Page 8 of Savage Secrets

Her deep chocolate eyes fixed on him for a long heartbeat, then she slowly nodded. “I could use help setting up my bedroom.”

It had been a long time since he was inanywoman’s bedroom—or bed, for that matter.

“I’ll be your muscle. Just tell me where you want things moved.”

She offered him a smile, but he knew apprehension when he saw it. “This way.” She led the way down a short hallway.

One of the doors was pulled shut most of the way. From inside came a soft, chirping little girl voice.

Opal tossed him a look. “Rainie unpacked all her dolls.”

“I hope none of them need a bath since she can only reach the toilet.”

Pressing her fist over her lips, she squelched a giggle. “I shouldn’t laugh. I wouldn’t be laughing if it happened to me.”

He cocked a brow. “How do you know it hasn’t?”

“Oh god.” She plastered her palm over her stomach.

He glanced around the space. The walls could use a new coat of paint, but the hardwood floor looked to be in good repair.

She pointed at an old brass bed. “Think we can move that to the other side of the room under the windows? I like waking up to the sun.”

A sudden vision of her pale skin warmed by the pink glow of sunrise tightened a knot in his stomach.

“No problem.” His tone came out a bit too gruff, but he covered it by moving to take hold of the mattress. “Easier if we slide this off first.”

“Oh, yes.” Together they shifted the bed into place. Within half an hour, they had the pieces of furniture where she wanted them.

That wisp of hair that escaped the fastenings was a bit damp, and for some reason that had the knot in his stomach pulling even tighter.

She planted her hands on her hips and gave him a smile. “Thanks, Zach. It’s nice having help.”

“I thought I’d check on the animals. Then if you need more furniture moved, I’ll be happy to help.”

Her brows pinched. “Mr. Gracey was kind to lend you to me for a while.”

He hadn’t seen it that way, but it sounded much better than what was in his mind.

“I’m afraid I won’t have the guest room ready for you in time for bed.”

Those words made his gut clench. “No, miss. I’ll be sleeping in the bunkhouse.”

“Not ‘miss.’ Opal. Please.”

He ducked his head. “Opal.”

“If you’re not sleeping inside, the least you can do is meet me on the porch after the day’s work. We can discuss any issues you have on the ranch.”

“Sounds good…Opal. I’ll see you after the sun goes down.”

Thumbing his hat brim, he was already moving down the porch steps. He needed some space from his new boss.

From that sweet wisp of hair he wanted to direct behind her ear.

From her big, comfy brass bed.

Chapter Three

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