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“Yeah, darlin’, I do. I’m sure there’s a lot of work to do, and it’s late, even though it’s only seven, the ranch starts at five.” He pulled her close, hugged her, and kissed her nose and forehead.
“Okay. I’ll miss you.” She pressed her lips to his, then raised them and gazed into his eyes. “That’s to keep you warm while you’re away from me today.”
Rhett grinned at her. “It’ll work.” He kissed her again and pulled away. Laughing, he said. “Damn it, Cin. I have to go.”
She spread her arms out. “Am I holding you here, Morrison?”
“Just because you’re not holding me, literally, doesn’t mean you’re not holding me.” He kissed her nose quickly and went down the steps. Getting into his truck, he looked at her and waved. She blew him a kiss. He smiled, backed the vehicle out, and left.
She felt alone the moment she reentered the kitchen. The place seemed way too empty. She went to her bedroom and crawled back into bed. She grabbed the pillow he’d slept on and hugged it. She could smell his scent on it. She drifted back to sleep and didn’t wake until noon. She didn’t know how Rhett would work today when they were up half the night.
She stretched, got out of bed and headed for the shower. What was she going to do today? She needed to get groceries if the roads were clear enough; she would head to town.
Lucinda picked up the groceries she needed, plus two thick steaks. She wanted to stop at Rhett’s and make him dinner. She chewed on her bottom lip. What if he didn’t want her to do that? She’d feel like a real fool. Nothing had been said about when they’d see each other again.Don’t get clingy, Lucinda!She had to pass his place on the way back to hers. Should she stop? Take a chance? She nodded her head. This would give her a good indication of where this relationship might lead. If he got angry for her showing up without being invited, she’d know he wasn’t serious, and she’d leave. Right after she chewed him a new one.
****
Rhett and the men were in the barn, mucking out the stalls, when he heard a car drive up. He looked at Matt.
“Can you see who that is? I don’t think Calder is expecting anyone.”
Matt nodded and walked out of the barn. He came back a few minutes later, smiling. Rhett looked at him.
“A beautiful woman is asking for you. A redhead. If you don’t want her, can I have her?”
Rhett frowned, removed his gloves, and walked to the barn doorway. The only redhead he knew that would be here looking for him, was Cin. He looked out to see her, then back at Matt, and grinned.
“No. This one you can’t have.” He chuckled when he heard Matt swear at him.
He walked to where she was standing by the driver’s door. He leaned against the car’s fender, folded his arms across his chest, and looked at her. She seemed nervous for some reason.
“Cin?”
“I picked up steaks and potatoes at the grocery store and thought I would stop and make us dinner. I’ll eat, do the dishes, then leave,” she said in a rush.
Rhett shook his head. “Not gonna work, darlin’.”
“It won’t?”
“No. It’ll only work if you cook dinner, eat and spend the night.”
“I’d love to spend the night, but I can’t. I have to get home for Tigger and the dogs.”
“Damn. I didn’t even think of that. Okay, but you can stay a while after dinner, right?”
Cin stood on her toes, kissed his lips, and grinned.
“Definitely.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Really, Cin. After what we’ve shared, do you honestly think I don’t want you here, with me, all night?”
“I didn’t want to assume.”
“It’s fine, but the next time, bring Tigger. We can go back and feed the dogs.”
“All right.”
“See the road going around the last barn?” When she nodded, he continued. “Just follow it, and it will take you to my cabin. The door’s unlocked, so make yourself at home. The dogs won’t bother you. They know you.”
