Heading back home, I get changed and head out to the barn. I need to make sure my foreman has things running smoothly and is prepared for me to leave. I also need to head into town, because I want Mia to have something safe to drive while I’m gone.

“Yo, Joe!” I yell.

“Hey, Cash. You ready to head out?” he replies back, I know I’d be lost without having him out on the farm and he’s been a friend of mine since grade school. Having him here is like having a brother.

“Almost. I wanted to check in and then I need to get into town and take a look at Mia’s car.”

He’s giving me this weird look, like who is Mia and why all of a sudden after all these years do I care about a woman. The truth of the matter is, no one’s ever peaked my interest like she has. I know now that I’ve had my hands on her, it will be a cold day in hell before I let her go.

“Mia? Is that the new girl in town? Kinda’ young? Ass like nobody’s I’ve ever seen before?” he asks. It takes everything in me not to swing my fist right into his mouth.

“Watch your mouth, Joe,” I warn him and damn it, that’s the only warning he’s getting.

“I’m just saying that’s a sweet little piece.”

“Mia is mine,” I roar, and before I realize what I’m doing, my fist swings out and I hit him hard in the jaw.

“Whoa, Cash. Take a break. I get it, she’s yours.”

He’s holding his jaw where my punch just landed and moving it back and forth to see if something’s broken.

“You’re fucking right she is. She’ll be here when I get back, too—often. So, don’t you go getting any fucking ideas either, you hear me? You so much as look at her the wrong way and next time that jaw will have to be wired shut,” I declare as I storm out and head towards the house.

My talk with Joe has upset me. I don’t like acknowledging that other men have noticed Mia. I’m going to have to lock her down quick. I can’t let her get away from me and I don’t want any other man getting ideas when it comes to her.

Once I get cleaned up, I come back out and Joe yells at me.

“You back?” Joe hollers, like nothing’s happened. “Yep. Had to get cleaned up before heading into town. I’ll be back later. You okay, here?”

“Yea, just double-checking which heifers are good to go to the auction. I’ll have that list of heifers that are ready, done and on your desk before you leave this evening,” he says.

“Thanks, man. We good?” I ask.

“We’re good,” he says and just like that, shit is forgiven—as long as he stays away from Mia.

“Sounds good, have a good night,” I call and then I’m off at the speed of light. I have one thing on my mind and one thing only—seeing Mia.

I’m wearing jeans, shirt, and boots as I head her way. That’s what I wear most of the time and I’m not about to pretend I’m something I’m not.

I wonder if she’s had dinner yet? I swing into the family diner and pick up two club sandwiches, chips, and some sweet tea to go. Hopefully, we can share a quick meal while she’s on break.

When I get inside the bed and breakfast, I have to stop in my tracks. Mia is at the check in counter and she smiles when she notices me coming towards her. She’s not wearing anything fancy, just some black pants, that accentuate her ass, and a tucked in, navy blue polo. Still, it fits her like it was made to do so and my eyes are drawn to her tits…

Tits that I had in my hands just this morning.

I smile at her back. “Hey Darlin’, you want some dinner?” I ask.

“Yea, let me just make sure everything is under control. We may have to eat out here though, if you don’t mind. It’s kind of busy,” she replies back.

“It’s not much,” I warn her. “I just figured you’d like something and then I’ll take a look at your car.”

I let her know my plans. She’s about to say something, but her stomach growls and then she laughs. I can’t help but smirk at her. I’m happy to know I can at least help her. Little does she know, she’s helped me a whole lot in the short amount of time we’ve known each other.

“I’m working this weekend and I think I’ll pick up some more shifts with it getting closer to the holidays. Mrs. Fairchild says we’ll be getting busier.”

“Alright Darlin’, what time should I call you tomorrow then?” I’m trying to hold back my grin.

“Does six work? That way I’m done with my shift and can unwind a little.”

“Hearing your voice on the phone will be the highlight of my day. Where are your keys, Mia?” I ask, knowing I only have a matter of minutes till the phone rings or a guest needs her attention.

“Cash, you know you really don’t have to do this, right? I mean, I know you want to help, but I don’t want you to feel like I’m taking advantage of you,” she whispers out.

“I said I’d look at it, baby. I don’t want you having to walk around town this winter without a car,” I reply.

“Alright. Since you insist. But, please keep every receipt and I’ll pay you back for parts and labor,” she grumbles.

I’m thinking to myself the only labor I want her doing is anything to do with my hands on her and her hands on me.

“Gotcha, Darlin’,” I tell her, not wanting an argument. She will have to figure out that she’s not going to pay for anything I do for her. “I’ll come back in after I take a look, and most likely have my foreman bring the tow truck out to get it back to the farm where I can work on it.” I give her forehead a kiss and smell her coconut scented shampoo.

Once I look at her car, I’m pissed. It’s a wonder that Mia hasn’t been completely stranded before now—or seriously hurt because the brakes are toast on the damn thing. With my mind made up, I go back inside to deliver the bad news. I know Mia is not going to take it well, but I can’t let her stay in town without a working vehicle.

“Babe, your car is going to take time and with me being out of town, I’m going to leave you my vehicle. I can’t leave you without a set of wheels. I’m going to give you my truck and ride back in the tow truck with Joe. By the time I get back in town your car should be as good as new,” I lie. From what I seen, it will take a miracle to get her car going. Still, I’m stern with her to let her know that I am not changing my mind.

“But, Cash, I’m fine, I’ve been without a car for a couple of weeks now and have been good without it.”

She’s getting into a tizzy, looking like she’s about to stomp her feet. I do the only thing I know to do when she’s getting wound up. I kiss her. When I pull away, she’s breathless and I place my keys in her hands.

“See you in a week, sweet Mia.”

I leave, not looking back because I know that if I do, I’ll never leave.