Page 22 of Untamed

“Nothing. I’m just tired. I love being back on the ranch, but I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a reality check and it’s finally catching up with me.” I grab my coffee, lifting the mug to my lips as if it will hide the lie written all over my face. It’s the first excuse that came to mind and I’d rather them think that my problem iswith the workload, than anything to do with the grumpy cowboy living in the bunkhouse.

To my relief, Dad’s face softens, the suspicion in his gaze turning to concern. He reaches across the table, taking my free hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Why don’t you take a day off then? Have a girls’ day with Nova. Go to a spa or something? Whatever it is you girls do for fun,” he suggests, his tone soft and comforting.

Placing my coffee mug on the table, I smile as I nod. “That sounds nice.”

“Been here for just over two weeks and you’re already ready for a break. Thought you had more work in you than that, sis.” Maverick tsks, the sound mocking as challenge flickers across his face.

A surge of defensiveness snakes through me, and I glare at him, my shoulders stiffening as I straighten in my seat. “I do.” I snap back, feeling more irritable than usual with my clown of a brother.

Is my period due?

Or does Maverick get more annoying as he gets older?

“Coulda fooled me.” Maverick laughs.

“Can’t you have breakfast at your own house?” My eyes narrow.

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Not when I get such a kick out of annoying you.”

Before I can think of a witty retort, Dad’s commanding voice cuts through our bickering. “Enough,” he barks out, rubbing at his temples, clearly at his wits’ end with his children. “Now back to the matter at hand. Girls’ day will have to wait, Mila. I got word that wolves have been roaming our land, so we’re going to be doing a drive to bring the cattle closer to the ranch where we can keep a better eye on them. Pasture eight, to be exact.” He blows out a weary breath, and I take a good look at him. He looksmore tired than usual. “I’ll be taking most of the staff with me and we’ll be gone for a couple days. Will you be okay to stay here with Mamaw and the remaining ranch hands?”

I nod without hesitation. “Sure.”

Dad smiles at me approvingly. “That’s settled then.” His gaze shifts to Maverick, his voice taking on a more commanding tone. “Get the wranglers and hands ready to leave in an hour. Tell Skylar, Leroy, Nelson and Tammy they’ll stay behind to help take care of things here.” He turns his attention back to me. “I’m leaving you in charge. Make me proud, Sweetheart.”

Grinning, I’m giddy with happiness that my father trusts me enough to hand me this responsibility. “Of course I will, Daddy. Don’t worry about anything. I’ve got it covered.”

A proud smile graces his lips. Reaching across the table, he ruffles my hair. “That’s my girl.”

Before I can respond, Mamaw chimes in, reminding us that she’s here. “It will be nice to spend some time with my granddaughter without you two brutes here.”

I glance over at her, watching as she pushes her plate of half-eaten bacon and eggs aside, a warm smile on her face. A grin tugs at my lips, ideas forming in my head. “We could do movie night. I’ll even pop into town and grab some of that candy you like, maybe a couple of face packs. I’ll invite Nova.Wecan make it a proper girls’ night.”

Her eyes light up with pure joy. “Thank you honey. How about I make your favorite dinner?”

My eyes widen in excitement, shoulders bouncing with joy. “Homemade Mamaw burgers, Hasselback potatoes with sour cream and bacon?” She made it for me on my first night here, but we haven’t had it since. My mouth waters at the thought of eating my favorite meal.

She laughs, nodding. “I’ll even bake some fresh cinnamon rolls and double chocolate chip muffins.”

Maverick groans dramatically. “Why does she get all the special treatment? You know I love your cinnamon rolls.”

“Don’t worry. I will save you some, my boy.” Mamaw smiles.

Maverick smirks, rising from his chair and rounding the table. He presses a kiss to Mamaw’s hair. “You’re the best.”

As I settle in my chair, a sigh of contentment escapes me. At this moment, I decide to let all thoughts of Colter go and focus on spending time with my family.

By the time I make it down to the barn, everyone is saddled up and ready to go. My smile is wide as I take in the sight of them. But as I glance around my grin falters when my gaze lands on Colter.

Despite wanting my reaction to him to be one of disdain, I can’t help the way my stomach tightens with need as I take him in. He may have acted like a douchebag the other night, but it clearly hasn’t affected the way my body reacts to him. There’s something about the way he holds himself. His face is a mask of indifference, but there’s something in the way he watches me, with those intense green eyes. They simultaneously tell me everything, yet nothing, all at the same time. Colter made his stance on us pretty clear, and I should respect that, draw a line between us. But the truth is, I can’t help but want his eyes on me. I want his attention every minute of every day.

Without meaning to, my gaze drops to his lips. Heat courses through my body, as memories of how his lips felt pressed against mine flicker in my mind. Instinctively, I bite down on the pillowy cushion, my tongue darting out, and soothing the sting. Almost imperceptibly, Colter's gaze narrows and inwardly I smile.

As usual, Colter chews a wooden toothpick, rolling it across between his lips in a lazy rhythm. My pulse quickens at the sight, liquid desire taking flight inside me, igniting a pulse between my thighs. It’s the raw masculinity in that one action. It’s so fucking hot, I’m surprised I haven’t gone up in flames.

And truly, I must be a masochist. Because right now, green slithers in my veins. I’m jealous of a fucking toothpick. I want to be that small, stupid piece of wood being rolled around with his tongue.

My eyes snap up to Colter, and for a moment, it feels as if he can hear every thought inside my head. A subtle smirk curves one side of his lips. And if I weren’t watching him so closely, I would have missed it. A shiver snakes up my spine, my breath shuddering out of me. God damn it. Why do I have to be attracted to the one man I can’t have?

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