Page 22 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

As much as he didn’t want to see Noelle he knew eventually he’d have to face her.

Who was he kidding? Hedidwant to see her, but he shouldn’t.

Especially after the impulsive kiss they shared before he came back home. Damn, he’d crossed a line. After she’d pushed him away and he saw her disappointed expression he’d wanted to kick himself all the way back to Second Chance. He hadn’t meant for the kiss to happen. Fact was, she still did something to him that made his brain cells freeze.

Yet, he’d be stronger now. Resist the raw desire that lurked within him. This was a business arrangement and would only last for a short time. He’d avoid her and he guessed she’d dodge him too.

Easy peasy.

Except, he did tell her he’d show her the ropes at Bluebird.

Shit.

Inside the house, he toed off his boots in the mud room and strolled into the kitchen. He first saw the table set with four plates and his heart skipped. They’d be sitting down to supper together. He heard a squealed, “Hi!”

Then he saw Bea holding the waving toddler in one arm. She looked a bit flustered with her hair sticking out where it had escaped her usual bun.

“Thank goodness, Rip. Take the child. My cornbread is about to burn in the oven. I try to not burn anything.”

“Take him?” The two words croaked from his tight throat. He couldn’t have possibly heard her right.

“Don’t just stand there, son. He’s a baby not a snake, although he moves about as fast as one.” She clicked her tongue and practically shoved Ollie at Rip.

The little guy fit awkwardly into the crook of Rip’s arm. For three heartbeats he watched the kid watching him with big, interested blue eyes. There was a bit of a staring contest going on until Rip said, “Hi, Ollie.”

The boy burst into laughter, blowing a bubble out of his mouth, and nose. His chubby cheeks reddened.

“Mind your manners, kid.” Rip grabbed a napkin from the metal rooster holder on the table and wiped the boy’s spit and snot off his face. When Ollie grabbed the napkin and pulled it toward his mouth, Rip sighed and shook his head. “That’s not to eat, young man.” He gently removed the napkin and tossed it into the trashcan.

“Din…” the boy said in a gurgled tone and pointed at the table.

“Dinner? Yeah, dinner.” Rip smiled. The kid was cute. “Done yet, Bea?”

“My, oh my. I saved it just in time.” Bea pressed her palm against her apron-covered bosom. “Butter. Oh no. I almost forgot the butter. I need to go grab it from the porch fridge.” And in a bustle of frantic movement, Bea stormed out of the kitchen.

Rip looked down at Ollie who pointed at the door. “Yeah, she’ll be back.”

He wondered where Noelle was.

“Where’s your mom, kid?”

“Mama.” He pointed a tiny finger in random direction.

“If you’re anything like she was, you’ll be causing hell…I mean, trouble in no time.” Rip laughed.

“Towble.” Ollie blinked.

The boy farted and it vibrated Rip’s arm. Ollie laughed like he’d been tickled. “Listen, kid. Save that for the locker room. Don’t you have any manners?”

“Manna.”

“Don’t worry. Being on a ranch you’ll learn how to be a gentleman. I bet you’d love to ride a horse, wouldn’t you? I have plenty. In fact, I have one for you. You’ll be a pro rider. Riding horses is in your blood.”

“Hoe,” Ollie replied.

“Don’t repeat that word,” Rip whispered. “Horse.” He wasn’t sure how much time passed until finally Bea returned. “Did you have to milk the cow then churn the butter, Bea?”

She narrowed her gaze. “What a cute picture of you holding that wee one.”

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