Page 31 of In Plain Sight

As my hand moved lower to the hem of her shirt, the phone rang.

With a frustrated growl, she slowly pulled back and answered it. Her flushed cheeks lit up in a different light.

“She’s progressing quickly. Clara doesn’t think it will be long before the first babe makes its appearance,” she told me excitedly.

I took her hand and resolutely led us to the door. I knew how important this was and my physical needs would wait. What mattered more was what Ruby needed and I knew she didn’t want to miss the birth of the calves. It was obvious just how important the animals around the farm were to her.

I tried to discreetly adjust myself and will down the hard-on I was sporting after that kiss. Ruby giggled and I knew she was watching me.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

I shook my head. “I have you for the rest of my life. Those babies aren’t going to wait.”

It was true, even though I knew my life would end far too soon.

There was already excitement growing around the barn when we got back. Lizzy shot us a knowing look and I knew she thought we’d disappeared to feast on each other and not our dinner. Oh, how I’d wished that had been true. I was still walking around in an uncomfortable state.

“Sorry,” Gage said, taking notice of my situation. “I told her to hold off until it was time, but she didn’t want Ruby getting pissed if she missed the first birth.”

“It’s okay. This is really important to my mate. It was the right call,” I assured him.

The girls all huddled around the laboring animal, tending to her needs while Gage and I hung back and watched. Cole Anderson soon joined us.

“Is it finally dry enough to start pulling up flooring tomorrow?” Gage asked him.

“Hell if I know. I’ll check it in the morning. I hope so. I hadn’t planned on returning here till mid-spring and I have things pressing back home. We couldn’t just ignore the situation though.”

“I’ve started working during the day, but we usually finish up mid-afternoon if you need an extra hand,” I surprised myself by volunteering.

“Hey, that would be great, really. I could use all the help I can get. Thomas and a few of his friends will be pitching in this weekend, too. If you’re available then, that would be awesome,” Cole said.

“Sure. I don’t think we have anything planned for the weekend,” I said, thinking of all the ways I really wanted to spend the weekend, alone and naked with Ruby under me. I bit back a groan at the vivid images floating through my mind.

Cole laughed. “That is, if you’re ready to leave your apartment. How long have you and Ruby been bonded?”

I sighed. “Almost a week.”

“And she’s already back to work?”

“They both are,” Gage filled him in.

Cole shook his head. “How long did you go through mating before sealing the bond?”

I grinned. “Long enough to catch her name first. Maybe ten minutes.”

Gage laughed out loud and Cole scowled. “That’s it?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Honestly, I think I have you to thank for that.”

Cole’s scowl deepened, lost in dark memories. I shivered to think of what he’d gone through. An unresolved bond was rarely spoken of, but I’d heard the nightmarish stories that came with such a thing.

“Well, that’s a good thing, but how are you adjusting? I mean, the mating period may be a mess, but it allows time to get to know your mate, fall in love, and adjust to a myriad of raging hormones. That level of aggression does ease with bonding, but it never fully goes away.”

I shrugged. “I guess I hadn’t considered all that. It’s not easy seeing her in the chow hall surrounded by a bunch of unmated males, but I’ve been able to keep it in check.”

“Has she claimed you publicly yet?” Gage surprised me by asking.

“What do you mean?”

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