Page 67 of Brands

While Blue stands backthere staring at the cattle yard trying to figure out if he’s going to shit or get off the pot, I have work to do.

I’ll start with Millie. I know she’s trained to milk wherever.

Once I get the machine moved into the corner near the outlet, I grab one of the buckets and a clean rag I have tucked into my pocket.

This place doesn’t have all of the amenities of my dairy, but it’ll do in a pinch until I can get these girls back home.

Hot water and electricity go a long way to making this easier.

The worst part, now that she’s all hooked up and I’m just sitting here watching her, it gives me time to think.

I don’t know what Blue’s going to do. I want him to want to be with me.

But if it’s too much for him, I get it.

Char’s always told me I scare the guys away, and that I’mintimidating.

She did say it wasn’t a bad thing. That it keeps me safe.

Maybe I thought Blue was different. I thought he liked that I know what I want.

I did get what I asked for. He took my virginity in the best way I could ever imagine, setting a damn high bar.

“I wasn’t lying.” His deep voice comes from directly behind me.

Then his knees appear next to me before he squats down. His jaw ticks in time with the pulsing of the machine. “It’s only been you for months, Lib. Even when I knew I shouldn’t, you’re all I wanted.”

He turns his gaze from the cow to me, fixing me with his pale blue eyes. “My own dad used to tell me what a damn burden it is to have kids. We grew up half-starved and ignored. It’s why I practically lived at Black Gulch. Mrs. McCullough kept me fed.” He takes a long breath and lets it out slowly.

“I’m sorry. I can see why it’d seem like it’s scary.” My palm finds his thigh, then I shift so our legs can touch.

His mouth raises in a lop-sided smile as he covers my hand with his. “Mason showed me a different side. That a man can have a family without losing himself, and that there’s a lot of joy to be found in it.”

A warm feeling spreads in my chest. This has to be him saying he wants more.

“Blue? Don’t go picking out daycares yet,” I laugh, moving to stand in front of him while I straddle his thigh.

“Let’s start with putting those little babies here.” I unzip my jeans, running my fingers along the inside of my thigh. “Maybe a puddle there.” My nail lifts my shirt and skirts around my belly button.

“I can do that,” he growls, leaning forward to kiss the tender bare skin. “Where else?”

My buttons open easily, exposing my breasts to the cool spring air. “I want you to come here, and here.” I arch my throat, lowering myself to his leg so his lips can follow the lines of my neck.

His whiskers send tiny tingles through me with every brush of his soft mouth.

I finally settle my arms around his shoulders, our noses nearly touching. “I want to taste you, Blue. Swallow you whole.” My palms slide down to his wrists. “Fill me up from end—” I move one of his hands to the swell of my ass. “—to end.” I wrap his fingers under my jaw.

“Fuck, Lib. You make me want to keep you forever.” His grip tightens, drawing me into the passion of his lips.

Fire races through me as I feel the walls I’ve struggled to keep around my heart begin to slip.

He’s choosing me.

His hot palm presses into my lower back, molding me to his body.

But then the cavitating suction of the machine tells me Millie’s done.

“Hold that thought, cowboy.” I smile, prying myself away from his hold.

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