Page 34 of Ravenous

She had a purple-tinged ring around her mouth.

“I see that,” I said.

Joy followed behind at a more sedate pace.

“Think you can wash your face and hands ‘cause we’re gonna go with Mr. Johnny and Mr. Colton back to the ranch.”

I wasn’t sure how that was going to work, but I’d figure it out.

I looked to Joy. “The creek flooded last night from the storm. Cattle got stuck on the wrong side. The water’s gone down, and we can get ‘em across, but it’s gonna rain again, and we’ve got to get to them before–”

Joy held up a hand. “I understand. Your job doesn’t have nine to five hours. Why don’t I watch Remy for you?”

I stared. Blinked. This was what I’d wanted of her when we first met. Just this. Her being a babysitter. Now? She was volunteering to stay with Remy, and it didn’t feel like she was beingjusta sitter.

She was my mate staying with my pup. This was a big deal. I trusted her with Remy, of course, but this was the first time they’d be together alone. Would this make Remy fall for her and then get hurt worse?

Johnny whacked me on the back, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Really?”

She smiled… and my wolf preened.

“Of course. It’s no problem. I’m going to work in my studio for a little bit, and she can make a little project. Then we can have dinner and watch a movie.”

“Can I? Can I?” Remy pulled on my arm and hopped up and down. “A movie with Joy! Can I, Daddy?”

This was the concern. Joy was too likeable. I didn’t have a choice, though. Not only because I had to get to the ranch but because my wolf was telling me to suck it the fuck up and let my mate watch my pup. Because that was exactly what she was supposed to be doing.

Being with Remy in our house. Keeping her safe and loving on her.

“Um, okay. Sure. Let me get your cell number in case you need to reach me. And no going in your house.”

She nodded. “No going in my house. Got it.”

“Yay!” Remy squealed.

Yeah, it was true.

I had it bad. Because instead of me getting to know Joy, for her to fall for me, Remy was.

I hadn’t felt this out of my depth since Soraya left me with a three-week-old pup and zero parenting skills to take care of her.

But I’d figured things out with Remy. Or we’d gotten by.

Maybe I’d find my way with Joy, too?

Fate knew she was worth it.

15

JOY

Remy was so good,it seemed unnatural. She was sweet and listened, had good manners. Did all the things while we were in my studio as I finished two vases and she made a little clay sculpture of her horse. Until she cut her little finger with one of the sculpting tools. She’d cried over the owie. I wrapped a paper towel around it and carried her inside her and Wes’ house. I searched for a BandAid in the bathroom and couldn’t find any. I checked her small cut, and it was… gone.

So were her tears. Since we were already in the bathroom, I figured it was time to take a bath instead of going back to work on the clay horse. I’d be able to ensure the cut really was gone–or was there one to begin with?–or at least cleaned out. She gave a small temper tantrum, but I lured her in by getting her father’s shaving cream–since he had a beard I figured he wouldn’t care if it was used–and spreading some on the tile for her to smear and play in. Then, of course, she didn’t want to get out.

Finally, after lots of tired-kid coaxing, she was in her pajamas and on the couch. She’d insisted on the movie with the princess she thought looked just like me.

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