Page 74 of Brands

“But,” he continues. “I can cut you a first installment check tonight if you need it.” His fingers weave behind his head as he leans back and stretches with a yawn. “I don’t know how I did it with two babies twenty years ago. It’s gonna be rough when the next one gets here in a few weeks.”

“Dad has to accept the proposal first. Thank you for considering the property, the fact you’d even look twice is a compliment.” Libby’s spine is straight, the picture of composure.

But her fingers dig into the flesh above my knee like she’s hanging from a cliff.

“Hell, I have no doubts in your business sense.” Mason waves his hand idly, then scratches through his dark hair.

I guess he does have a touch of gray at the edges.

I’m right there with him.

“You’re doing better than most. I had some hotshot from the city call me once wanting to get into ranching. Didn’t even know the difference between a steer and a bull. That guy’s got some hard lessons coming if he went through with it.” He grunts with a smile, then pushes away from the table.

“He’s lucky he didn’t call Dix. He’d have gotten way more details than he ever knew existed.” I gently pry her nails out of my jeans. I’m gonna need bandages if she squeezes any harder.

“Ain’t that the truth.” Mason picks up his empty glass, carrying it to the kitchen. “Well, kids. I gotta hit the hay. Let me know when you need some money. Then we can have a little branding party.” His mouth shifts as he chews on the inside of his cheek. “Those damn Jerseys are all hip, huh? Maybe we’ll cold mark ‘em.”

“They’re all tagged.” Libby’s gaze flicks between Mason and I. “Doesn’t that count?”

“Eh. Gotta brand all our cows. It’s the only real way we can identify them when the damn thieves take them.” His voice takes on an edge we’ve all heard many times.

There’s never been any solid answers after the bullshit of the last two years.

“Oh.” Her lips make a circle, then fall into a pout. “That makes sense.”

“I can record them too, they’ll be double protected.” I pat her knuckles, then pull her up as I stand.

“Thanks for your time, Mason. And for—” Her arm floats in a broad arc. “—all of what you’re doing.”

“Hell, Lib. You’re family. We help our own.” He stops at the hall to kick his boots off, then disappears into the back.

She tucks into my side as we walk to the truck. “That still went better than I expected. I can’t believe this is happening.”

I swing open the door, but she turns in my arms. “You don’t have to buy the dairy. It’s okay. I promise I’ll still like you if you don’t want to get tied down.”

“It’s too late for that. I already have a new futon picked out.” And a damn chair. I’m tired of that rickety thing. Every time she climbs on my lap, it feels like it’s going to collapse beneath us.

Her laugh tickles down to my nuts and makes my cock twitch.

“All that for a crappy little fold out bed?” She pushes a stray lock of blond behind her ear as she settles on her seat.

“Worth it. I might just buy one tonight so you can stay with me in the barn.” My hand finds its place on her thigh as we take off.

The cows make the truck shift as we get started. I’m glad we already milked and loaded them before talking to Mason.

All that’s left is to unload them.

“You’d be miserable in the office,” she mumbles, burying her cheek into my shoulder.

“No worse than I will be home by myself. And I have to be out of the area all day tomorrow.” I used to love my job.

For the first time, I’m dreading it because it’s taking me away from her.

Shit. I think I’m starting to understand the merits to a relationship now.

I’m pretty sure that’s what this is? It’s more than just sex.

I want to bewithher. To touch her whenever she’s near.

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