Page 91 of Buck Wild Orc Cowboy
At the front, a row of long tables held at least thirty picnic baskets, each one numbered with little tags. Some looked fussy and frilly, others plain and honest. Mine would land somewhere in the middle.
Holly worked up there, giving Gracie a raised brow and laughing at something Tark said. She and Gracie both wore long dresses with various colored flowers, and I’d never seen anyone prettier than my mate. She’d pulled her sunset hair up on the back of her head, though some strands had come free and kept getting in her face as she worked. She kept chuffing out a breath, sending them upward before they resettled.
She looked like the sun had stopped just to follow her.
Max spotted me and waved. I lifted my hand back, the inside of my chest going soft.
Tightening my grip on my basket, I made my way along the right side of the barn, weaving between those still standing. When I reached the front table, Holly turned toward me with a grin.
“You’re here,” she said.
“Didn’t want to be late.” I held out my basket.
Her fingers brushed mine as she took it. She glanced inside, then up at me. “This looks suspiciously good.”
“It’d better be.”
“You trying to bribe the audience to bid high?”
I leaned in, sucking in her scent. “Trying to bribe you.”
Her cheeks pinked. She rolled her eyes like I’d said something ridiculous, but didn’t let go of the basket. I kissed her.
After, she drew back and gave me a look, but there was no heat behind it. “Stop being sweet in public. You’ll ruin your reputation.”
“The only opinion I care about is yours.” I watched her place the basket on the table, pinning a number to the front. I stayed right there as she straightened one basket and shifted another to make a bit more room.
She turned back, and her smile widened. “We’re starting soon.”
“Which means I need to take care of something.”
Her eyebrows lifted.
I took her hand and tugged her to the side, spinning her around away from me. Then I carefully took down her hair and wove it into a braid that trailed down her spine. Leaning forward, I kissed the weave.
She smiled over her shoulder. “You’re very good with this. Almost as good as your macerated strawberries.”
“You.” I kissed her nose while she grinned. “My kisses belong solely to you.”
“I appreciate it.”
“One more.” Turning her, I lifted her up and kissed her again, placing her back on her booted feet after, stroking her face while she looked up at me with that dazed look I adored. “I’ll go sit with Max and Hail.” I turned and headed for the open spot beside them.
I slid onto the bench beside Max, who looked great dressed in a button-up shirt and a leather vest that was huge on him and suspiciously looked like one of mine. I loved that he’d raided my closet to find something authentic to wear. Should’ve thought to bring him to the general store to pick up some items, and I’d do so soon now that I could see he wanted to fit in.
He adjusted his glasses with one finger and grinned up at me. “Your basket looks cool.”
“Thank you.” I paused, wondering how humans came up with their expressions. Cool meant good, not cold. Although, it could also mean cold.
Hit the sack. I’d heard Grannie Lil use that one. Why was violence included with sleeping? And the one that had made me hoot with laughter, cat got your tongue. Another Grannie phrase she’d used with my very quiet brother, Greel. Who’d keep furry pets who could remove your tongue?
“Did you make yinder zest scones for your basket?” Max asked.
Hail, sitting beyond him, lifted an inquiring brow my way.
“Not this time,” I said. “I’ll make a batch tomorrow for you if you’d like.”
Hail cleared his throat.
