Page 34 of Ranch's Resolve

Shaking my head, I step into my closet and pull out jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Trying not to feel self-conscious, I strip off my skirt and shed my silk blouse before redressing. I glance at Ranch, who is wearing a big smile. I can feel the blush spreading,so I snatch my dirty clothes and place them in the dry-cleaning bag.

“Why don’t you pack some clothes?” Ranch suggests. “You can spend the night or the entire weekend.”

I consider his offer. The thought of spending two days and two nights with Ranch is very appealing. However, I don’t want to appear too eager. I give him the once-over as if I’m considering the option, even as my body heats with desire. “The entire weekend? Whatever will we do? I guess we could go riding, maybe feed the chickens, and read to the cows. Is that what you had in mind?”

Ranch chuckles as he pushes his long, lean body off the bed to stalk toward me. With one hand on my hip and the other at the nape of my neck, he tips my head up to cover my lips with his. “I was thinking you could ride me, we could feed each other, and I have a few dirty romances we could read to each other and act out.”

“Hmm, I like how you think, cowboy.”

He turns me toward the closet and smacks my ass to get me moving. He takes the weekender bag, which I pull out of the closet, and opens it on the bed. I hurriedly pack a few days’ worth of clothes before gathering my toiletries. I dump everything in the bag and zip it up. I water the plants and lead us out the garage door, stopping to pull the helmet from my car. Ranch has my bag stowed away when I reach him. He helps me put on the helmet. He straddles his bike and offers me a hand as I swing onto the back of him. He grabs my thighs and pulls me tight against his back. Wrapping my arms around him, I snuggle in for the ride.

I love road trips. Typically, these trips are spent in the front seat of a car, with music and plenty of snacks. However, riding on the back of the Ranch’s bike puts every road trip I’ve ever taken to shame. The exhilaration is like nothing I’ve everexperienced before. The whipping wind and steady vibration of the bike awaken the senses. None of them is ignored. I can taste and smell the freedom. I feel and hear the roar of the motorcycle and the whistle of the wind. As for what I see? I see everything all at once. The trip is much too short.

“That was amazing!” I exclaim as Ranch helps me dismount. He swings his powerful legs over the seat to stand before me. He beams at me as he removes my helmet and hangs it on the handlebars.

“You liked that?” he asks.

“I loved it! I never realized how amazing riding on a motorcycle would feel. It’s like riding a horse, only more intense.”

“It is,” he agrees, taking my hand. He has my bag in the other hand as he leads us inside. “I’ll take this upstairs. Make yourself comfortable. The restroom is through there.”

I remembered where it was from the previous day. I jolt when I see my expression in the mirror. I’m smiling like a mad woman. My face is flushed, and my eyes are bright. I look happy. With a touch of sadness, I realize it has been years since I’ve felt this happy. I have Ranch to thank.

“Do you want something to eat or drink?” he asks when I join him in the kitchen.

“I’m not hungry, but I am thirsty.”

He grabs two glasses, adds ice, and pours us two lemonades. When he hands one to me, he takes my other hand and leads me outside. The sun is coasting closer to the horizon as we sit and enjoy the cool air and the cold drink.

“This has always been my favorite spot,” Ranch says, rubbing his thumb over my fingers. “But having you here to enjoy it with me feels perfect.”

I grin at him before looking back at the fantastic view. The wraparound porch provides several locations to take inthe expansive land surrounding the ranch house. I can imagine sitting on the opposite side of the house to watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s so peaceful and so close to nature that I feel invigorated. It’s not a surprise that Ranch loves this place.

Ranch picks up the empty glasses and takes them inside when we finish our drinks. “I’d like to stay out there for the rest of the evening, but I need to check in with my men before I can turn in. Did you want to stay here or go with me?”

“I’ll go with you. I’d like to meet your men.”

He wraps his arm around my waist and leads me down the steps and over to a large building.

“This is the bunkhouse,” he explains as he opens the door. “Prepare yourself. It’s like a college dorm room.”

“Or the clubhouse?” I ask.

He chuckles. “Yeah, like the clubhouse.”

We enter a large room with several couches and a television on the wall. It’s bare-bones but surprisingly clean. A few tables and chairs are spread out, and a little boy with black hair sits at one. He’s gripping a crayon as he focuses on his task. In front of him is a new box of crayons and a coloring book.

The man from the clubhouse sits nearby. When we enter the room, he rises and heads toward us, his hand outstretched toward Ranch.

“Thank you again for this opportunity.”

“Are you settled in?” Ranch asks him. Carlos nods. “Is this your son?”

“Si, this is my Santiago. Santiago, come meet Ranch.”

The little boy quietly places his crayon on the table before sliding off his chair and offering his hand to Ranch.

“It’s nice to meet you, Santiago. How old are you?”

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