Page 16 of Cherished Lands
She'd whispered it in my ear right before I opened the barn door for her. Then she fucking winked at me and walked right on in without a care in the world.
She was infuriating.
And smart.
And sexy as hell.
And I would absolutelynotjerk it in the shower to the memory of her peachy little ass in those damn leggings.
I turned off the spray and stepped out. My cock was rock hard, but I ignored it. I toweled off quickly and rummaged through my closet for something decent to wear. My fingers brushed past flannel shirts and worn denim before landing on the soft wool of my nicest sweater. It was a deep blue that brought out my eyes. At least, that's what Mom always said.
Jesus, who cares?I was meeting Andy for a drink, not going on a date.
I was overthinking everything lately.
Like, how the hell did we get here? Partnering with a Belmonte?
Why the fuck was I so attracted to her when she grated on every one of my nerves?
Did she feel it too?
I tugged the sweater over my head, catching a whiff of the soil and apple scent that clung to everything in the house. I pulled on my 'nice' jeans, the ones without holes or stains, and laced up my boots.
Keys jingled in my hand as I headed out to my truck. As I drove the short distance to my parents' place, my mind wandered.
Seven days. Seven days of watching Tessa waltz around this land like she owns the place.
I bit my cheek and tightened my grip on the wheel. She had connections, I'd give her that. But this wasourorchard. And I'd be damned if I let some outsider come in and take away what we'd all worked so hard for.
The truck lurched to a stop in front of my childhood home, cutting off my brooding. Warm light spilled from the windows, and the scent of pot roast hit me as soon as I opened the door. My stomach growled.
"Elliot?" Mom's voice carried down the hallway. "Is that you, honey?"
I followed the sound to the kitchen. The eldest members of my family were gathered around the dinner table. Mom was setting down a steaming dish of mashed potatoes while Dad carved the roast with practiced ease. Nana and Papa sat side by side, their wrinkled hands intertwined on the tabletop. It'd be hard to imagine a more wholesome picture.
"Hey," I said, leaning against the doorframe. "Just wanted to stop by and check on things."
"You're not staying for dinner?" Mom asked, adding a tray of roasted carrots to the already loaded table.
I shook my head, guilt twinging in my gut at her disappointed look. "Can't tonight. Meeting Andy for a drink."
Dad set down the carving knife, fixing me with a steady gaze. "Good. You deserve a break. You and Tessa have been workin' hard. Gettin' along well too."
"I wouldn't go that far," I said.
Nana piped up, her voice thin but sharp as ever. "That Belmonte girl giving you trouble?"
I forced a chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck. "Nothing I can't handle, Nana."
Papa's rheumy eyes glinted with mischief. "Back in my day, we knew how to deal with troublesome women."
"Herbert!" Nana swatted his chest, and he let out a wheezy chuckle.
And on that disturbing note...
"I should get going. Andy's waiting."
Mom stepped forward, pressing a Tupperware container into my hands. "At least take some food with you. You're looking thin."
