“It’s the last thing I want to do,” I say quietly and tip my cowboy hat back, hoping to show my sincerity.
Char stares at me for a long inhale, then drops her chin.
A fresh smile spreads when she sees Libby bouncing into the barn.
“Oh my god! They’re really here!” She clasps her hands and smoothly climbs over the gate.
Millie bobs her head, almost in agreement, as Libby runs up and wraps her neck in a hug.
Alfalfa leaves stick to her hair when she pulls away, then she threads her arms around my waist.
She’s smiling, but her blue eyes are watery as she looks up at me. “Thank you for rescuing them.” She climbs to her tiptoes and lands a quick kiss on my cheek.
“All I did was drive. You’re the little rebel putting this all in play.” It feels too good holding her.
“Yea, Dad is gonna bepissed.” Her brows raise. “I need to unload the milking machine.”
She turns to Char. “Is there a good place to dump the milk? There’s no way I’m bringing it all home.”
“Lori and I started a big compost pile near the garden. I think that’d be perfect.” Char leans with her elbows on a cross bar of the fence.
She looks like she’s getting tired.
“I’m heading back up to the house. Paisley wanted to see Millie. I’m excited for you, Lib. This is a big step.” Her gaze lands on me though, almost emphasizing the last phrase.
It makes me wince.
I get it. I’m an asshole.
But somehow, I think this thing with Libby is different.
As Char leaves with Paisley in tow, I suddenly find Libby back in my arms.
Her excitement has her practically vibrating against my body, and it’s doingthingsto mine.
“I can’t believe it!” She threads her fingers into my back pockets, tightening my jeans over my already taut crotch.
“Tell me what I can do to help, then we can go back to my place and celebrate.” I find the belt loops on her pants and snug her waist closer so she can feel what she’s doing to me.
She tilts her head, her mouth turning up into a mischievous grin. “Why wait?”
This fucking woman.
“Is that what you want? For everyone out there—” I gesture towards the cattle yard out beyond the barn where some of Mason’s ranch hands are pushing steers through chutes. “—to hear you scream my name?”
“Embarrassed you’ll get caught?” Her lips purse in a teasing taunt as she gyrates her hips against my stiff cock.
“Baby,” I growl against her mouth. “I have no problem letting the world know you’re mine.” My palms cup her thighs so I can lift her legs around my waist.
The cows part like a bovine sea as I carry her into the shadows of the barn.
I don’t care if anyone can hear her, but I don’t want them to see.
Her arms hug my neck, her nails raking lightly over my shoulders.
Pressing her to the wooden wall, I let my fingers trail down her belly, then tug open the button of her jeans.
“Climb that fence.” I move enough so she can turn towards the rails. “And put that pretty little ass in the air for me.”