Page 22 of Labor of Love

10

STETSON

“Idon’t even know what I’ll wear to the gallery showing yet, but Karli mentioned she had the perfect dress for me.” Layla shifts on my lap. She’s in nothing but my shirt, and a paintbrush in hand while staring at her canvas.

“You’re so damn talented that the night will be perfect regardless of what you wear.” A rodeo bull looking through the gate captures just how dangerous the beast is, but there’s a sadness to his eyes. A look I never paid attention to while being so caught up in the circus of it. Poor dude probably just wants to be set free in a pasture of heifers in heat. “I love this piece.”

“It might be my new favorite.” She sets the paintbrush down.

“Watching you paint is my favorite.” I have time to soak up these moments after taking it easy on the ranch. Developing my relationship with Layla the past two weeks has been a blessing.

“You sure your dad isn’t missing you on the ranch?”

“I’m helping three days a week.” I kiss her cheek. “We have ranch hands and the whole point of me leaving the rodeo was to go for the life I’ve dreamed of.” Ranching is in my blood and if my dad needs me a little extra, I’m there.

“And what does that look like?” She shifts, turning to face me.

“Right now? Exactly like this.” She smiles wide, eyes soft.

“Perfect.” Layla stretches her neck to the side. “I need a painting break.”

“Mmm.” My lips press to her neck and down her shoulder. “I have something in mind.”

“Novelty isn’t wearing off?” She turns her head, pressing her lips to mine.

“Layla.” My tone drops, all seriousness kicking in. “You can't even fathom, baby, the way I cherish you giving me another chance.” I lean down and kiss the tip of her nose.

It’s helped that Karli had been out of town on another trip, so she hasn’t picked up on all our time spent together. My hands grip Layla’s hips, ready to turn her around and show her how insatiable I am over her.

“Paintbrushes first, mister.” Layla stands, taking her cup and brushes to the sink. Those little wooden sticks with hair are her prized possessions. She really values what they help create.

The ridge overlooking Hayes Ranch is breathtaking with the open blue sky. Our horses quietly stand admiring the view as well. Layla’s painting break led to a horseback ride…after more sex, of course. The longhorn cattle bunch together, spending their afternoon resting, while the horse in the ring is being broken in by my father and Parker. Serenity hums over us, resting at the overlook at Hayes Ranch, the very spot Layla and I parked my old Suburban years ago.

“I come here often.” Layla breaks our silence. She’s riding bareback, lying on her back, looking up at the fluffy clouds.

When she doesn’t say anything further, I pipe up.

“What’s been on your mind most up here?”

“I come here to not think, actually.” She sits up, petting Ranger’s chocolate mane. That horse bonded with her at birth when Layla was twelve. He hasn’t really taken to anyone or their commands the way he naturally does with her. We knew early on he was her heart horse. My parents couldn’t bear to tear the two apart. They kindly handed him off to her a couple years later.

“I’m glad you find peace here.” She smiles softly, looking ahead.

“Your house is looking good.”

“The drywall is finished, then flooring.” I zone in on my house. The projects with the crew have been occupying my time when I’m not with Layla.

“That’s so exciting. It’ll be perfect.” The three bedroom two-and-a-half-bathroom ranch style on my family’s property is a layout I’ve thought about for years.

“I’m blessed to afford this.” But everything adding up at once has been a reality shock.

I want to be home with my future family. Ranching allows that, and Karli volunteered to help ramp up my social media game so I can make money there as well. Maybe her and my agent are right about a bit of traveling or taking on more brand deals to add to the nest egg. But I just got home.

“Daydreaming again? Might start using your mother’s nickname for you too.” Layla smirks, shooting me a teasing wink.

“You wouldn’t dare.” She yawns with a playful shrug. She gotta be exhausted between painting and me keeping her up most nights.

“Maybe we should sleep in our own beds tonight, so you’re not tired out.”