Page 89 of A Cowboy's Trust
Malachi’s expression softened. “I won’t give it away, which means I apologize now for the dirty looks I might have to give you. And the dirty looks you will absolutely get from Sophie and the girls. And their grandmother.”
“I get it,” Jake said. “Just as long as in the end you know the truth and can vouch for me, I hope that will make the difference down the road.”
Her dad examined Jake again. “Sounds as if you plan on being around for the long term.”
Jake turned to Tansy as he answered and made her heart go pitter-patter at the expression in his eyes. “As I was informed by a very smart and wonderful woman, sticking around is what people in love do.”
Love. It was there in his touch. In every glance in her direction.
That’s what made it easier to focus on the good parts.
She had five full days of cooking for a weeklong booking that kept her brain more than busy. Jake was there at High Water ranch house every morning, noon, and night. Whenever he could, he passed through the house and offered a kiss or a wildflower or something that made her smile.
“You’re spoiling me,” she informed him when he brought out the massage oil and gave her a very satisfying rub down in the hour break she had between prepping breakfast and lunch for the crew in the art studio.
“Getting to have my hands all over you?” Jake leaned down to make eye contact where she was sprawled on the bed. “Not much of a sacrifice, Tans.”
She eyed the tent in the front of his jeans. “You’re into pain and suffering? Because there’s no time to deal with that.”
Jake rubbed a hand over himself, grinning as he watched her dress. “Nothing saying I won’t go deal with it myself.”
A shiver raced up her spine. The image of him in the shower, hand stroking his hard length, made her whimper. “That’s mean.”
“You can watch,” he offered. “Or I can tell you about it later.”
Revenge was served when she tormented him that night by doing a striptease and not letting him touch. He was swearing slow and steady by the time she crawled over him and settled onto his hard length with a happy sigh.
Yeah, the sex was great, and a good distraction because the other part of her brain never forgot that somewhere out there, Jeffrey still didn’t know he had lots of people in his court.
That courage her dad had mentioned? She needed a boatload of it as she pushed through the doors of the community center on Canada Day and headed for the bachelor auction.
Not that she intended to bid on anyone, but they all thought it was important she was there in case Melissa somehow had tapped into the town rumor mill.
Tansy didn’t intend to play any games this year, not the way she usually did. In spite of the messed up situation, a hint of amusement trickled in. Of course. For the first time, it wouldn’t be only her father she could torment, and here she was, on her best behaviour.
All the familiar faces were there, with families gathered around the long tables. She’d come too late for the potluck meal—feeling sorry for herself had really cut a hunk of time out of her morning. Plus, she didn’t need to do another round of explaining where Jake was without outright lying.
But now she was here, and ready to support her community the way she always did. Even though she wouldn’t buy any bachelor, she’d still donate to the fund. Because that’s what community-minded people did. And she was a positive, glowingly wonderful part of this community, and they were damn lucky to have her.
She’d just focus on those parts of her life instead of worrying what twisted bombs Melissa would drop on them next.
Rose waved at her.
Tansy marched over with her head held high and settled into the chair saved for her between Rose and Fern.
“Is Chance excited about today?” Tansy asked.
“Quivering,” Rose informed her. “If he gets much more excited, no one will be able to understand a word he says. His brogue gets really thick when he’s flustered.”
Fern offered a tight smile. “Even if they don’t understand him, you know the girls will still go gaga. Everyone loves an accent.”
Their little sister seemed extraordinarily out of sorts. Tansy eyed her for a moment. “Are you okay?”
Fern raised a brow. “Are you?”
Low blow. Tansy made a face. “No, but I will be.”
Her far too honest response seemed to deflate Fern’s sails. She stared for a moment then dipped her chin once. “Yeah. I guess I will be too.”
