Page 49 of Omega's Refuge

She cleared her throat. “I assume you’ll want to give me a new payment method? The other card was Mr. Turlington’s.”

“Oh, right.” I laughed gruffly. I could just imagine Steven’s face if I charged an extra week here at the ranch on his card. “My wallet is in my cabin.”

“No worries. Just come by my office later today.” She flicked her gaze to Rex and her expression softened. “Rex, you have the next three days off. I understand you want to take Mr. Smyth out on an overnight trip?”

“Yes, Ma’am. We might stretch it to two.” He looked relaxed and happy. “I’ve got everything packed.”

She twisted her lips. “I don’t suppose you want Rusty to accompany you on your trip?”

Rex kicked at the dirt, keeping his eyes down. “No, Ma’am. That won’t be necessary.”

For the first time since I’d arrived, Mrs. Rodwell smiled. Her grin took ten years off her weathered face. “Yeah, I didn’t think so.” She turned her amused gaze to me. “You boys have fun on your trip.” She turned and walked away toward the main house.

Rex moved over to me and he slipped his arm around my waist. “I think she’s on to us, Tanner.” He grinned down at me, and my gut tumbled with excitement.

“It seems everyone was. Did you make an announcement or something?”

He laughed. “No, but Joe and Martha caught me leaving your cabin this morning. The cat was out of the bag from that point on.”

I turned to face him, slipping my arms around him too. “Is it okay to hug like this out in the open?”

“Yep.” He lowered his head and kissed me.

Surprised, but excited, that he was being so open about his interest in me, I kissed him back. It made me feel special that he wasn’t hiding how he felt about me. If he didn’t think we needed to be a secret, I didn’t see why I should.

Once the kiss ended, he pulled away. “Okay, now go pack up. Bring some warm shirts too.” He said softly. “I’ll bring the condoms.”

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. “You’re really not a subtle kind of guy, are you?”

“I don’t see any point in pretending. We only have a week and I’m going to spend as much time as possibleinsideyou, Tanner.”

My legs went weak at the lusty tone of his voice. “Shit, Rex. You’re going to make my legs give out.”

He smirked. “That’s fine. I like you flat on your back.”

I laughed outright. “Jesus, you’re out of control.” I turned to head to my cabin.

“That’s all on you, city boy.” He chuckled as he walked away toward the stables.

Once inside my cabin, I packed quickly, excited to begin my adventure with Rex. As I walked from my cabin to where Rex stood with our horses and one pack mule, the quiet of the ranch hit me. Without the other guests around, the place had a lot less activity. The silence impressed upon me just how far away from civilization we truly were.

“I’m going to go give Mrs. Rodwell my credit card number,” I said to Rex.

“Okay.” Rex took my overnight pack. “Don’t look so nervous, Tanner. It’s okay. You’re allowed to stay another week.”

I laughed sheepishly. “I just don’t want her upset with you.”

“She’s not.” He smiled. “I promise.”

I nodded and headed to the main house. Mrs. Rodwell’s office was located off the dining hall and was easy to find. I entered her small office and found her sitting behind an oak desk, surrounded by books and stacks of paper.

She looked up, gold-toned glasses balanced on her long, narrow nose. “Sit.” She gestured to one of the leather seats in front of her desk.

“Thanks.” I took a seat, folding my hands in my lap as if I was in the principal’s office. Something about Mrs. Rodwell always made me feel like I was in trouble.

She typed on her laptop for a few moments, then the printer across the room began chattering. As she waited for the papers to print, she rested her chin on her knuckles, eyeing me. She didn’t look as approachable as she had earlier when Rex was present, which added to my discomfort.

When she didn’t speak, I squirmed a little. “Uh, I appreciate you letting me stay longer.”

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