Page 16 of Ranch Life At Heart
A vehicle along with a trailer takes the road to my ranch. I grab my phone to shoot Cedar a message to let him know his horse is here. When the vehicle comes to a stop, I get a reply, stating he needs ten more minutes. He’s asking me to unload the horse for him.
I let Cedar know to take his time. He’s fixing the fence and I can imagine he wants to finish the job first. Over the past few days, I’ve learned more than a few things about Cedar. Forone, he takes his job very seriously. He’s not a man who checks the clock and stops working when the hours are up. Nope, he finishes what he starts. Always.
This is something I more than appreciate about him, and he doesn’t do any half-shit either. Everything he does is solid and with dedication. I couldn’t have found a better ranch hand than Cedar.
Let’s not forget this morning, how my day started. Normally, I’d need coffee to start my day but the sex we had? I feel completely energized and have a huge freaking smile on my face. My assumptions when it comes to Cedar might have been distorted. With my father dealing with his for years…even on the day he died.
“Ma’am,” the man greets me as he gets out of the vehicle. “You must be Rosy, the owner of the ranch. I’m Ray Pendar. Cedar mentioned you would be here if he wasn’t there to meet me.”
I shake his hand. “Cedar will be right here. He’s finishing up a task, but he knows you’re here.”
Ray jerks his chin in the direction of the trailer. “Wanna see the beauty he stole from me?”
“Stole?” I raise my eyebrow.
The man chuckles. “Exaggeration. I should have seen her qualities the way Cedar saw them. I was too focused on other things, while Cedar focuses on the horses first, then the work to make them most comfortable. As the owner I have to divide my attention and was focused on selling to make room for new foals.”
“You still have her sister,” Cedar rumbles as he walks toward us. “Same character, same bloodlines.”
“Not trained by you,” Ray grumbles. “Makes all the damn difference.”
They shake hands and Ray pulls Cedar close for half a man hug. They laugh and make small talk while they move to the back of the trailer. The horse neighs and Cedar says a few words to greet the horse.
My smile grows bigger as I watch Cedar stand on the trailer to talk to Ray. It’s a bit misty and Cedar is wearing his leather jacket along with a white sweater, and black leather gloves. Casual blue jeans with his dark brown leather boots not completely laced up. He leans his elbow on the fence as the wind blows his hair back.
It’s a good thing he’s talking to Ray, as it allows me to take him in. My pussy clenches, and I can still feel what it was like to have him inside me. Having Cedar around the ranch definitely drives the loneliness away. The deal we made of monogamous benefits is a great solution. I hope it lasts a long time.
Cedar’s gaze locks on mine. He probably sees my desire because he shoots me a wink and turns to get inside the trailer. The gorgeous chestnut American Paint horse he unloads is stunning. She throws her head in the air and a loud whinny fills the air. Freckles trots up to the fence and replies with a whinny of her own.
I chuckle and step closer to Cedar’s horse. “She’s gorgeous.”
“Wait till you ride her,” he states.
“What’s her name?” I ask.
Ray barks out a laugh. “He named her Nutty after she kept nipping his jeans.”
The few white spots she has on her belly stand out, and I can’t wait to ride her. I didn’t think anyone of the Stellan family would deviate from the Arabian breed. Guess I was wrong once again.
Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to throw all my assumptions and judgements out the window. I mean, Cedar’s father hasn’t approached me about the pasture. It’s been an ongoing back and forth discussion where he had plans with our property.
“I’m going to get her settled,” Cedar states and guides Nutty in the direction of the stables.
Pointing in the direction of the house, I ask, “Would you like some coffee? Tea?”
“Coffee sounds delicious,” Ray states and follows me into the house.
The coffee is finishing up when Cedar wanders into the kitchen and grabs a mug to fill it up for himself. I just placed a cup in front of Ray, and for myself.
“Are you staying or driving straight home?” Cedar asks.
“Home,” Ray replies. “You know I don’t like to be gone from the ranch too long.”
Cedar leans against the counter. “I’m thankful you made the long drive to bring her here. Returning home was at my father’s request. It was a huge surprise to hear he wanted to retire. Talking things through the first couple of days gave me the insight I needed to accept.”
Ray chuckles. “And yet you’re here and not there.”
Cedar shrugs. “Visiting a few times a week is more than enough to keep things in balance over there. Enough personnel, and my father still lives there. It was part of the agreement.He doesn’t want to be in charge anymore, but the man can’t suppress his need to lead. I’m sure he’ll be watching over my shoulder whenever he can.”
