Page 3 of Rancher's Rescue
CHAPTER THREE
MAGGIE
Life had been running smoothly for the last week. It was odd not to have to think of everything on my own, odd and wonderful. “Kane, I need to run to town. Will you be okay here alone?” I felt stupid asking. Of course, he’d be fine, but I didn’t want to assume. Why can’t I just be normal? I should just tell him I’m leaving. He knew what needed to be done.
“I’ll be fine Maggie.” He tried to hide his smile, but his face was very expressive. “Are you leaving the kids here?” He arched his brow, and I wasn’t sure if that was, do you trust me with the kids or please don’t leave them here.
“No, I’m going to drop them off at Julie Miller’s on the way by. Her grandson Cooper is there for the day, so they are going to have a playdate.” I stood there looking at him without saying a word. We stared awkwardly at one another, and I turned quickly as a thought struck. “Wait, do you need anything from town? Do you want to come with me?” The words kept coming and I swear someone else was in charge of my mouth. It had completely detached itself from my body. What was I fifteen again?
“No, I’m good. I grabbed a few things along the way.” His eyes were locked on me, probably waiting for me tosay something else. “Maggie, go, take your time. I’ve got this covered. Everything will be fine when you get back.” Reaching out, he gently put his hand on my arm. His big, calloused hand that sent sparks coursing through my veins. It was a feeling I’d forgotten all about over the last two years. Just the simple, gentle touch of someone other than my children.
“All right, call me if you change your mind.” I smiled as the kids came flying out of the house.
“Let’s go, Mom,” Marshall called as he jumped in the truck.
“Have a good day.” Kane let his hand drop from my arm and all I could do was nod. I watched him walk away and my eyes were glued to his Wranglers, the dark blue, perfectly cut, hugging everything just right Wranglers. “God, that man knew how to wear a pair of jeans.”
“Mom, let’s go,” Kit yelled. “Are you stroking out?” She honked the horn, which made Kane look over his shoulder. He smirked and nodded at me.
“I just might be.” I muttered under my breath. Finally, turning, I walked to the truck.
* * *
Steam’n Sugar wasn’t busy, and for that, I was happy. I needed an extra dose of caffeine today. The large coffee shop looked like it was having an identity crisis. It had been an old greasy spoon diner with a checkered floor and light fixtures, but when Fred bought it he turned it into a coffee shop and tried to make it trendy but hadn’t changed the floors or lights. It was the only coffee shop left in town, which was the most important thing.
Town always exhausted me and with Kane filling my thoughts awake and asleep, I needed help. “Hey, I didn’t know you were coming to town today.” I turned to see Nora Pine sitting at a table. “I’m waiting for Kristin. Do you have time to join us?” The line shifted ahead, and I glanced at my watch.
“Yeah, I can stop.” I nodded and made it to the front of the line. “When did you start working here, Wanda?” I found when I saw the woman behind the counter that should be running the daycare.
I saw her glance over at Fred and a stupid, in love smile filled her face. “Fred made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
“You and Fred?” I knew my mouth was open, and I was staring at her, but I figured it was better than laughing.
“Yep.” She beamed, and I shook my head. I suppose there really was someone for everyone. “What can I get for you?”
“White chocolate, cranberry latte and a lemon scone, please.” If I was going to stay and have coffee with my cousin and friend, I wasn’t going to rush. Paying Wanda, I joined Nora at the table.
“How long have those two been a thing?” I asked, looking over my shoulder?
Nora glanced up just as Fred gave Wanda a kiss and shivered. “Apparently six months.” She lifted her cup and sipped her coffee. Nora had worked here before being rescued by Kipp Miller from the clutches of Fred. He was harmless, but that didn’t matter. Kipp wasn’t going to put up with Nora dealing with him.
“Hey cuz, and my bestie.” Kristin walked in and joined us at the table. “So, are you going to tell us who this new ranch hand is that’s staying at your place? Because from what I hear, he’s hot.” Kristin wasn’t one to dance around questions.
“Oh, look at the time. I need to go rescue your soon to be mother-in-law.” I looked at Nora, who was laughing.
“Julie will be just fine. Sit your ass down and spill.” She propped her elbows on the table and wiggled her eyebrows.
“Why do I hang out with you both?” I shook my head and slumped in my chair.
“Because you love us,” Kristin said, breaking a piece of my scone off and eating it.
“I do.” I nodded and sat up straighter. “Fine, I was scrolling the ranch hand directory one night after Palmer paid me a visit.” I took a sip of my latte as my friends ewwed and closed their eyes. “My thoughts exactly. Anyway, I clicked on Kane’s profile and offered him the job, and here he is. There’s nothing really exciting about it.” Shrugging, I grabbed my scone from Kristin’s clutches.
“Ok, but is he hot?” Nora quizzed.
“You’re engaged. You shouldn’t be asking those questions.” Frowning, I looked at Nora.
“Yeah, engaged, not dead.” She rolled her eyes.
