“He’s givinghera baby.”
Ah. There it was. She’d stuck it out with this douche canoe for years because she thought he was her only option to the life she wanted. That she’d give up good sex with an attentive man to get the baby she wanted. Except, she wouldn’t be happy with just that. In fact, I could now see why she’d connected with a sperm bank. That would be better than her ex.
It wasn’t either, or. It was neither. She wasn’t stuck with Mr. Dumbass and she wasn’t compromising with a sperm bank. She was getting it all with me.
I reached out, cupped her cheek and turned her to face me. Met her eyes that were filled with unshed tears. “I understand you wanting a baby. But you deserve everything–a family to support you, a man to fuck you and take care of you, a full life. You deserve to be eaten outandorgasmsanda babyanda man who puts you first.”
“You’re going to give me all that?”
I stroked her cheek, met her dark eyes. “That’s up to you. Just gotta decide what life you want.”
10
SAGE
“Come on,city girl, we’ve got chores to do.”
I spun around at Buck’s words. He’d driven me home and led me into the house, carrying my bags for me. I followed him to his bedroom where he set the bag… and drew my focus.
His cabin was an A frame with a wall of windows overlooking the family ranch. The master suite took up the entire second floor and was all wood and river rock and cream paint and carpet. The bed was massive and looked hand carved. Between the view and a fireplace, I didn’t want to leave.
Which was good because this was where we weregoing to have sex. Where he was going to put a baby in me. After what he did in the diner earlier and our conversation in his truck, I expected him to fling me down, rip my clothes off and show us both a really good time.
Buck hadn’t gotten off earlier. There had been no reciprocation. He hadn’t even taken off his pants. Or opened them. He must have a horrible case of blue balls. And yet–
“Chores? Now?” I asked, stunned.
He winked. “You’re on a ranch now. My ranch. I could tell you about my job, but you’re here, so you’ll join me.”
I glanced at the bed. “Don’t you want to–”
He stepped close, took my hands. I felt the heat, the callouses. “What? Have sex?”
I nodded.
“When I get you in bed, sweetheart, I won’t want to climb out for anything.” Oh my. “Let’s get the animals taken care of so I can take care of you.”
“I… I didn’t bring the right things for a barn. In fact, I’m confident I don’t haveanythingcowgirl.”
“That’s okay.” He looked me over from head to toe. “You’re close to Lainey’s size. She’s got things you can use in the barn. Come on.”
Ten minutes later, I was in a pair of Lainey’smuck boots, her thick, waterproof jacket, and leather gloves and standing before a huge tractor. With a boost to my butt, Buck helped me up and into it. He settled in after me into the remarkably fancy seat and pulled me onto his lap, the glass door slamming shut. Using a key, he turned on the motor and the huge machine rumbled and vibrated to life.
“Earlier, I took a load of hay out to the herd. They’re grazers, but they can’t get to the grass through all the snow. I have to supplement,” he explained. “My crew loaded more bales on the back for a second trip. Gotta get these out to the cattle so they’ve got enough to eat. You drive.”
His voice was right by my ear and I looked at all the controls and buttons in front of me.
“Me?”
“Sure, you can do it.”
It wasn’t a UFO, but it wasn’t Mabel’s car I’d been driving around town either. Still, I really liked how he was involving me, and thought I could do this.
“Show me how,” I said, with determination.
“Good girl. The accelerator is there.” He pointed down by my feet. “Just steer like normal.”
“I’m a city girl and don’t own a car,” I reminded.
