Page 142 of Pumpkin Spice Promises

“It’s the only one you’re getting.” He grunted before trudging over to the woman in question.

I grabbed my gloves and eyed my father just as Carson appeared from the barn. My attention found her before I could stop it. Last night she had looked soft. This morning she wasn’t a woman going on a date, that was for sure. She wore work jeans, boots, a faded cream shirt tied at the waist, and her hair pulled into a loose braid.

Her mouth curved into my favorite little smile as she waved before continuing on her way.

That was all I got, and somehow, it was perfect because nobody seemed to notice except us.

We went to work and most of the morning passed without much conversation. Jax and I finished the next section of fencing while Dad inspected wagon hardware.

Rosie disappeared and returned with measurements.

Clover showed up briefly with coffee, then vanished again.

Carson moved between the dairy barn, pasture, and equipment shed like she always did.

At some point, I realized I had started recognizing her schedule after just spending a few days here. She checked the calves before ten. Reviewed bottled milk quantities after. I walked to the east pasture late in the morning.

Two weeks ago, none of that meant anything to me. Now I noticed when she deviated.

Around noon, she crossed toward us carrying two water bottles. Her gait was slightly uneven again. Not enough that anyone else would catch it.

I didn’t say anything, but I knew it had to do with her accident, I just didn’t know why, and if it was the reason she didn’t ride anymore.

She handed me one. “Drink up, you need to stay hydrated out here.”

“Aren’t you bossy?”

“Coming from you?” she teased, reminding me of our first encounter.

“Fair.”

She moved past me toward the fence. The space between the truck and the new post was narrow. I stepped sideways to let her through. My hand landed against her waist automatically. Her body went still for half a second, and mine did too.

Memories of last night returned immediately. Her lips that had been just short of an inch away from mine, her vanilla perfume that always wrapped around me no matter how close or far she strayed.

The almost kiss.

I removed my hand as she stepped away. Neither of us said anything and Carson continued toward the fence. I followed a step behind her, wanting to show her the improvements we had made. She stopped beside the section we’d just replaced this morning.

“Looks good,” she whispered, clearing her throat.

“High praise coming from you, sweetheart.”

“Don’t get cocky, Beau.” She didn’t say my name enough I realized, because every time she did my cock twitched in excitement.

“I’ll try.” I winked, earning my favorite reaction from her. A small smile and red cheeks.

Her hand moved over the fresh wood. For several seconds, she studied it. Then looked toward the ranch beyond. “I forgot what it looked like when things were new.”

I looked at the line of fencing. Fresh posts. Straight boards. “One section at a time, right?”

She glanced toward me. “That sounds suspiciously inspirational.”

“I take it back then, wouldn’t want you to think that of me now.” I chuckled.

“Too late.”

We continued along the fence line. Not talking much as she inspected it all. A week ago, silence between us would’ve felt like something to fill.