Page 67 of Keep You Safe
“But you’re getting one anyway.” I growled another warning right as Casey came loudly clomping up the aisle. We sprang apart.
“Need something?” I asked as Adler shifted his attention to finishing getting Cupid ready to ride.
“Oh. Uh.” Casey’s full cheeks went all kinds of pink. Yeah, he’d definitely caught that kiss. “I can come back.”
“Gray is all yours,” Adler said brightly, leading Cupid past us. “I was just about to exercise Cupid.”
Casey’s eyes stayed bigger than a two-pound ribeye as Adler walked away. Thus far, any comments about Adler and me had been the sort of friendly ribbing one might expect, but that didn’t mean trouble wasn’t lurking.
“Problem?” I glowered at Casey.
“No.” He held up his hands. “I mean, you do gotta admit it’s a little weird.”
“How so?” Narrowing my eyes, I let my voice go harsher, but Casey didn’t cower. Indeed, he laughed.
“Stand down, Gray. I meant you being all happy.” He gave another deep belly laugh, the sort of familiarity of knowing each other for a damn lot of years. “Like seeing a tame bear. Never thought I’d see the day you settled down.”
“Yeah, well, consider me shocked too.”
“Happy looks good on you though.” He lightly doffed my shoulder before giving me a more serious look. “Anyone says otherwise, they can go through me.”
“Thanks.” The back of my neck heated. I had no clue what to do with such support, but I nodded nonetheless. “You needed something?”
“Just to say thank you. I’m on my way back to the bunkhouse after a trip into town for groceries. Earlier, I met with Maverick and Adler to go over potential guest menus. I felt like a real cook for the first time.”
“You are a real cook.”
His cheeks went even rosier. “You know what I mean.”
“Yep. And you’re a damn fine cook.” I doffed him right back, adding a sharp look. “You’ll do right by the guests.”
“Thanks.” His voice was soft, but his smile was as genuine as I’d seen it. Later, after Casey had headed along to see to supper, I moseyed over to see how Adler was getting along with Cupid.
“How’s Cupid doing?” I called as Adler made his way around the ring, as confident as any seasoned rider.
“Told you the name would grow on you.” He stuck his tongue out at me.
“More like you grew on me,” I shot back. “And look at you. Perfect posture. You two make a fine pair.”
“And so do we.” He gestured between us.
“So we do.” I gazed up at him, trying to picture my life without him and failing. Adler was the last thing I’d ever expected and the one thing I couldn’t live without. I smiled slowly, unable to help myself.
“No fair looking at me like that when I can’t kiss you.” Adler groaned.
“Get used to it,” I ordered gruffly. I had every intention of looking at him for the rest of my life. I’d meant it. He deserved all the romance. The least I could manage was a few sappy looks and trying every damn day to make sure he felt appreciated. He was the best thing to ever happen to this ranch and me, and I wasn’t going to let either of us forget it.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Adler
May
“I can’t believetoday is finally here.” I stretched my arms, enjoying the freedom of only wearing a heavy flannel shirt as I stood on the porch with Maverick and Grayson. Spring in Colorado was a reward for the long, cold winter, and as schools around the country counted down to summer break, tourist season was set to begin. For the first time, Second Chance Ranch was ready to welcome some of those tourists.
Maverick and I had been in a frenzy of final preparations the past few weeks, culminating in a frantic morning of last-minute tasks. For his part, Grayson had been unusually attentive all day, doing my bidding instead of the other way around, carrying linens and dusting like he had nothing better to do than wait for the same guests he’d protested against all winter.
Indeed, he stood on the porch with Maverick and me, nodding his approval. One would never guess he’d been the biggest skeptic of the project.
