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“We weren’t making out. I’ll tell you later”, I said quietly, looking at her, trying to get her off the subject.
“Look, this crew isn’t going to be satisfied unless you tell them something.” Kipp’s mother walked up beside me and leaned against the counter.
“I’m not comfortable talking about it.” I didn’t want to talk about her son with her around. That would have been rude.
“Dear, you don’t think I know my son is a grown man who has feelings? But I respect you for thinking about mine.” She smiled and pushed off the counter edge. “Sonja, take notes.” She smiled and looked back at me, giving me a quick wink. She had to be the sweetest woman I’d ever met.
“Okay, she’s gone. Spill it,” Kristin coaxed, setting down the plate she was washing. I was still hesitant to say anything. I’d never had girlfriends that I confided in. “Girl, if you don’t, I will march right out into the middle of that mess out there and find out from Kipp.” She pointed out the window and my eyes followed her arm to the big cowboy on horseback with my son safe in his arms.
“Fine, yes we kissed, for the first time,” I relented, rolling my eyes and the room of women squealed like they were all fourteen again.
“Okay, I’m dying to know. Is Kipp Miller a good kisser?” One of the other women asked as she leaned on the island. I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks and I couldn’t bring myself to answer, so all I did was close my eyes and nod. “I knew it,” she said, as she slapped the counter top, shaking her head.
“That man has made sure to avoid relationships for years. After Bella, I don’t blame him, but I’m happy to see he’s getting back out there,” one of the older ladies said as she grabbed her pie plate and walked out of the house, giggling.
“Who’s Bella?” I turned and asked Kristen quietly.
“His ex. I shouldn’t say any more, that’s his story to tell, but she’s long gone, married in California last I heard.” Kristin grabbed her towel and dried more dishes. She looked out the window and avoided all eye contact with me. I wouldn’t pry for information. That wasn’t the type of person I was and right now all Kipp and I had done was kiss, and flirt a lot.
The house was finally quiet. Everyone who’d been here was gone except a few people who were camping out in one of the empty pastures to be here for tomorrow. Sighing, I looked down at my hands. The bandages that were once new and clean looked ready to fall apart. My feet ached more than I ever thought possible, and I was sure my eyes were being held open with toothpicks. “You made yourself scarce after lunch.” His low voice sent ripples of desire through me. Turning to see him leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his shirt dirty, maybe ripped, and his face covered in dust made my whole body burn. I didn’t think it was possible, but he looked even sexier now than any time I’d seen him before.
“Yeah, I was busier in here than I thought I would be once some of the ladies started for home. Kristen stayed to help me, though, so that was nice. How many people do you think will be here tomorrow? I need to thaw some ground beef for chili.” If I kept talking and avoiding any subject other than what I needed to cook, maybe he would forget about the calf, and the bathroom, and more importantly, the kiss. His boots and spurs made noise with every step he took across the kitchen floor. “You didn’t take your boots off,” I pointed out, opening the pantry door to grab a few cans of beans. He was close, I could feel him. Standing, I backed away from the cupboard and he closed the door. Taking the beans out of my hands, he set them on the counter behind me and moved in front of me.
“I thought you said you weren’t second guessing this?” He looked down at me and arched his brow.
“I’m not,” I whispered as I shook my head and stared down at his boots.
“Then what’s the problem?” he asked, taking a step closer to me, so there was very little space between us. I bit the corner of my mouth and looked up at him. He lifted his hand and cupped my cheek before running his thumb over my bottom lip. “I’m going to kiss you again, and this is going to be the only time I warn you it’s going to happen.” He grinned and lowered his head.
This kiss was different. It wasn’t tentative; it was hungry, passionate and I wrapped my arms around his neck and ran my hand up into his hair. I wanted to kiss him, and that scared me. I’d never felt like I needed someone, but my body and soul ached for Kipp Miller.
I heard people coming up the steps and Kipp pulled away from me. “You and I are having a date later. Well, not really a date. I just want to make out with you.” He grinned and moved just as the guys walked into the kitchen.
“Mommy!” Cooper shouted as he ran toward me.
“Look at you, you’re filthy.” I hugged him and noticed all the men standing in the kitchen. “You’re all filthy. And I don’t know you,” I said, looking at the man standing off to the side.
“Oh, that’s Linc, he works here too,” Cooper remarked like he was one of the men.
“Why don’t you go get your clothes off and I will run you some water for a bath?” I prompted, urging the little boy, who seemed like he’d grown up overnight. He ran out of the room and I turned to Kipp.
“Coop’s right, that’s Lincoln Felder. He’s partner number five. Got here sometime after lunch.” Kipp walked over to the fridge and grabbed beers for everyone.
“Nice to meet you, Lincoln.” I smiled at him and he nodded.
“You to ma’am. I have to say, we haven’t had food like that at branding for a long time.” He smiled and I couldn’t help but feel proud.
“I better go deal with him before there’s a pool in the bathroom. Excuse me.” I smiled and left the room. Walking down the hallway, I wasn’t sure I could stay up for a make-out session with Kipp, but I was sure going to try.
Knocking lightly, Cooper called, “Come in.” Opening the door, I found him still fully clothed, sitting on the bathroom floor.
“Oh, my little man, are you exhausted?” I sat down beside him.
“Yes.” He yawned.
“Well, let’s yet you washed up and I will tuck you in. Okay?” I kissed his head, and he nodded.
His bath took all of five minutes. He didn’t even say goodnight to anyone. He went straight to bed and was sleeping before I even turned out his light. Pulling the door closed, I leaned against it and, for one second, was jealous of him being tucked in tightly.
