Page 28 of Falling For Her Cowboy
“I doubt someone like you cries over an abandoned cow.” She snorted.
“Maybe not an abandoned cow since I’ve been around them practically my whole life, but when Ihave to share with a family that their dog has terminal cancer and won’t make it, or the beloved horse has to be put down because of an incurable disease, it’s never easy.” He stared down into her wide eyes.
She shook her head and lifted her hand to his chest. “I’m glad I don’t have your job. That must be rough.”
“It can be, but then I think of all of the families I’ve been able to help, or the smiles on kids’ faces when I tell them their animals booboos are going to be okay, or how their pet chicken is just constipated,” he said.
That brought a smile to her face. She played with the buttons on his shirt and blew out a shaky breath.
“Thanks.” She glanced over at the baby cow who was swaying on his weak legs. Later today he should be walking around more confident. “So what do we do about him?”
“Well, he’s going to have to be bottle fed until he’s weaned and then he can join the herd. We can try to see if another momma will be willing to adopt him,” he said.
“Can I choose a name for him?” Melah’s eyes widened as if she’d need to bribe him. She couldname any of the cows if she wanted to. Most of them were just identified by their tag numbers.
“Sure. What do you have in mind?” He rested his arm on her shoulders and pulled her into him as the calf wobbled around.
“Reggie. I think he looks like a Reggie,” she said with a nod.
Ridge couldn’t hold back the laugh that erupted from him. “Reggie?”
“Yeah, Reggie. I don’t want to call him Reject, but Reggie is close enough. He’s going to grow up to be big and strong, and all of the lady cows will be after him.” The sadness was gone from her eyes. She gave him a genuine smile and turned to him.
Ridge lifted a hand and cupped her face.
“You are exquisite, Melah.” He didn’t know what it was about this woman, but her big heart and the way she was able to overcome a painful start in life drew him to her. Melah’s lips called to him. He lowered his head and captured them with his. The bottle in her hand fell to the ground, forgotten.
She turned to him and closed the small gap between them.
His lips moved over hers in the most sensual dance. She opened herself to him. His tongue slipped inside her mouth and caressed hers. Hedidn’t want to rush anything between them. When they made love for the first time—and they would—he was going to ensure they took their time exploring each other.
Ridge grunted at the feeling of Melah pressing closer to him. Her full breasts resting against him had his cock hard as a rock. He slid his hand down her body and cupped her ample ass to hold her in place.
The kiss deepened. He tilted his head, needing to consume her. Something bumped into his leg. He broke the kiss and looked down to find Reggie standing next to them. Melah giggled and reached down to scratch the calf on the head between his eyes.
“Is this bad man keeping my attention from you?” Her giggle floated through the air.
Ridge didn’t want to release her from his hold. She turned her attention back to him, and his eyes were drawn to her swollen lips.
“He’s had more of your time than me. I just got here,” Ridge grumbled. He cupped her face with both hands and pressed another kiss to her lips. He lifted his head slowly and stared into her eyes. “Why don’t you come to my place for dinner. We can grill out, there’s a pond in the back you can swim in…”
He left his offer openfor her. She bit her lip, tempting him to want to kiss her again. The wheels in her brain were turning. He wasn’t sure if she was going to take him up on his offer. They didn’t have to do anything. It could just be them spending time getting to know one another.
“Would I need to bring anything?” she asked.
“Just you and maybe a bathing suit,” he replied.
She blinked a few times before she nodded. “Okay. That sounds like fun.”
Chapter Nine
Melah didn’t know why she was so nervous. It wasn’t like she was a virgin or anything. She’d had consensual sex before. Even enjoyed it. But something about being at Ridge’s house was different. Was she expecting to have sex with Ridge tonight—no.
But it wasn’t off the table. If her opportunity came, she was going to take it.
She’d arrived, and he’d showed her around his home which was magnificent. It was tucked away on the ranch surrounded by lush and majestic trees on either side with the lake at the back. She was impressed with the beauty of Silver Creek Ranch.
The property looked as if it could be featured on one of those home and garden television shows. Withits weathered stone and wood in the design, it appeared as if they’d used the very trees that were rooted in the area to build it. It had given her the sense of home the moment she’d stepped foot through the front door.
