Page 70 of Since Day One

Eventually, Gunnar helped me off of the bed and waited for me outside the bathroom while I cleaned up. He lent me a shirt this time, and I exited wearing his staple button-up. He smiled and gave me a gentle kiss before taking his turn in the restroom. I slowly made my way back to his bedroom and climbed in the bed, ready for a night’s rest being held by the most precious man I’d ever known.

Closing my eyes, I bit back a smile and scrunched my nose up in glee.

Gunnar launched himself onto the bed, and I bounced upon the mattress. I giggled, glancing at him, as he grinned and tucked himself under the blankets, pulling me to him. He kissed the back of my neck several times.

“Goodnight, Princess,” he whispered, and I shivered.

“Goodnight, handsome.”

I leaned over the armrest on the couch as Gunnar cooked some breakfast. The sun had already risen this morning, but neither of us was in any rush to leave just yet. Abi texted me, first letting me know how furious everyone was about the cinch issue, and then informing me that one of the other hands, Dwayne, had apparently forgotten to close the gate and most of the horses got out.

“Did any of them get hurt?” Gunnar asked from the kitchen as I read to him what was going on.

“Abi says no, that they’re all fine and back safely. Though apparently, my newest project mare has bucked everyone off in the past two days.” I snorted, laughing as Abi sent me a picture of the bruise on her arm.

“Nobody’s as talented as my cowgirl,” Gunnar said, and I smiled. Only his girl for less than two weeks, but yes, his girl for now.

“I’ll tell her you said that,” I replied, waiting to see if Gunnar would say or do anything, but he didn’t. He simply continued to make the omelets.

“So, we are driving to my cousin’s tomorrow,” Gunnar said, reminding me of the plans I’d agreed to.

“What time are we leaving?” I asked, texting Abi a reply.

“Around noon, which means we have a lot of work to squeeze into the morning tomorrow, so no late starts.” He plated the food and carried it to the dining table.

I sat up and glared at him. “I’m not the only one here, sir. So, don’t be pointing a finger at just me.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “I know, Princess. Now, come eat.” Pushing off of the couch, I walked over to the dining table and sat down, pulling my legs up onto the chair like I normally do in crisscross style, and began eating.

“I still don’t have clothes over here, and I don’t want to go into the bunkhouse right now,” I muttered between delicious bites of the omelet and a sip of hot coffee.

“I’ll call Jesse. I’m sure she can help out,” he answered nonchalantly and pushed himself back from the table. Before he disappeared into his room to get changed for the day, he gently kissed me, leaving a smile behind upon my face.

I waited patiently for Jesse, washing the dishes from breakfast while he got ready for the day. This I could get used to. Waking up with someone who cared for me, going to work some horses, and then coming home to do it all over again. I realized in that moment that, for the first time, I wasn’t just disappointed that I’d be going home soon, I was dreading it.

I missed my horses. But Gunnar…

“Bitch, open the door!” Jesse shrieked, causing me to nearly jump out of my skin. I walked to the entrance and twisted the handle, swinging it open to stare at that crazy woman. She was grinning from ear to ear, giving me an almost knowing look.

She shoved past me and marched straight inside. “I brought several outfits because you will not be wearing your usual horrendous stuff to the play this weekend. So, pack two of these and wear the other today.” Jesse whirled around, the fringe on her jacket whipping against her arms.

I stared in complete shock, yet I found myself smiling. She reminded me of Abi. “Thank you?” I replied in question, and she giggled.

“I know what you two did last night,” she sang.

“I’m sorry?” I asked, and she grinned again.

“Well, Olivia brought over a little gift Gunnar ordered from her husband last night, and you walked out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel.” She wiggled her brows, and I rolled my eyes.

“It’s not what you think, but okay,” I replied, keeping myself calm, and she looked almost disappointed. It wasn’t a denial, but it also wasn’t the confirmation she was looking for. Gunnar decided to make his entrance at that moment, completely put together for the day and holding his black cowboy hat.

He zipped his vest up and greeted Jesse, walking over to us and smacking my butt as he passed by. “Go get dressed. We got work,” he said, completely oblivious to the little claps of glee Jesse was doing.

“Thank you, Jesse,” I said and gathered the outfits from her arms before padding off to the bedroom and disappearing inside. Once there, I laid out the three different outfits she’d sent. One was a set of boyfriend-cut jeans and a cute knit sweater that looked comfortable and stylish. Another was a pair of bell-bottoms that I absolutely loved and a bodysuit with a sweetheart neckline that would show off a little more than I preferred while riding.

The last was a casual pair of Kimes jeans and an oversized turtleneck sweater. Just what I’d wear today to keep myself comfortable and warm while working horses. I dressed as fast as I could, stole a pair of Gunnar’s socks, and walked out of the bedroom, leaving the outfits spread out on his mattress.

He was waiting by the door with his coat and hat on, a smile coating his lips as I pulled my hair to the side and separated it into three strands to start a braid. Gunnar walked over to me and took the hair out of my fingers, finishing it for me while I looped my belt and buckle through the pants—the only piece of this outfit that was actually mine.

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