbed at her chin with his towel. “You got a little something there.”
“Don’t care.” She gobbled down the first one, aware of his amused attention. “I was hungrier than I thought, and this is so good.”
“You forgot to eat lunch again.” Horse’s brows came together, gaze still locked on her face. “That shit’s not good for you. I’ll do better reminding you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow—” Her throat tightened, closing off whatever she’d been going to say. Her mind whirled with images of Horse. Coming out of the shed to greet her. Making dinner. Putting his boots next to hers. Curling around her in bed.
“I want to have all the tomorrows with you.” The words were choked, but she pushed through it, eyes suddenly watery. “I don’t want you to go. To leave. I want you to move in here. With me. And stay.”
