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“You planning on cooking something for your men?” Jessie winked.
“I was just going to restock the fridge, but now I feel like I need to. Is there something I should know?”
“The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” Jessie started, but all the girls finished.
I laughed. “I have a feeling there are lots of stories I need to hear about later. What should I cook? Something French?”
“Liam loves anything. And so does Duke.” Jessie tapped her chin. “Do you know how to make a Bolognese sauce?”
“That’s a type of meat sauce, right?” I’d heard of it but never made it before.
She nodded. “Exactly, just a fancier version.”
“No, but I could look up recipes and try it.” I had cooked a lot for me and Jeff and loved to try out new recipes.
“I’ll give you a list of ingredients. Duke loves a good pasta dish.” Jessie grabbed a pen and paper. She handed me the list when she finished, and I stuffed it in my pocket for later. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. They’d treated me so well. I wanted to repay their kindness.
Once we’d finished, the sun had peeked from behind the morning clouds and was glowing. We could see a few of the ranch hands wandering around, but one in particular caught my eye.
Duke.
He came out of the barn with a few others as we were leaving the dining hall. He took his hat off his head and ran his hand over his short, dark hair and around the back of his neck. When he stepped into the sunlight, I could see his weary expression, and I had to wonder how serious this fence issue was.
“Speaking of your men, there’s one right now.” Alex nudged me, and I didn’t fight the smile that stretched across my face. My heart beat against my chest, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He seemed stressed, and I wanted to go over and see if there was anything I could do to help, but I didn’t know if that was something he’dwantme to do.
Duke caught sight of our group, said something to the men, then jogged over. He looked so good in his jeans and shirt. Images of his naked body from last night made their way into my mind. In the short-sleeved shirt he was currently wearing, I could only see a portion of his tattoos. I knew they stretched all the way up his arm and around his chest and back.
“Morning, darlin’. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up.” His voice was low for only me to hear, but I had no doubt the girls were straining their ears. Again, he stood slightly to the side to block the sun from my face as I looked up at him.
“It’s okay. Next time wake me so I have a chance to say goodbye.” I bit my lip, not believing I’d said that out loud. I cringed inside, wondering if he’d tell me there wasn’t going to be another time.
The corner of his mouth lifted. “I’ll make sure I do. There’s some stuff I need to take care of around here, and then I have patrol. I’m hoping to see you before my shift, but if not, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay. Be safe.” I wanted to swoon on the spot. It was like he was a different person after yesterday—not totally grumpy but opening up just the littlest bit.
He nodded and started to leave, then turned back around. “I forgot something.”
“What?”
“This,” he said before catching my chin in his fingers and kissing me in front of everyone. It wasn’t just a chaste kiss either. It was full of promises of what he would rather do. He nipped at my bottom lip before pulling away.
I sighed, watching his retreating form. Now Ireallywanted to stay here forever. In the last few days, Liam and Duke had shown me more compassion and kindness than Jeff had in all the years I was with him.
I was still watching Duke when the girls crowded around me.
“That was hot.” Jessie fanned herself.
“Look at that. Mr. Grump has a heart.” Grace laughed.
“I think you mean Officer Sexypants,” Victoria joked.
I felt the flood of embarrassment, but I knew it was for nothing. I’d have him do that again every day. It’s not as if the girls minded.
“Okay. Okay. Let’s get ready and go to town,” I said, walking away. When I walked into the house, Liam was in the kitchen, putting away dishes.
“Did you have a good breakfast with the girls?” he asked.
“I did. We’re going to go to town to do some shopping. Anything I can pick up while I’m there?” I leaned against the counter and watched him move so fluidly around the kitchen.
