Page 52 of Loved By Tandy

She sets to work shoveling soiled straw, and it isn’t long before the wheelbarrow is full and the stall is empty. Sweat trickles down the side of her face, and she uses her sleeve to wipe it clean. “Good thing I skipped makeup this morning.”

“You handled that like a pro.”

“I told you that I watched videos. Way too many. I even watched about composting the bedding and other methods of manure management. I got a little carried away.”

“You don’t do anything halfway.”

“I can be a bit obsessive.” She dances her eyebrows. “But you already know that about me.”

“One of the many things that never changed.”

By the time chores are finished, we both stink.

I push open the front door. “Did you bring a change of clothes?”

“In the truck. I was going to change in the barn at the ranch, but clean clothes won’t fix what’s wrong with me. I smell putrid.”

“Help yourself to the shower down the hall. There should be clean towels and shampoo in there.”

“Thanks. I’d hug you, but you smell as bad as I do.”

Once I know she has everything she needs, I head to the master bathroom to wash off the stink.

Her help cut my chore time nearly in half, so I don’t have to rush through the shower.

After the shower, as I’m getting dressed, I hear a loud crash. And I bolt out of my room.

Splattered in bacon grease, Tandy is standing in the kitchen, looking at the pan at her feet. “I’m so sorry. I was trying to pour the grease into a jar, and the handle slipped. I’ve made such a mess.” Her gaze shifts to me, and a smile curls her lips. “Hello!”

“I’ll grab some rags and get this cleaned up. Don’t worry about it.” I step closer and am stopped by a hand on my bare chest.

“At least one of us should stay clean. And your rivels of wisdom aren’t so bad. Attractive even. But what would people say if they saw you half clothed while I’m here?”

“I’ll find you a clean shirt, but I sure as heck don’t have any of those cute little leggings.”

“First thing, they aren’t little. These are grande sized.” She slaps her hip. “And second, my shirt caught the worst of it, so if you do have something, I’d be much obliged.”

“Be right back. And I will help you clean. That is not up for discussion.”

“On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You do it without a shirt.”

I will happily comply with her request. I look nothing like the men who appear on her covers. Didn’t even look like that in my prime. But her comments make it clear that she’s seeing with her feelings, and I like that. It’s been a while since I’ve had anyone comment on my physique. And my ego likes it. A lot.

CHAPTER 21

TANDY

“Mario texted that he’s back.” Matthew takes the platter I just washed and dries it. “He’ll take care of the horses tomorrow.”

“Good. That gives you a break. You still haven’t told me what you want to do once he’s not working here anymore.”

He sighs. “Not sure yet. I was going to bring it up when everyone was together, but that’s been pushed back.” Just as I start the dishwasher, he wraps his arms around me from behind. “This is a whole lot of house for one old guy. Having you here morning and evening has made it feel full in a way it hasn’t in a long time. Thank you.”

I lean back against him, appreciating the closeness. “I’ve enjoyed every minute. Okay, maybe not the stinky poo, but I think you know what I mean.”

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