Page 13 of Wrangling Nash

“Oh, Lana, is something, that’s for sure. They’ve been together off and on for two years. I haven’t been able to keep track of the number of times he’s tried to break up with her and she’s come to our house, about beat the door down to get back with him. And vice versa. She breaks up with him about every other weekend, but Wylie can’t seem to let her go.”

“Sounds toxic.”

I nodded my head. “But hey, I’ll sleep in one of the guest rooms tonight, and we can pick up wherever he left off tomorrow morning early. You won’t even notice the difference.”

Though I hope you do.

She smiled. “Thanks, Nash, I appreciate that. And I appreciate you helping me pick out work boots. I wondered if after the fact you might have been messing with me regarding Carhartt, but they’ve worked out so far, though my entire body is aching from the long day.”

I can think of a few ways to help ease those aches you’re experiencing... and the ache I’ve been feeling in my pants since I met you.

I nodded. “No problem. I told you they’d be good. Glad they worked out.”

She smiled again and knocked on the door frame as she turned to leave. “Catch you tomorrow morning.”

“Yep,” I called out.

I can’t wait.

I turned off the light and pulled down the sheets, willing myself to get some rest but visions of Jovie and her see-through pajamas kept me up.

Guess it won’t hurt to take one more shower...

Chapter 11: Nash

“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” Jovie asked me the next morning as I tossed two large water jugs and a couple of essential tools into the back of the gator we’d be using for the day.

“Fencing and infrastructure,” I replied.

She wrinkled her nose, creating the cutest dimples as her lips formed a pout. I appreciated the fact that she wasn’t like the other women in their 20s and 30s I'd known in Houston, their faces frozen by Botox and unable to show any emotion. Jovie’s feelings were practically written on her face when she talked, which was how I knew though she was sometimes annoyed with me, she certainly thought I was attractive, too.

This morning, she wore a long-sleeved button-up with a low-cut, V-neck bra top and jeans, embracing ranch wear even at 5 in the morning. The sun was already making its presence felt, promising another scorching day.

My thoughts went back to Brooke, remembering the time she visited Lonestar Junction with me for Thanksgiving. Despite my suggestion to wear jeans during our property tour, she insisted on a dress, claiming it was too hot for jeans and she didn't like wearing them. I rolled my eyes and didn’t press the matter, but when she nearly got stung by a scorpion, she freaked out and vowed never to return.

And she kept that promise. Though that was partially my fault.

“Fencing and infrastructure is about as boring as it sounds, but it’s a crucial part of maintaining the ranch. Mitchell is our ranch hand who is responsible for it across our properties.”

“He works for both of our ranches?” she asked.

I nodded, “Yep, Clarence hired him first and then referred him to Rig. He’s a good guy, early 40s, lost his wife to cancer three years ago.”

“Shit... that’s hard. So, if he handles maintenance, why do we inspect the infrastructure as well?”

“Because some things are better to address preventatively, and sometimes, four eyes are better than two. Getting a good understanding of the equipment helps catch issues early before they become breakdowns. It’s a team effort on the ranch.”

She nodded as we drove on, starting our day with the primary fence that kept in our cattle. The sun began to peek above the horizon, casting golden rays over her tan skin. I tried to focus on inspecting for holes or potential issues in the wire, but my eyes continued to drift toward Jovie.

Catching me looking, she smiled. “You think you’re being discreet, but you aren’t,” she said.

I grinned. “I don’t mind you knowing I'm checking you out.”

She blushed as her eyes cast down and then back ahead again. “So, tell me, Nash, did you always want to work on your father’s ranch?”

“No, not always. I attended the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, had plans to work as a civil engineer for the city.”

“That’s fascinating. Why did you decide not to?”

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