“Nothing starts the day like a proper breakfast. Come sit.”
She climbed up on the stool at the island and took the plate of French toast and eggs and bacon he’d masterfully arranged. The man had an eye for detail and presentation. He handed her a glass of the punch Lilah had made.
“Thank you, this looks amazing.”
He came around the island and joined her with his own meal. “You’re welcome.”
They didn’t rush, but they were both mindful of the clock as they ate. She asked Jesse about his plans for the day and then told him all about the disaster that wasHot Bench,a show he hadn’t seen. Which was probably for the best. She helped him with a quick cleanup and then they grabbed their stuff and he walked her out to her Tahoe, Knight Rider. It was still cool out, but the temperature was clearly rising as the bright sun climbed higher in the cloudless sky. It would be seventy-five or more by lunchtime. She put her purse on the driver’s seat, then turned to kiss Jesse goodbye.
“I know you might be leaving town sometime soon, but I’d like your permission to court you properly,” he said when she was back in his arms.
“Is that right? You’re not going to show up in a carriage and ask my father for permission to take me into town, are you, ’cause he doesn’t play that caveman shit with me.”
“Not unless you want me to.”
“So what does being courted by Jesse Pleasant involve, I wonder.” She hoped it meant more deep dicking-like she’d experienced the night before.
“Well, we still have our auction date to attend to, but that was a matter of business, so I’m not sure that counts. I think some proper dates, some lavish gifts, some very deep discussions about our hopes and dreams. Maybe a moonlit walk or two. Homemade baked goods.”
“You bake too?”
“I do. It helps relax me. I’ve perfected a lemon bar recipe that is to die for.”
Lily-Grace smiled up at him and accidentally let the most deranged thought cross through her mind. She was going to marry Jesse Pleasant. She swallowed, stopping herself from declaring how easy it would be for her to fall in love with him, and focused on the present.
“Oooh, this all sounds amazing. Oh! Can I come by the ranch sometime?”
“Of course. I’d be happy to show you around.”
“I know there is a bit of genuine terror there, but I’d love to check out the horses. I haven’t been riding in ages.”
“Sure. I’m not getting on a horse with you, but we can arrange a ride—Don’t pout on me. It’s cute as hell, but it won’t work this time.”
Lily-Grace jutted her lip out even further. “Fine, you’re drawing a boundary and I respect it. Well, you can watch me ride a horse. I’m sure it’ll be equal parts awkward and sexy.”
“I look forward to it. How does Saturday sound?”
“Perfect. I’ll let you get to work.”
“I’ll text you later.”
“It better be dirty.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Pleasant.”
“Bye, Lily-Grace.” She squealed as he helped her up into the cab with a firm hand on her butt. Settled behind the wheel, her heart fluttered when he winked at her. Boy, was she in trouble.
Chapter 16
As soon as Zach got back Jesse was going to ask him how he got anything done now that Evie was in his life. How did he concentrate? How did he remember to show up for anything on time? He’d have to ask Sam how he didn’t spend all day literally pestering Amanda, asking when he could see her again. Heat had been fluttering in his chest—yes, fluttering—since he watched Lily-Grace drive away a few hours ago. He had to fix his face before he walked into the office. He didn’t want to scare Erin with the smile that was still fighting its way to the surface. It took all of his willpower to dive into his emails instead of spending the morning replaying what it felt like to touch Lily-Grace, what it felt like to be inside of her, to feel her come on his fingers and again on his lap.
He finished his call with their feed vendor, then glanced down at his cell phone. He had a full day, including therapy, after a quick lunch, but he could take a break to text Lily-Grace. Right when he picked up his phone, the screen lit up with a text alert from the woman in question.
Let me know when it’s safe to send you sexy pictures.
Jesse looked up at his door, like Erin would bust in at any moment and snatch his phone out of his hand.
