Page 60 of Headed for Home

“Istill think you let me win.” My boots crunch on gravel as we cross the path and return to the barn.

Cassidy’s focus slides to me, a smile curling her pouty lips. “Is your pride wounded?”

A scoff spews from me while I flex my arms and chest. “Nope.”

She eyes me as I the test the stitches on my shirt seams. “Are you complaining about your prize?”

My stomach sighs in full-belly bliss. “Nope, I don’t regret my victory. You’re a damn fine cook.”

“Egg bake is easy.”

“Not for me. Take the compliment.” I trace the apple of her cheek with a bent knuckle before opening the door. “If only you’d let me act as sous chef.”

“I couldn’t risk a repeat of last time you were in my kitchen.” She flicks the lights on and twirls into the aisle.

“Can’t resist me, huh?”

Her gaze gobbles me from top to cock. “Which is a problem when my children are home.”

I adjust my hat, flipping the brim backward. “You keep saying that but I have yet to see them.”

“They’re sleeping late. Don’t complain.”

The wise advice prompts me to shamelessly ogle her instead. Snug jeans with bling on the rear hug her ass like a lover’s embrace. An athletic tank top stretches over her breasts, giving me a juicy shot of cleavage.

She cocks a hip. “What’s up, trouble?”

“Other than me?” My dick twitches behind my zipper for her approval. “This cowgirl uniform of yours is extremely attractive. Sexy and practical, beauty.”

“Lucky for you,” she drawls. “I wear this getup on the daily.”

My appetite rebounds as I give her another languid once-over. “How much longer will Mac and Cheese be snoozing?”

“I expect them to join us any minute. Add two or three onto that for breakfast.”

“Gobble and go types,” I praise.

“Especially if the twins recognize your truck.”

The fact that they might after spotting the pickup once or twice realigns my desires in this moment. “Will they ride with us?”

“If you ask them to.”

“I’d love that.” The image of us on a family outing along the trail pops into my mind as if it’s chiseled in stone.

Cassidy’s grin brightens. “Wait here while I get our horses.”

My devoted attention stays glued on her and her seductive self until she disappears into the tack room. I haven’t moved when she reappears with two halters hanging off her shoulder. Once she’s gone from view again, I decide to make myself useful. But a quick scan of the spotless barn mocks my intentions.

Chester and Cheeto zoom past me at a speed that suggests Cassidy left them behind. There goes my idea of playing fetch with the pair. Although, I’m not certain Australian Shepherds enjoy that sort of chase. That question gets stored away for later.

It’s too quiet. The squeak from the rusty windmill serenades the calm. Idle hands get me in trouble, even if I twiddle my thumbs. I’m about to wander outside when thundering footsteps approach. My heart rate spikes momentarily in fear that Billy and Gruff are about to have their way with me again. I’d barely dodged their earlier advances while feeding them.

Shrill giggles ease my concern and I turn toward the open door. Kenzie and Charlie dash directly at me, making no attempt to slow down until they crash into my legs. An exaggeratedoomphwheezes from me strictly for their benefit.

“Pinkie Pie!” Kenzie’s squeal shatters the silence and my eardrums.

Charlie winces but recovers quickly. “Hi, Rake.”

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