AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, it’s obviously something. A grown ass man doesn’t sulk in his office for no reason.”
“It’s you!” I shouted holding my arms out to her. “You’re the reason. You're laughing and flirting with Nash, the guys asking what we are. It’s you, Nora.” She took a step back at my outburst. “Apparently, I’m a jealous ass.” And lame, I thought to myself.
“Let’s get one thing straight, cowboy.” She took a step closer to me and poked my chest with her finger. “Being nice isn’t flirting. I’ve been here almost three months and you’ve done nothing but hold my hand, so if you’re jealous, that’s on you.” She poked me again, and this time it was harder. “I’m a nice person, damn it, that’s all. The only person I want to flirt with is you, ya big dope. Thanks for the rest of the night off. I appreciate it, Miller.” She turned to leave my office. I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back to me.
“Never call me Miller again.” It was what everyone called my father, and I only wanted my name on her lips.
“Fine, good night.” She wrenched her arm out of my grip and walked to the door. “Take the reins, Kipp, do more.” She pleaded, looking over her shoulder before leaving me alone. I heard her door close and I let out a long breath.
Walking back out to the game, I heard her door open just as I shut the doors to the hallway again. “Well, you all made her quit for the evening,” I said flatly.
“No they didn’t. It was you.” I heard her yell from the other side of the door, and the entire room erupted in laughter.
“Fine. There’s something going on, I just don’t know what yet.” I took my seat at the table and reached over and grabbed some wings.
“It’s good, Kipp. You need something going on. She’ll keep you young.” Riley slapped me on the back and I groaned. Why did I keep friends like this around?
Thinking again of Nora, I wished she was still here, sitting on a stool beside me. God, that woman was going to be the death of me.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
NORA
Athin line of light was in the sky as I stretched my back. I’d been up since four and I was happy to see the sun rising to join me. Branding day one was expected to be the event of the year. Or that was the chatter I’d been seeing on local social media. Who knew if everyone would actually show up? If they did, I would be ready. I had roast beef cooking on every surface. Beans in a crockpot tucked in the corner of the room. The second batch of buns was just coming out of the oven, and I was ready to cook breakfast.
Sitting down at the table, I grabbed my coffee and a cup for Kipp. I’d heard stirring from his room and wanted it to be ready for him. “Good morning, how long have you been up?” he mumbled as he walked through the doorway, his disheveled hair sticking up in all different directions, shirt undone and pants not done up yet. He was a sight to behold. His chiseled chest, with so many abs, I didn’t know there were that many, the tattoo I longed to see up close peeking out, and beautifully tan. He pulled out his chair and sat down. I couldn’t even make a coherent thought to speak. I just stared at him. He grabbed his mug and took a sip of coffee. I’d forgotten what question he asked, and it didn’t matter at all.
As if the few sips of coffee flowing through his veins woke him up, he looked at me and then down at himself. “Oh, Nora, I’m sorry.” He quickly did up his shirt and shifted around, tucking it in. Suddenly, morning coffee wasn’t as enjoyable.
“Don’t be sorry, it’s your home.” I shrugged, hopefully coming off much cooler than I felt. “Are you ready for today?” I asked, clutching my coffee to my chest.
“I think so. It all feels like a hamster wheel from year to year. I told you my mother was coming, right?” He looked down into his mug as I nodded. “Okay, she will most likely help you until we get back from rounding the cattle up, then she will abandon you.” He gave me half a smile.
“Kipp, I really don’t need help. I have everything under control.” I finished the coffee in my cup and stood to get more. Filling mine, I held out the pot for Kipp, but he shook his head. Grabbing a hot mat, I tossed it down and set the coffee on it. There was no need to keep getting up when it was just the two of us.
“I see you’ve been busy. You didn’t tell me what time you got up.” He rested his elbows on the table.
“About four, I think. I was having trouble sleeping, going over all my to-do lists. But I was able to get ahead, so it’ll all work out in the end.” I smiled at him.
“Accept my mom’s help today please. You don’t need to do it all yourself.” His eyes lost their harsh edge and softened as he looked at me.
“You don’t need to worry about me, Kipp. You have enough to think about.” I let my eyes fall to the floor. Kipp shifted in his chair and reached out to touch my cheek.
“If I don’t worry about you, who will? You think of everyone else, you need someone thinking about you.” His large hand engulfed my cheek. It was warm and rough, and I leaned into his touch. My heart fluttered and I closed my eyes. It had been ages since anyone had touched me so tenderly. He moved his hand and brushed his fingers over the back of my neck. I sighed and opened my eyes to him staring at me so intently it made me nervous.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Am I interrupting something?” A woman’s voice came from the entrance of the kitchen. My blood ran cold and Kipp pulled his hand away like I’d scalded him.
“Mother, I didn’t think you’d be here so early.” He grinned at the woman and jumped up from his chair.
“I told you I’d be early.” She smiled and set bags down on the counter. “Since my son has lost all manners, I’m Julia Miller.” She held her hand out and I stood from my chair and shook it. Her gray hair was piled elegantly on top of her head, her face showed years of work outdoors, and I could see where Kipp got his wide smile from.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I nervously pulled at the apron I was wearing. Why was meeting parents so anxiety inducing? And I wasn’t even in a relationship with Kipp, but whatever she’d walked in on was not an employee, boss situation, and I’m sure looked less than innocent. “Can I get you some coffee?”
“That would be great. I didn’t have time this morning. Just black dear.” She pulled out the chair opposite mine and took a seat. Grabbing a mug, I poured her a cup and slid it over to her. “Thank you. So, what's been happening here?” She glanced from me to Kipp, and I suddenly wanted to run back to my room and hide under the blankets.
Kipp looked from his mother to me and I averted my eyes. “Just getting ready for this week. Nora came to work for us a few months ago, and she’s been a great addition to the place.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been here to meet you sooner. I was down in Wyoming seeing my sister. She’s had a lengthy illness and I was there to help her. How old is your son, dear?” She peered at me over the brim of her coffee mug. Her expression was blank. This woman wasn’t giving me a hint of her feelings toward me.
