Page 51 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
“No. She’d probably like it.”
I can’t make out what Gabe murmurs to Mack, but I hear the happy nickers from the horse. I’ve eaten most of the pickles by the time Gabe returns, but after he sits, he surprises me by asking about horses in depth.
How much does a horse’s feed cost? How often do they get vet visits? Is it hard to train a horse? And my personal favourite, have I ever brought a horse into the house?
It passes the time, and we chat effortlessly, each of us taking turns to check on Mack. Just before Jonah returns at midnight, we bothtake Mack for a walk in the yard. Since the clouds have moved in and it’s far too dark to walk in the pasture.
Gabe gets his flashlight out without me asking, and when I notice Mack’s droppings are mostly normal, the remaining tension in my shoulders bleeds out. Jonah pulls in just after that and confirms.
“You two have had a long night already.” He listens to Mack’s heart, lungs, and gut and nods with a smile. “Lots of good noises in there, and she’s already perked up.” He reaches up to pat Mack’s head. “Monitor her water and gradual feed. You know the routine, Hunter. Call me if anything changes.”
Jonah hops in his truck, and we take Mack back to her stall. I measure her water and give her a small amount of hay.
“So…what do we do now?” Gabe asks.
“We clean up here and go to bed. You must have work tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but nothing caffeine can’t fix. If you need company, I’m here.” He offers that like it’s second nature, and maybe it is for Gabe, but for me, it’s more than that.
“I wouldn’t mind some company.” Gabe gathers our mugs and dishes while I return the chairs and blankets, and when I turn to find him waiting with everything in his arms while wearing that overstuffed farm work coat because he’s cold, I’m overcome with an emotion so thick I almost can’t speak.
Gabe doesn’t seem to notice, thankfully, and I open the door for him as we walk across the yard. Just before we reach the porch, Gabe stops.
“Is it snowing?”
We both peer up at the giant yard light and, sure enough, a few flakes float across the light beam.
“Seems like we have an early winter coming.”
Once inside, Gabe dumps the bowl of dishes on the counter and hangs the jacket up in the closet. It’s a shame I didn’t have him on my arm tonight, dancing, but somehow, having him involved with my life on the ranch is infinitely better.
“I’m going to shower and get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning?” Gabe asks, and I shake my head no. No more keeping him out.
“Stay with me tonight? Please?” I ask softly and step closer. “I couldn’t control what happened earlier, but I can still end the night how I want if you’ll let me.”
Gabe’s lips part as his hand comes to my chest. “How do you want it to end?”
Drawing Gabe’s body next to mine, I bring my lips to his. “With you naked in my arms. I don’t want to go to bed alone anymore.”
Gabe’s body heat sears through my clothes as he kisses me. His movements are slow, and his lips are always so sensual. Having them on me is possibly the best thing I’ve ever felt.
“I told you I’d keep you company, and I think that sounds like a great way to end the night.”
How can a single man move me to a lust that burns so hot one moment and then make me ache to hold him in my arms and wake up with him the next? Gabe and I kiss in the hallway, both of us moving to undress the other without the urgency of the last time, and it hits me like the ground when I’m bucked off a horse—I’m fallingin love with this man.
That should make me break out in hives, but I pull him closer instead.
“It’s warmer upstairs,” I murmur against his neck. “Warmer still in the shower with me, counsellor.”
“I like the sound of that,” Gabe purrs.
Talking Gabe by the hand, I lead him up the stairs to the bathroom, and there’s something about this moment as I close the bathroom door behind us that feels like it was a long time coming. Maybe not for Gabe, but definitely for me. Now isn’t the time to analyze all my previous one-nighters and pushing people away, but I can’t help but wonder if Gabe entered my life when I needed him most.
He’s been patient with my moods and put up with far more than anyone should. He married me at the drop of a hat when we didn’t even know much about each other. Most importantly, though, he fits here.
With me, with the ranch, with rodeo. With my entire life.
Our hands and lips roam while more clothing hits the floor, and our want for each other never falters. Reaching into the walk-in shower, I step away from Gabe long enough to run the water and get steam forming in the stall before pulling him in with me.
