Page 21 of Giddy-Up
CHAPTER SIX
Wade couldn’t concentrate.Every thought he’d had all morning always led back to Riley.It was pathetic.They’d had one date.With one kiss.And there he was, pining.Like a lovesick puppy.
But what a date.And what a fucking kiss.
It was true.The date, the conversation, the way she was looking at him.It was all amazing.But that kiss...that kiss was unbelievable.It felt raw.Messy.And slightly feral.He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d had a kiss that passionate.Which meant he probably never had.
“Word on the street is that you hooked up with Riley last night,” Matt bellowed as he sauntered toward him.
Damnit, Lance.
Wade ignored his brother’s approach and continued to put away the fishing equipment from this morning’s trip.
“I take that as confirmation.”Matt chuckled as he slid up next to him and began handing him fishing rods.
“Take it as whatever you want.What are you doing all the way out here anyway?”
They were down by the river in their brand-new storage cabin.They’d built it this summer, so they didn’t have to keep lugging equipment down to the river every time guests wanted to fish.Complete with outdoor seating and insulated bins containing bottled water, it also doubled up as the perfect place for a pitstop for hiking guests.
“I was looking for you, Romeo.”
Wade snorted as he locked up the cabinet.“So you can bust my balls in person?”
“Sure.That and I just spoke to Joey about the barn conversion.He reckons he can make a start now, before the weather turns.Get the exteriors sorted so we can focus on the interiors over winter.”
That was good news.
“I take it he’s charging a premium for the rush job?”Wade turned to Matt and gestured him outside.His brother followed him out and onto one of the wooden benches.
“All taken care of.He’s cutting us a deal and I got Jonah to sign off the figures.”
He was impressed.His little brothers had come a long way since they all took over the ranch two years ago.They’d only been open to guests six months but thanks to the hard work they were putting in, they’d already made most of the money back they’d put down.
“Good work.”Wade nodded.“So I don’t need to do anything?”
“Not right now, no.But at one point you’ll need to work out the layout for the kitchen, y’know, pick out appliances and shit.”
That made him laugh.“Pick out appliances andshit?”
His brother threw a punch to his arm.“You know what I mean.You and Zach are better at all that stuff, so it’s all yours.”
That was fine by him.
Maybe I could take Riley along to help?She did mention she loved to cook.
He was doing it again.He hadn’t even lasted a minute without thinking about her.Matt clearly spotted weakness, too.He had a giant smirk pasted on his face.
“So, I take it the maid gave you a second chance?”
It was rare that Wade ever wanted to talk to his brothers about his love life.But last night he felt something he’d not felt before.He was excited and he wanted to talk about it.And the sad truth was that he didn’t have anyone else to talk to.Working seven days a week his whole adult life didn’t leave much time for friendships.
“Between us?”Wade asked and waited for Matt to nod.“I really like her.”
His brothers smirk softened.“Happy for you, man.”Matt paused for a moment.“She’s sweet and everything.But, y’know, she’s a little...”
