Page 8 of Beauden & Yelena

When I approach the back entrance to the kitchen, Billy trots over to me. He acts more like a pet dog than a goat. He requires a lot of attention and thankfully everyone on the ranch gives it to him, including me. When he walks around my legs, I reach down and pet him. Then, we walk to his bowl near the back door. I fill it with granola before walking inside. Delicious smells hit my nose as soon as I enter.

“Good morning, Mr. Phox,” Raquel, one of the cooks, greets.

“Morning. What smells so good?” I ask as I walk over to the sink to wash my hands.

“Probably the berries I’m simmering for the syrup. We are having strawberry waffles, three types of bacon, two types of sausage, eggs, and pastries. Do you want your usual?” she asks, referring to my corned beef hash and toast.

“Naw, not this morning. I want something quick. Anything ready?”

“Yes. It all is. I’m cooking in batches.”

“Good, I’ll have a waffle and some beef bacon.”

“I’ll bring it to the dining room.”

“The small one. I don’t want to get in their way in the grand one,” I tell her as I add a spoonful of honey into my black coffee.

“Will do, sir.”

With my coffee in hand, I exit the kitchen then make my way to the informal dining room. As I turn the corner toward the dining room, I hear a low voice.

“It’s so peaceful and beautiful here. I slept like a baby and woke up at six,” a woman utters. “I’ll call you later, momma. Bye.”

I hesitate for a moment then decide to turn around. Not only do I want a quiet and quick breakfast; I also don’t want to disturb anyone. When I take two steps forward, her voice stops me.

“Hey. Beauden?” she asks and I now recognize the sultry voice.

Yelena.

I pivot back and it’s indeed her. Standing in front of me dressed in one-piece Christmas pajamas and big ass furry shoes is the woman who plagued my thoughts for the better part of yesterday. Her face is all natural and she looks even more beautiful now.

“Good morning, ma’am,” I respond.

“I thought we were past formalities. You rescued me; we are bonded now. It’s Yelena.” A pretty ass smile spreads across her face. “No ma’ams, just Yelena.”

“Bet. Yelena.”

“Are you taking us to milk the cows tomorrow?”

“I’m the instructor but my team will be transporting y’all to the milking barn.”

“Your team?” she asks with raised eyebrows.

“Yes. The Phoxes Den is mine,” I reply. Her doe-shaped eyes roam the hall

then focus back on me.

“All of this?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“Wow. I just thought you worked he?—”

“Mr. Phox,” Raquel interrupts. “Would you like me to take this inside?”

“Yes, please.”

“Mr. Phox,” Yelena utters lowly.

---