MONICA STEPPED INTO the barn and looked around the dimly lit space. It was empty except for the horses who were whinnying as if trying to speak to her. She didn’t know much about horses, but she did watch a hand yesterday feeding one of them carrots and apples. She’d peeled and sliced both and had placed them in her pocket.
She stopped in front of each stall and fed them. Then she came to stand in front of the last where a massive golden horse looked back at her with big, curious, brown eyes. “Hi there, beautiful.” She didn’t know the difference between a stallion, mare, or roan, but when he took two shy steps back she could understand that he was a bit antsy. “Don’t worry. I come bearing gifts.” She reached into her pocket and took out a carrot, holding it in her palm.
The big guy stared for a good five seconds, took a short step to sniff her hand then he cautiously munched. She smiled. “One day I hope I can have a horse just like you.” She had no clue if she liked horses before, but she certainly did now. Yesterday, she’d watched the horses from the fence, running, their tails blowing in the breeze, and she’d been overcome with a rush. When had she ever felt more alive? Never. She was certain of that fact.
While he ate, she petted his strong, muscular neck. He pawed the dirt and rubbed his head against the gate. “Oh, you like this do you?”
****
Cull couldn’t believe his eyes. Monica was standing in front of Mr. Big’s stall and not only was the beast calm, but he was showing favoritism to her. Never before had he witnessed the colt show affection, or even appreciation, toward anyone.
He couldn’t quite hear what she was saying to him, but whatever it was, Mr. Big seemed more than willing to listen and eat her snacks.
Making sure he didn’t make a sound, Cull watched, wanting to see where this led. She didn’t even seem to be fearful like most people were when around Mr. Big.
Cull roved his gaze over her voluptuous backside encased in those same tight jeans that shuttled his thoughts into disobedience. Yearning washed through him and his body reacted as it had done hundreds of times since he’d met the luscious redhead. Full of desire and need, he cursed under his breath. Her long hair hung in soft waves to the middle of her back and each time she laughed, or talked, the ends would swing. He remembered how soft the satin blanket felt in his fingers. She wasn’t tall, probably no more than five four, but she had a killer body. Even over the last three days she’d picked up some weight. He understood that’s what good food and fresh air could do.
When she bent ever so slightly, he choked back a “yee-haw”. His body wanted to jerk forward, but he held steady in his spot hidden in the shadows of the still dark morning. His eyes took in every detail of her and how she responded to the horse—and especially how the colt responded to her. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, not that he wanted to because he was in a pleasurable trance.
Mr. Big brought his head up, sensing they weren’t alone. He nickered loudly and stamped his foot. Leave it to the horse to blow his cover.
Monica swiveled around and nailed him with a shocked wide-eyed expression. “I-I didn’t know you were here. I was just saying hello to the horses. I hope that’s okay.”
He smiled. “Well, we usually like to feed them an oat mixture for breakfast, but they seem to like the treat you brought. And you’ve made some important friends. Mr. Big here is very particular.”
Then she smiled and he ate her up with his hungry eyes.
“I didn’t think anyone was up yet. I didn’t see anyone on my walk here,” she said. “I can’t wait to get out on the land.”
For the life of him he’d never seen anyone so ready to work. He liked that about her, but it wasn’t the only thing he admired. Indeed, he was starting to see less flaws and more positive attributes. She looked more beautiful than ever. Her hair draped her shoulders and she didn’t have a stitch of make up on, and she didn’t need it.
“It’s nice and quiet out here in the early morning. There’s something very serene about the land.”
“I happen to agree.”
Standing there, forlorn, his mind grappled with his rush of emotions and how beautiful she was, how glowing her skin looked. What he wouldn’t give to cross the space between them and kiss her—not just kiss her but leave her breathless and begging for more. Watching how she interacted with his horse only made him appreciate her more. Could he see her fitting in here long term?
Why was he allowing his mind to wander down a road where it didn’t belong?
“You’re staring at me funny.” Her tongue came out to moisten that full, lush bottom lip.
“Sorry.” He shifted his boots, trying to pick his brain out from his jeans. “I’m just shocked that Mr. Big here seems to like you. He doesn’t like anyone.” Cull crossed the space with some discomfort. His jeans felt too tight, like they would cut off the circulation to his balls.
“I can see why he’s named Mr. Big, but I have a hard time believing this beautiful fellow doesn’t like everyone. Look how gentle he is.” She proved it by nuzzling his head and he rewarded her with a rub.
“Yeah, that’s his tactic. He likes to manipulate people,” Cull practically growled the words. That horse had been nothing but a pill since he’d been delivered to the ranch. He couldn’t quite get why he felt a pang seeing how she lovingly petted the equine. Maybe because Cull wished she’d show him that same affection. “You ready to get to work?” he said a little too roughly. He was lucky he could talk with his cock large and throbbing. “I also brought you a thermos of coffee.”
“Thank you.” She accepted the offering. “I hadn’t made myself any so this is a lifesaver.” Her smile shone like the sun rising.
Clearing his throat, he took a long drink of his coffee instantly regretting the decision. The scorching liquid burnt its way passed his tongue and down his throat. “The first thing we’ll do is take the feed truck out. That’s the easiest part of the day.” He jutted his chin for the door of the barn and took off walking, hoping his tension would ease some. This would be a very long day if he didn’t use his head on his shoulders and not the one in his boxers.
Once they were in the truck, he pulled toward the field and gave her a quick rundown of how the machine emptied hay as they drove along. She seemed very keen and willing to learn, but he also realized for a person who’d never worked hard labor on a ranch this could be grueling. He wouldn’t let her overdo it.
“It’s so beautiful out here,” she said, sitting on the edge of her seat staring in bewilderment through the side window. “I can’t remember seeing a more beautiful sunrise…literally.”
He couldn’t help but smile at her energy and interest, and her willingness to make jokes about her situation. None of the other girls he knew would ever be this interested in the ins and outs of ranch life. He liked that she seemed genuinely excited. “You should see it in the winter. I mean, I’m a bit biased but when it snows it covers the land and the trees and everything is white as far as the eye can see. It’s amazing. As kids we’d always be out here, just being kids. We’d take long rides on the horses, sleds, build snowmen, then come inside for Ma’s cocoa by the fire. Man, all kids should be as lucky as we were.”
“You paint a lovely picture. When you have kids they’ll love it here as much as you do.”
He swiped his palm down his cheek. “Well, truth is, I’ve been saving up to build a place. I bought a hundred acres of land a few years ago and I’ve been waiting for the right time to build a house. Eventually maybe a couple of stables and fill them with horses.”
“Cull, that’s exciting.”
Did he see a twinkle in her eye?
“I’m close, real close, to making that wish come true.” He slowed the truck.
“Hopefully you’ll have your personal space back soon.”
“Hey, no rush. I like my childhood room and twin bed,” he joked.
“I’m feeling bad. Especially when the big bed in the apartment is very comfortable.” She winked.
She was teasing him, and he liked it. She was slowly coming out of her shell and showing personality. “Don’t be surprised if I switch beds.”
Several hands were now out on the land and he waved as they passed.
“I’m loving watching the horses from the apartment window. Everything here…it’s so beautiful, fresh. Amazing. Even the people.” She gave him a side glance.
“You haven’t met my sister yet. Kiersten can be a pill.” He laughed.
“I’m sure she is as lovely as everyone.”
Her smile disappeared.
“Hey, why the frown? Am I that bad of company?”
“I just have been really thinking of my situation. I can’t stay here forever. I have a life out there that I might never find again, and maybe I don’t want to find it, but I’m in limbo. Who would hire someone that doesn’t know her social security number?” She looked at him, her brows scrunched. “Without a job what will I do?”
“You keep doing what you’re doing around the house and you’re going to find yourself working full-time here at the ranch.”
“That can’t happen. You all are just being nice to me. Eventually you’ll be handing out walking papers.”
When he laid his hand on hers, she jerked her chin up. Her beautiful, open gaze struck something in him that he couldn’t quite describe. He knew then that he was more than simply attracted to her. How real could those feelings be when he had no clue who she was, what made her tick? He removed his hand and he felt a deep void.