He caressed her arm. “For what?”
“How everything will go.”
He smiled. “I’m going to have you meet Porter. He’s going to help you with the farm. He lives very close to the barn and knows a lot about the animals. I think both of you will work well together. He’s coming and will be with the trailers the whole time.”
“That’s fine. I’d like the help.”
Rafael smoothed the hair from her face. “After loading them, you’ll go with me, and he’ll ride with the caravan.”
“Why can’t I go with them? What if one of the animals needs me?”
His hand ran up and down her back in a soothing motion. “Baby, Porter grew up on a farm and has worked with these types of animals before.”
“But…”
“No buts. Trust me.” He studied her as she thought about it for a moment and then relaxed when she nodded.
“Good girl. Besides, this will give you a few hours to get used to the farm.”
“That’s true. I’ll be able to get food and water ready and see where I want them to go.”
He nodded. “Now for a kiss.”
His lips took hers a little more forcefully that time because he wanted her to get used to his touch. When she started rubbing against him, he lifted his head.
“It’s getting too far, honey. Our first time making love is not going to be on a hay bale.”
She looked surprised and then down at the hay, like seeing it for the first time. “We … really?”
“Yes. This is where it’s going, honey. Tell me now if this isn’t what you want when we get home.”
“No, I do. I want it so much I could scream.”
He smiled. “Well, our first time together is not going to be in a place that pokes or scratches your butt cheeks.”
She smiled. Right then, he knew she’d be all right and would eventually get over the loss of her friend and her sister’s betrayal. However, the memories would never dissipate.
“When is our first time going to be?” she asked innocently.
“When it’s the right time.”
If his cock got any harder, it would be poking through his jeans. He lifted her up to her feet, held her steady, and stood in front of her.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Let’s get the chores done. We have some packing to do tonight. But we have tomorrow, so we don’t have to rush.”
The animals were taken care of. Now they could concentrate on packing, although she wouldn’t need much because he wanted to buy her everything. He also wanted to use every bit of time for her to get used to his touches and domineering ways.
They made sandwiches that they got to finish this time. He noticed how Mara would look at the freezer where she stored Tiny’s bones. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist as she stood looking out the back door. She looked so lost and lonely he couldn’t take it another moment. “How are you holding up?”
“I think I’m okay. Before we leave, I want to take a bone to him.”
“Of course. Just tell me when and if you want me with you. Just ask.”
She looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”