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She raises an eyebrow that borders on flirty. “Could’ve fooled me.”
I wait for her to call me out, but she doesn’t. Good. Maybe she doesn’t remember sending me the video.
I back up against the gate, drawn to Macy like a magnet. I’d convinced myself that keeping my hands off Wyatt’s little sister was the wisest course of action. It was a much easier lie to tell myself when I was avoiding her and she wasn’t constantly running those soft fingers all over me. “Come to serenade me or these poor unsuspecting orphans?”
She swats my shoulder with the back of her hand. “Very funny. Where’s Gumby?”
“Rode along with Paps and Weston.” I adjust my shoulder, moving it a hair closer to the curvy beauty. “I’m surprised you’re upright today.”
“Same.”
“That bad?”
She narrows her eyes at me, annoyed at my amusement. “You don’t have to look so happy about it.”
If she had any idea how sexy she looked right now with her cute, irritated expression, she’d dial it back so I wouldn’t be thinking these inappropriate thoughts about her. Or maybe she wouldn’t dial it back at all. Maybe she’d taunt me until I tossed her over my shoulder caveman style and carried her back to the house…
“Seriously, stop laughing!” She bites down on her bottom lip, as if fighting a smile of her own.
“I’m just remembering the way you tried to convince the entire bar you were a virgin while you slid down me like a pole.”
“I did do that, didn’t I?”
“Twice.” I reach into the bucket of apples, grabbing a handful of slices. “All right, gang. Last round.” I chuck the wedges into the pasture, happy that everyone seems intrigued enough to chase them. Giving me the opportunity to slip out the gate without any escapees to chase down.
“I better head to the barn to help set up,” Macy says, covering a massive yawn. “You coming?”
“Got one more stop to make.” I hold out my hand in offering. “Wanna come?”
She stares at my hand for several beats, then flickers her gaze to mine. Through the exhaustion in her eyes, curiosity twinkles to life. “Where?”
Though it’d be fun to tease her and keep her curious, I’m taking the sure bet. “I promised Molly I’d save a couple slices for her.”
She slips her hand into mine, sending instant sparks up my arm and down the length of my body. There’s no doubt about the chemistry between us, especially after last night. But the reaction to her simple touch is more off putting than I want to admit. I refuse to confront the thoughts about what it might mean and focus on staying in the present moment. Macy and I could have a lot of fun together in the present. And in the future.
“If I get in trouble for being late, I’m blaming you.”
“Noted.”
“And don’t feed her too many apples. A couple slices is plenty,” Macy says as we leave the small pasture behind and head for the stable, hands still connected as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. I don’t dare call attention to it. “We don’t need her getting colic. It’d be bad for her and her foal. Especially since she’s not in her safe window yet.”
“Too bad you won’t be around when Molly gives birth.” It surprises me to find out I mean it. As much as I’ve tried to keep Macy at a distance, to avoid her as much as possible, I can’t imagine the ranch without her around. In the few short days she’s been here, the place seems to have a fresh breath of air. It doesn’t solve the financial dilemma, but her presence has lifted the heaviness.
“Don’t pretend like you’re going to miss me, Ryder.” The flirtation twinkling in those brown orbs will surely haunt my dreams for months after she leaves town.
“But who will belt out Madonna for this town when you leave?”
Macy playfully narrows her gaze at me. “I might feel like death, but I’m not too hungover to kick your ass, Ryder Stone.”
I’m more tempted by her threat than I should be. “Is that so?”
She catches me off guard mid-walk, slipping her hand from mine in the same second she lunges at me. My military instincts kick in instantly, wrapping her body against mine before she can knock me off balance. Those tits press up against my chest, nearly making me lose focus as we playfully spin in circles. Macy weakly fights to free herself from my hold.
We’re both breathing heavily when I finally get her back pressed against the side of the stable. My hands shackle her perfect ass, I’d say to keep her from falling, but I know it’s bullshit. I’ve been desperate to get my hands on it all week long.
Her legs wrap around my waist like a pretzel. Another inch lower and she’d find out just how turned on this play fighting has made me. I rest my forehead against hers, locking my gaze with those whiskey brown eyes. Mesmerized by the golden flecks dancing in them. They shimmer with desire. I’d bet the ranch on it.
“You about done, sweetheart?”
