AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, not to be too blunt myself, but how about in thanks for you taking care of me and feeding me so well, I do some fixing up around the house for you?” She blinks at me blankly. “Little things that might help. Like fixing the faucet, or greasing the porch door. And fixing the bottom porch step I completely stomped through by accident just a bit ago.” I laugh at Darcy’s horrified expression. “Don’t worry, I’m fine. Can’t say the same for the step.”
“Yes! I mean, not to be too eager Ranger, but yes, I could really use the help. There’s a whole bunch of stuff upstairs, too. The screen is broken and there’s a loose rail on the banister and the mattress needs turning and - ” she stops herself, mortified.
I laugh to put her at ease. “It’s hard, doing everything you’ve been doing. And that’swithhelp. Doing it by yourself? That takes some gumption. Why don’t you make a list of things you’ve been needing someone to look at and I’ll take care it.” I yawn deeply. “But maybe first thing in the morning? I’m a little tired tonight. Would it be okay if I bunk in the barn again?”
Darcy blushes a beautiful deep pink, her whole face innocent and striking at the same time.
“Of course you can, if you’re sure it’s not too uncomfortable? We have extra bedrooms, if you’d like to move indoors.”
I smile and decide not to push my luck. “Barn’s just fine for a ranch hand like me. I’ve slept in a lot worse, and the straw you laid out this afternoon was soft. Besides, I don’t think I can climb too many stairs just yet, so the second floor is out of the question. You go right ahead and lock up the house. I promise I won’t come in until you’re awake in the morning.”
Darcy smiles at me, and she’s grateful. “Thanks Mr. McLeod. I appreciate it. I guess I’ll see you in the morning then.”
“Ma’am.” I finish off my glass of port and limp to the front door, feeling better than ever now that I’m full and that my idea might actually work out.Plus this poor girldoesneed the help.
“Mr. McLeod?” Darcy’s soft voice calls to me before I step outside.
Trying to refrain from expressing my thoughts on my face, I turn around to face Darcy. “Yes ma’am?”
“You mind waiting here a second? I should get you some pants.” She gestures to the horse blanket wrapped around me, and a faint blush creeps into her soft cheeks.
“I’ll wait right here.”
Then, the curvy brunette bounds upstairs and I take a moment to peek around the front hallway. There are stacks of bills on the front sideboard, and several grungy flannel shirts hanging from the coatrack. One of the chairs wobbles, and the overhead lamp flickers every so often.Man, this place needs some serious TLC.
Darcy comes back down the stairs, her perky breasts bouncing with each step. I try not to stare or salivate, but her natural innocence is difficult to ignore.
“Here,” she hands me a pair of old jeans. “Hopefully they fit. They were my Pa’s when he was younger, so they might smell a little musty.”
“You sure? I don’t want to take you dad’s stuff.”
“No, it’s okay. Better to make use of it.”
I take the old jeans gently, grateful for Darcy’s generosity. “I’m sure they’ll do just fine.”
I start to head out again.
“Oh Ranger, just a second.” Darcy retreats into the kitchen and returns a moment later, bearing a flashlight and a bottle full of fresh water. “Here. In case you get thirsty and so you can see out there. Stars are pretty but they don’t give off all that much light.”
“Much obliged, Darcy.”
We stand there facing each other for a minute. A primal part of me wants to reach out and kiss the girl, but I catch myself. I clear my throat but she speaks first.
“Goodnight, Mr. McLeod. Sleep tight.” Her voice has a layer of huskiness to it, and I step onto the now cool front porch to put some distance between us.
I turn around to look at Darcy through the screen. “Goodnight, Miss Fields.”
I turn on the flashlight and make my way toward the barn and hear Darcy close the front door firmly behind me.
Once back out in the barn, I settle onto my straw bed and take deep breaths of the cool night air. It was a damn shame that I’d fallen off my horse, but maybe this whole thing is going to work out just fine.
I fall asleep dreaming of brown hair, sparkling chocolate eyes, and the creamy white bosom that belongs to Darcy Fields.
3
DARCY
The sun peeks through the window of the master bedroom, shining brilliantly across the floorboards to where I lie awake in bed.
