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She snakes a hand up the back of my neck, causing a reaction throughout my entire body. “Just getting started, cowboy.”
My gaze drops to her slightly parted lips hardly an inch from my own. Lips I’ve fantasized claiming since the moment a mud-splattered Macy appeared from the barn on her first day back. Lips I’ve imagined wrapped around my cock on more occasions than I’d ever admit.
I lean in to close the gap.
Before my mouth can reach its precious destination, a blood-curdling scream threatens to burst my goddamn eardrum. It takes all my concentration to keep Macy secure in my arms.
Gertie stands beside us, a mischievous twinkle in her blue eyes. The young goat tilts her head; the tell I’ve learned too well. Might as well be a flashing neon sign. Attention: chaos to follow. Well, fuck.
“Don’t do it, Gertie,” I say in a low warning.
“How did she?—”
The goat lets out a loud baaahhh. I drop Macy as gracefully as I’m able, pouncing immediately for the goat. But as I hit the ground, I know I’m too late. The little terror escapes my arms by a fraction of a second and sprints toward the barn.
I look at Macy as I get to my feet, locking my gaze with her only long enough to say, “We’re not done here.”
CHAPTER 7
Macy
The massive barn I’ve spent countless hours in throughout my childhood is fully decorated with strings of white lights, a display of old photographs, and gold party streamers. It’s packed to the brim with half of Emerald Creek and a few of the ranch’s more well-behaved animals. Needless to say, Gertie is not among them tonight. Once Ryder finally caught her on the top of Paps’ golf cart, he took her to one of the indoor enclosures for the remainder of the day. Though I know she’s irritated by this temporary arrangement, she’s safer this way.
I people watch from a corner of the barn, curious how many of the guests I recognize. I frown. Considering this is my hometown, I hardly know anyone. It’s true that I haven’t made it back much since I left for college, but the number of names escaping me creates a surprising pang of disappointment square in my chest.
Once I left Emerald Creek, I thought I wouldn’t miss this place so much. Looking around the full barn, however, I realize I do miss feeling a part of something. I love my life in Colorado, but it’s missing that crucial ingredient. I’ve learned to blend in and keep almost everyone at arm’s length. Thankfully I have Nadia.
Which, until tonight, seemed like more than enough.
The turnout for Paps’ special eightieth birthday celebration is absolutely no surprise. The town has always loved Paps and Gina. They’d never miss a chance to show support for some of the town’s favorite people. Glancing around at them now, I can’t help but wonder if any of them know how much the ranch is struggling.
“Too bad we didn’t turn this birthday bash into a fundraiser,” I mumble to myself amidst the light roar of conversation.
Then again, Gina would never have allowed something like that. It would’ve embarrassed Paps on his special day. And trying to pull it off without her knowing… I haven’t been gone so long that I forgot how impossible it is to keep any secret from her.
Then there’s Ryder…
Automatically, I scan the barn for the tall cowboy I nearly kissed earlier today. If only Gertie hadn’t escaped and sent us on a wild goat chase, I might’ve finally discovered what Ryder tastes like. I’m betting coffee and a hint of whiskey.
He’s been in and out of the barn all evening, his expression always serious, like a man ever on a mission. I’m not certain the cowboy understands the definition of relaxing. Which feels like it’s saying something coming from the workaholic veterinarian. At least I understand the concept of a vacation.
My heart flutters of its own accord when I think I catch a glimpse of him near the food table. Shit. Not him.
No matter how hard I try to pretend his presence doesn’t affect me, I’m too aware of his every move. Apparently my horribly off-key Madonna skills, coupled with my embarrassingly drunken display last night, did not deter the grumpy cowboy. In some weird twist of fate, it seems to have drawn him closer. At least until Gina found us chasing down Gertie and demanded we hurry up because volunteers were arriving.
“He’s outside talking to one of his brothers,” Everleigh says, appearing at my side with a red solo cup. The scent of keg beer threatens to make me hurl. Yeah, the hangover from hell has refused to let up. It’s only by some miracle that I’ve warded off the excruciating headache in time for the party. I wave the cup away, feeling instant relief when Everleigh hands it off to some cowboy passing by.
“Who is?”
“Stop playing dumb,” Everleigh scolds. “It’s not a good look on you.”
I step closer and lower my voice. “The whole seduction thing was your idea.”
“One you didn’t even fight me on.” She points her half empty solo cup at me. Beer sloshes dangerously close to the rim. “Plus, with the way you two constantly undress each other with your eyes, I’d say victory is not far off. Maybe you can’t lure him over to your side where the ranch is concerned, but you could still get laid.”
Somewhere, deep in the recesses of my practical brain, a muffled voice tries and fails to warn me that kissing—much less sleeping with—Ryder Stone would be unwise. If for no other reason than he’s Paps and Gina’s grandson. Out of respect for them, we should definitely not engage in activities of the naked variety. Not if I ever want to visit them in the future.
“I can’t.”
