Page 18 of When the Smoke Clears

“Now coffee,” he says quietly.

I need no more explanation than that, letting my eyes fall closed as he kisses my forehead. I’m so lucky he’s mine.

Chapter 6

Sutton

Maciclingstothemug when I hand it over. “Thank you. This smells amazing.”

Color has returned to her cheeks, though her eyes are darker than usual. I sit on the edge of the bed.

She sips from the mug. “You probably have things to do.”

“Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

I readjust my hat. “You always act like you’re keeping me from something.”

Her lips purse briefly. “I usually am.”

“You’re not.”

One eyebrow quirks up. “Oh? So you don’t have springing heifers and calves to check on?”

I can’t help the grin that overtakes my mouth or the way my heart thuds even harder for her. “That’s sexy as hell.”

She shifts the mug to her right hand and reaches with her left to pull my hat off my head and place it on hers. “You’re not the only rancher around here.”

“That so?” I snatch her coffee and set it on the side table before grabbing her face in both hands and pressing a furious kiss to her lips. She fists both hands into my tan button-up, holding on tightly, and meeting my movements eagerly. “I told you I don’t share.”

“Good thing I’m not straying.” She kisses me again. Her hands release my shirt, sliding into my hair instead. She gives a little tug. “I’m trying to learn all I can. Want to impress the boss.” She grins against my lips.

She’s made for me. I’m never letting her go. Whatever shit she needs to get through, I’m here every step of the way.

Our next kiss is gentle. Then, she places my hat back onto my head.

My lips ache for more and I kiss her neck gently. “For the record, nothing is more important than you. Not a single thing. This entire ranch could burn down, and my only concern would be for you.”

“That’s foolish,” she chides. She’s terrible at taking compliments.

“Then I’m a fool for you.”

The blush that rises to her cheeks threatens my resolve, but she’s had enough done to her body in the last forty-eight hours.

“I know you’re trying to get rid of me, so I’m going to check on everyone.”

She drops her chin and pins me with her gaze while sipping her coffee. “Izzy and Leah should be here soon with tacos,” she says after swallowing.

The excitement that lights her face is hard to miss, and that simple change makes it easier to leave her in here. “When they get here, they’ll need to use the keypad to call to The Big House.” I squeeze her thigh and stand. “I’ll be back to check on you in a little while.”

“I’ll be fine.” She tries to wave me off again.

I lean over the bed, caging her in. “Indulge me.” Her lips taste like caramel apples when I kiss her—I’m going to buy stock in that lip balm—and I want to savor every inch of her. To show her how much I need her. How thankful I am for her.

Chapter 7

Maci

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