Page 9 of Caught By A Cowboy

“Doll Face here’s made breakfast.” The guy who called him in crosses his arms over his chest, letting Jace see for himself what I’ve prepared.

“Maddison.” Jace clears his throat and tries to hide his smirk behind his hand. “I don’t think Cheerios are a substantial meal for six men who are gonna be laboring all day.” The way his eyes give all their attention to me instantly sets off those butterflies in my stomach.

“That’s not true.” I quickly snap myself out of my thoughts, picking up the box and flipping it so I can read the side. “You got wheat grain, iron… ohhh, and vitamin D.” I read out just some of the nutrients and smile at all those who doubted me.

“We work outside,” the older guy points out, still looking unimpressed by my efforts.

“I’m sorry, I’m a little overwhelmed. I’ve never had to make breakfast before,” I admit, feeling like a failure, especially when they all glance around at each other like I’m some kind of idiot.

“Boys, why don’t you all head to the diner for Jean’s pancakes?” Jace takes his wallet from the back of his jeans and hands the guy standing beside him a wad of bills.

“Can’t wait for lunch.” The prettiest boy of the gang raises his eyebrows sarcastically before picking up his hat and placing it on his head. He follows the others out the back door and once they’ve all left I flop into the chair and sigh.

“You're going to fire me, aren’t you?” I stare at the cereal and milk in front of me, realizing that I’m way over my head. I’ve spent less than twenty-four hours in the big, wide world and I’ve fucked up already.

“I ain’t gonna fire ya.” Jace shakes his head, taking the seat opposite me and pouring some Cheerios into a bowl. I watch him cover them with milk and wonder what he’s going to say about last night. Surely, he’s going to saysomethingaboutlast night.

“But you are gonna have to learn some new skills. Trust me, those guys get real irritable when they’re hungry.” He flashes me a grin before tucking into his bowl.

“I’ll get better, I promise.” I smile gratefully, this man has no reason to show me such kindness. I want him to know that I’m not taking that for granted, especially after what I need to tell him next

“There is going to be one teeny, tiny problem with today's lunch.” I grit my teeth and try being cute. I’m relying on his pity.

“And what might that be?” He pauses the spoon in front of his mouth so he can snigger.

“I have to travel back to Denver.” Any humor instantly drops from his face and suddenly he’s looking angry. “Just to get mystuff,” I quickly add. I’m not sure what causes his reaction but I feel the need to assure him. The guy barely knows me, and it’s not exactly like I’m an asset around here. I’m certain there are far better housekeepers looking for work. You’d think he’d be glad to see the back of me. “I have nothing here. No clothes, no makeup, I don’t even have a phone and today’s the only chance I’m going to get to go home without having to face everyone,” I explain, feeling guilty. I know I should probably offer Adam and my parents an explanation, but I’m not ready to face them yet.

Jace drops his spoon into his bowl and stares back at me confused.

“The wedding was in Adam’s hometown, we had the venue booked out for the whole weekend. I’m assuming Adam will have stayed there to be with his parents. Which means, if I leave now and get an early start, I can make it back to our place, pack a bag without confrontation, and be back here in time for dinner.” I smile cheerily, despite being nervous as hell.

Jace says nothing in response, just picks up his bowl then gets up to place it in the sink. I watch his hands grip the work surface each side of it as he looks out of the window, onto the yard.

“How ya gonna get there? Your car’s not fixed,” he points out.

“Well, I was kind of hoping you’d lend me your truck.” I play with the hem of his shirt that I’m wearing.

“How about I take ya?” He turns his head to look at me, and when I see that he’s serious I drop my mouth open in shock.

“You?” I check that I heard him right.

“Yeah, me.” He spins all the way around, resting his ass against the basin and crossing his thick, tattooed arms over his chest

“I couldn’t…You're busy. You have this place and–-”

“Do you regret what you did yesterday?” He talks over me. I hate it when he does that, and I’m not entirely sure if he’sreferring to the fact I ran out on my fiancé or slept with a stranger. I guess either way my answer’s the same.

“No.” I shake my head confidently because right now that’s all I’m sure of. I know I made the right decision, for me, and for Adam when I ran. And what I did last night may have been out of character, but I get a sick sense of pride from the fact I can still feel that huge cock of his inside me each time I move.

“Then I’m coming with ya. We leave in five.” He starts walking toward the door but I call him back.

“Why? Why would you do that for me?” I stand up and move closer to him and when he turns around, the words that come out of his mouth give me my second shock of the day.

“Because if I were him, there's no way I’d let you get away from me a second time.” He furrows his brow before stepping out the door.

The ride to Denver is awkwardly quiet, I gave up trying to make conversation after the first hour and although it was Jace’s idea to come with me, he’s making it clear that he wishes he was somewhere else.

“Tell me about your mom.” I curl around in my seat and look at him. He may be grumpy and uptight, but he’s handsome, and the fact he doesn’t smile too often makes it feel like a real treat when he does.

---