Page 41 of Runaway Bride For The Rancher

“Since you’re to be here often, treating these cows, what do you think about moving onto the ranch,” I suggested. “It might not be your best option, but it’ll save us the stress when emergencies like this happen,” I added.

Olivia paused and looked at me. “Pass me the bucket of water please.” She requested and I obliged. “Well, it’s not a bad idea. I see the point.” She said.

I was shocked; I expected her to fight it and I was already thinking of how to make her side with me. But she didn’t argue the point. Was it because she liked the idea? Or because of this charge between us?

I didn’t know if I’d ever find out. I didn’t want to ask her any questions that would make her change her mind.

The rain got heavier. Cold started creeping in. The sound of raindrops tapping against the rooftop was soothing as Olivia and I finished treating the cows.

The scent of damp earth filled the air, mingling with the familiar aroma of the animals I cared for day in and day out. It was a night like any other, yet it held a certain magic, an enchantment that seemed to be woven into the very fabric of the rain-laden atmosphere.

As we walked back to the main barn, our steps synchronized, I stole a glance at Olivia. Her clothes were slightly damp, her cheeks flushed from both the exertion of work and the subtle playfulness that always danced between us. She shot me a sidelong grin, her eyes sparkling like the droplets that clung to the leaves around us.

At that moment, with the pitter-patter of rain as our backdrop, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of us.

Reaching the shelter of the barn, we exchanged satisfied smiles.

As we rid ourselves of the damp outer layers, a newfound intimacy seemed to settle between us. Our movements were unhurried and deliberate as if we were both aware of the unspoken tension hanging in the air.

I could feel my heart beating a little faster, my senses heightened by the awareness of Olivia's proximity.

The soft glow of the barn's interior lights cast gentle shadows on her face, highlighting the curve of her lips and the arch of her brows.

Amazing! I thought.

We stood facing each other, close but not touching. The charged atmosphere crackled with an unspoken question, a desire that had been brewing beneath the surface for far too long. And then, almost as if drawn by an invisible force, our lips met in a kiss that held all the longing and passion we had been denying ourselves.

The taste of rain lingered on our lips, mingling with the sweetness of the moment. Olivia's fingers found their way to my hair, her touch sending shivers down my spine. Our kiss deepened, a silent confession of feelings that had remained unvoiced for too long. It was a culmination of unspoken words, a promise that we were finally allowing ourselves to explore.

But then, as the heat of the moment threatened to consume us entirely, I pulled away. My breath was ragged, my heart racing not just from the kiss, but from the intensity of the emotions that surged within me. I met Olivia's eyes, my own filled with a mixture of desire and uncertainty.

"I... I can't," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the rain. It was a struggle to find the right words, to explain the sudden surge of restraint that had come over me.

Olivia searched my eyes, her expression a blend of surprise and curiosity. She stepped back slightly, giving me the space, I seemed to need.

"Is everything okay?" She asked. Her voice was a soft caress that soothed the turmoil within me.

I took a deep breath, the rain-washed air filling my lungs.

"I want this, Olivia, more than anything," I admitted, my voice trembling with honesty. "But… But…” I stuttered. My words failed me.

Olivia nodded slowly; her gaze didn’t leave mine.

"I understand," she said, her breath was shaky like she wanted to cry. She took steps back like she was embarrassed. Then she stopped and sniffed hard.

At that moment, as the rain continued to fall around us, I felt a profound connection with Olivia. It wasn't just about the physical desire we shared, but about the emotional bond that had grown between us.

As we stood there, the rain a gentle witness to our unspoken understanding, I realized that pulling away was the right choice. I wasn’t just seeking a fleeting encounter; I wanted to build the foundation for something deeper, something that would withstand the tests of time and weather the storms that life would inevitably throw our way.

But I didn’t know what she wanted. Was it a fling to her or she wanted to build as much as I wanted to?

I couldn’t comprehend. So, I left. I entered the rain and left the ranch.

CHAPTER 15

Olivia

Morning met me with open eyes. I hardly got any sleep the previous night. My mind swayed through what had happened, and I couldn’t help but feel hurt all over again. My heartbeat was faster than usual, and I just stared at the fan while it turned all morning.

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