Page 62 of Buck Wild Orc Cowboy
Home.
I could get used to the feeling.
“I think we won the Best Dinner award,” I told Sel, setting my fork down on my empty plate and leaning back with a happy sigh.
He looked ridiculously pleased with himself. “We made it together, and that’s why it’s so special.”
“I’m giving this meal five stars,” Max said. “No, six.”
Sel placed a hand over his heart. “High praise, coming from a male of your culinary expertise.”
Max’s smile grew.
I bit my lip to hold back my laughter, heat flooding my chest again. Seeing the two of them together like this was dangerous in the best possible way.
After dinner, Max insisted on showing Sel the cookie bars, proudly pointing out how he had followed the recipe “almost exactly.” We all ate one, and the flavor was rich and nutty,almost caramel-like, with a hint of spice that lingered on my tongue.
“These are amazing,” I said.
Max practically levitated out of his chair.
Leaning forward, Sel ruffled Max’s hair, and my boy ducked away, his face going pink. He leaped up and started to put the leftovers into a container with Sel bringing our dishes to the sink.
I wanted to bottle this second so I could pour it out again later when things felt uncertain. I also wanted to tug Sel’s hand back and hold it. Never let go.
I helped, but I also watched them, my heart aching at how easily Sel had become such a vital part of our lives. This felt natural, like some missing piece had clicked into place without me even noticing it was missing.
As he washed the dishes with suds up to his elbows, Sel caught my gaze. His expression softened into something tender, something that made my stomach twirl around like we had around the island at the bakery while the “Blue Danube” played in the background. He had that look again, the kind that did more damage than any smolder ever could. As if he saw things in me I couldn't yet name, and wasn't afraid to wait until I could.
“Are you alright?” he asked quietly.
I nodded, swallowing around the lump in my throat. “Yeah. I’m happy.”
His smile spread.
Happy…but scared. Still healing. Still trying to believe this could be real.
“Once we’re finished here,” Sel said, “I thought I’d take Max out to the barn and show him the early steps I take with the youngling sorhoxes. Assuming that’s alright with you.”
“Oh, yeah, please,” Max chimed in, hopping in place, something he hadn’t done in forever. Not since he was little.Seeing him so happy made my heart pinch tight. I had no interest in denying him this chance. He needed to be around males, not just his mom.
My little boy was growing up into a strong, independent, kind man, and I knew I could take full credit for it happening.
“Of course,” I said. “I’ll catch up on some reading.” I’d been able to read more here since we arrived than I had in at least the six months before.
This was getting very comfortable.
Too comfy? I had a feeling I’d soon see.
Chapter 22
Sel
The barn smelled like fresh hay and clean animals, with a soft tang of leather and wood in the air. Max jogged ahead of me, excitement practically sparking off him as he tugged one of the big doors open and slipped inside.
I followed at a slower pace, letting him soak it in.
Mishka, the youngling sorhox we were going to work with, waited in the right stall on the end. I’d put her there this morning to help acclimate her to being penned. A lot smaller than an adult sorhox, her shoulder came to my waist—and to Max’s chest. When I opened the gate, she gazed at us with her too-big dark eyes, her tail placidly sweeping back and forth behind her. I’d purposefully selected her for Max because she was the gentlest of the youngling bunch.
