Page 115 of When the Smoke Clears

At the truck, Sutton opens my door and helps me in, closing it behind me quietly. He throws the blanket into the backseat when he slides in from the driver’s side. For a moment, we sit in silence, while he fails to start the truck or say anything.

“Cowboy?”

He fiddles with the keys before looking over at me.

“Are you ok? Did she embarrass you?”

His chuckle is sarcastic. “I’m not afraid of her. There were just some things I didn’t like back there.”

My eyebrows scrunch together. “I don’t—”

“I don’t like that she tries to make you smaller. I don’t like that I’m not sure what I can and can’t say to her. She’s your mother, so I know I need to respect her, but I want to build a life with you, and I have no intention of allowing her to talk to you like that for the rest of our lives.”

I can’t help the smile that crosses my face and the way my heart rate speeds up. “I wouldn’t dare censor you, Cowboy. And that was hardly her worst. In truth, I think the last few weeks have been a little eye-opening for her because I haven’t stayed quiet like I used to.” I reach across the console and place my hand over his. “You say whatever you feel is necessary, but you don’t have to fight my battles for me.”

He worries his lip. “I don’t like being called your boyfriend. Boyfriend feels so temporary. What I feel for you isn’t temporary. I told you, I’m building a life with you.” He flips his hand over under mine, twisting our fingers together.

“Boyfriend was the best option I had. You’re more than a friend, but it’s not like we’re engaged. I wasn’t trying to slight you.”

His pouty smile is a little youthful and a little thoughtful. “I know you weren’t. I didn’t take it that way. I just want more.”

“You can have everything.” My blush is overtaken by my desire to climb into his lap, and he reflects my hunger with his intense eyes.

Chapter 42

Sutton

I’monthefrontporch of The Big House, rocking in one of the chairs, when the ranch hands head my way for breakfast.

“Morning boss.” Cody smiles. He’s the morning person of the group.

“Morning, Cody.” I grin and stand. “Kelly, hang back a minute?”

Kelly nods in acknowledgment while Jason and Cody slip inside. “Everything good?”

“Yeah, no problems here.” I shove my hands into my pockets. I could have this conversation inside or in any office around here, but there’s no reason to. We’re not that formal now, and I’m not about to change that. “Anything you guys need?”

He shakes his head. “No, we’re good.”

“Good. Well, I spoke with Dad and Terrence separately this morning. We’re still a go for paperwork in January, and I’m going to be meeting with a few people from Terrence’s team who want to stay on if it’s a fit. I think we look good on our side. I also know that this expansion is going to come right around when we’re turning bulls out.”

“Yep, that’s true. We’ll manage. Don’t worry.”

“I feel better knowing you’re confident with everything. That’s why I wanted to talk with you. I told you guys that I needed to be looking at who could take on a bigger role. I’d like to extend a formal offer for you to manage the cattle operation. It’ll come with a salary increase and additional perks. I recognize the headache it is, and I haven’t taken the decision lightly. That’s if you want it.”

Kelly bobs his head in an exaggerated fashion. “Yes, sir. I appreciate it. Strickland Ranch has become home to me, and I’m eager to see it grow.”

“You deserve it. And I think it’ll make Jason and Cody more comfortable that way, too.”

“I agree.”

“I’ll write up everything and have it to you this afternoon. I want you to take the time to look it over and get back to me with any counteroffers.”

Kelly’s eyebrows scrunch. “I don’t know what you plan to offer, but I’ve known you long enough to know you’re not going to screw me.”

My mouth tugs into a wide smile. “Still. This is my legacy, and we’re in a period of transition. I want you to grow with us and be compensated for the additional work and hours.”

“You got it.”

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