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She snorts, laughing at my antics. “The never announcing it method. Sure, that oughta work. After the third baby, they might start putting the puzzle pieces together.”
I brush the wild strands of her hair off her face and tuck them behind her ear before leaning down and kissing her forehead. “We’ll figure it out.”
Rowan reminds me that she has to get back to work before Claire comes looking for her. We kiss goodbye, then I casually make my way out the side door. I wish I could stay and talk to her all night, but we both know I need the sleep.
Hopefully one day—one day soon—I’ll be able to go to bed and wake up with her in my arms, and we won’t have to hide our relationship. I’m falling harder for her every day, and it almost doesn’t seem real how strong my feelings already are. Then again, they’ve been lingering for years, waiting to be unleashed when she finally saw who was right in front of her the whole time.
Chapter Ten
ROWAN
I actually have the day off, so I’m killing time at the B&B with hopes to see Diesel later. Three weeks have passed since we’ve started sneaking around, and as much fun as it’s been, I’m constantly on edge and worried we’ll get caught.
It still doesn’t feel real. These feelings seem as if they’ve come out of nowhere, but Diesel acts like he’s been waiting his whole life for me. All the shit I used to give him now makes me feel guilty, though I keep telling myself it’s just a part of our history. Perhaps if I had seen him differently years ago, we wouldn’t be where we are now. I know us being together is still so new and early, but the timing seems right, and everything is so good. Trying to navigate a long-distance relationship while I was at college wouldn’t have been ideal for either of us. We both had some growing up to do.
“So how’s it feel to be back for good? Think you’ll miss going to Houston?” Maize asks as we hang out in the B&B kitchen. She’s making one of her Southern specialities for the guests and putting her amazing cooking skills to good use. Maize graduated from culinary school a couple of years ago and became the head chef at the bed and breakfast. It happened at a good time too since the previous cook in charge was retiring.
“Nah, I don’t think so. Actually, it’s not as bad as I was anticipating,” I say honestly, reaching for one of the paninis. “After Nick the Dick ruined my life, I thought life would suck.”
She perks up a brow, knowing there’s more to the story. More that I can’t tell her. “But it doesn’t?”
I shrug, purposely not making eye contact with her. If I do, she’ll know I’m keeping something from her. She’s two years older, and we’ve always been close. She knows all my tells, and I hate having to lie to her.
“Nah, I guess not. It’s nice to be back home and working for the fam. At least I’m not having to help with ranch chores.” I chuckle with relief. When I was still in high school, I would do whatever was needed during weekends and summers, which meant a slew of bitch work. Didn’t matter that I was a girl and half the weight of the guys, my dad made sure I had a good work ethic.
“You have been in a pretty chipper mood,” she states as if she’s implying there’s a reason, but I play dumb.
“I’m not gonna let some cheating asshole bring me down.” I take a large bite of my sandwich so I can’t speak.
“Too bad there are no men around here for you to rebound with,” she taunts, waggling her brows. “In fact, there are no men here period. We’re all gonna be alone with a handful of horses. Horse ladies.”
I snort and cover my mouth with my hand to prevent food from spewing all over her. After I chew and swallow, I laugh. “Well, you need to get out of the kitchen every once in a while to find someone. All you do is cook.”
She shoots me a deadpan expression. “It’s my job, brat.”
“I’m working tomorrow night. You should stop in. It’ll be busy,” I tell her.
“And do what? Be the loser in the corner drinking alone?”
“Well, with that charming attitude, I’m shocked you’re still single!” I gasp dramatically, placing a hand over my chest.
She grins and throws a piece of bread at me. “I hate you.”
I scoff, waving her off. “There are like two dozen ranch hands. Pick one and make him your sex slave for the night.”
Maize makes a gagging noise that has me doubling over. “Oh my God. I’m related to like half of them. Plus, I don’t shit where I eat, okay? ”
