“All I do is work. I have these men by my side, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get lonely at night. I still wish I had what my parents had. I didn’t think I could get that with a mail-order bride, but I wanted to try. I definitely knew I wouldn’t have that with June. Not to mention I can barely tolerate her voice. She’s always yapping.”
I smile at that, relief flooding my body.
“Never even kissed her?”
I feel him chuckle.
“No, sweetheart. Never even kissed her. Have to say, I hear men complain about jealous women driving them crazy, but I happen to like you getting jealous over me.”
“I’m not jealous,” I protest as a yawn leaves my mouth.
“I’ll make sure to stay away from her since you don’t like it. Seems like the right thing to do.”
I snort, not missing him taking another chance to remind me that I’m supposed to be staying away from Brandon.
I know one thing for sure. I’m going to make sure Cash isn’t so lonely anymore. I know what that feels like. I may not be cut out for farm life, but this is something I can do.
Chapter 8 Cash
Reluctantly, I leave Clare in the house to, as she said, “organize the kitchen,” while I go back outside and get to work. I made some calls before I left the house, watching Clare wiggle around the kitchen as she worked to put away everything she got at the store. God, I could sit and watch her all day, her little body moving like that. I had to go. I couldn’t keep watching her and not take her, so I left, locking the door behind me.
I climb onto my horse and head out to the west side of the farm to check on some of the guys and help out. They’re branding some of the cattle, and I just want to make sure it’s all going okay. When I get there, I see Earl on his horse and ride over.
“Any sign of Sammy?”
“Not yet. Did you talk to the Johnson farm?” Earl asks.
“Yeah. I talked to their new foreman, and he said he’d keep a look out.” I take a deep breath, shaking my head and looking out beyond the rolling green land. “Not sure I trust him. Old man Johnson hired a shady guy to run the place, and I’m not so sure this new guy has his best interests at heart. I’m starting to suspect Sammy going missing and the fences coming down at the same time is a little suspicious.”
“I’m afraid you might be right. I’ll put some of the guys on late-night watch. See if we can catch whoever it is that’s doing this.”
I look over at Earl and nod my head. It’s a shame it’s had to come to this. After all these years of running this farm, we’ve never had anything like this happen. Instead of dwelling on it, I get down and help the guys out, knowing that the faster we get this done, the faster we can go in for chow tonight. And the faster I can get my hands back on my woman.
We walk up to the big house, and I wash up with the guys like normal. But this time, I’ve got a smile on my face and an anticipation growing in my heart. I’ve never had something like this before. Something to look forward to. I get satisfaction from a hard day’s work and taking care of the land, but having someone to come home to at the end of it makes it all worthwhile.
“Something sure does smell good. I’m glad you’ve brought Mrs. McCallister out here, boss. I was getting real tired of Earl’s cooking.”
We all laugh as one of the big guys nicknamed Tiny rinses off and heads inside. I take extra care to clean my hands and nails, wanting to look good for Clare. I’ve never felt that need before: wanting to look good for someone. But I find myself needing to impress her. I want her to look at me and see everything she wants. I want to walk into a room and have everyone disappear for her. Because that’s what she does to me. She’s rapidly becoming the center of my world, and I want to be the same.
“Brandon’s out in the barn with Fluffy. I think she might be going into labor anytime now,” Earl says, walking up beside me to clean up for dinner. “I’ll have one of the boys bring him a plate.”
I just grunt in response, thinking it’s for the best. I really don’t want him around Clare right now. I don’t know where this jealous streak inside me is coming from, but it’s in there and it’s loud. I try to shake it off knowing that he’s a part of this farm, but so is she, so I’ve got to trust her and let it go. But for the life of me, I can’t do what my head is telling me to. My caveman is a lot louder than my sense when it comes to Clare, and for some reason I don’t give a shit.
I nearly run into the house when I’m finished, wanting to get to her as soon as possible. When I get inside, I see the table all set up with plates and food ready to be served family style. I take in a deep breath and my mouth waters at the smell of pot roast. She’s made enough for an army, and all the fixings with it. Even homemade biscuits. Looking into the kitchen, I see her setting out a chocolate cake on the counter. I head straight for her.
Once I reach her, I don’t stop as I pick her up and carry her into the pantry. Once there, I press her gently against the shelves, and I feel her legs wrap around me for support.
“Cash,” she whispers, but it’s a half laugh. “What are you doing?”
“Just wanted to thank my woman for a mighty fine dinner.”
I lock my lips with hers, licking her lips and feeling her open up for me. I taste a hint of chocolate on her, and I moan at the flavor. So sweet and so good. All I want to do is fall into this kiss for all eternity.