Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

“It is. Wow. I think I’ll like it here,” I repeat, nodding my head as I examine the room. “It’s a pretty clean entryway for a ranch.”

“That’s because he usually enters through the mudroom at the back of the house if he’s working with the men. His mom loved making her home beautiful. She always said what’s the point in working so hard if they had nothing to show for it. They were some good people. Now, this staircase leads to five bedrooms upstairs. There’s another bedroom down on this floor, and his office is straight down this hall. The living room is to your right and the kitchen to your left.

I let out an audible gasp when I see the impressive kitchen. The large island has a built-in U-shaped country seating nook in all white. The entire room is white except the stainless steel appliances and white and grey granite countertops. Two of the cabinets are see-through where the white plates are stacked neatly inside. I gasp when I see the large farm sink. It’s a dream kitchen. I pull open the drawers, learning where everything is. There’s a built-in lazy Susan with all the kitchen cleaning supplies on it. This place looks like it’s a showroom model and hasn’t been touched.

Gosh, this guy must be a real piece of work if no one stays. Who wouldn’t want to cook in a perfect kitchen? I nearly scream when I see the double oven on the wall. Opening a door with the same cabinet design, I see a pantry larger than ours. My stepmother redid the kitchen in dark colors and turned our large pantry into a mini wine cellar.

I sigh. Despite being large, this pantry is almost completely bare. Luckily, I have some things to put away. Louisa was right to tell me to stock up. Well, at least I have a couple of days to prepare for him to return. She said he’d be back the day after Christmas in time for dinner. We go out to the SUV and bring in at least twenty bags stocked with all the basics for me to work with. The meat’s in the freezer out back, so I can grab that when I need more meat. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of that in the house.

“I’m going to leave you now. I have to get home. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

“Thank you, but I’ve intruded on your hospitality enough. I’m going to just relax and try to rest a little.”

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. Here’s my number. The ranch hands are only down the path out the back door. If you have any troubles, call on them, although he doesn’t want them in the house.”

“Are you sure he’s going to be okay with all of this?” They haven’t told him about me yet. Something tells me he’s not going to be pleased in the slightest.

“You don’t have to worry about him. He’s an asshole to most people, but he’s all bark.”

“Thank you for everything, Louisa.” I give her a large, tight hug.

“I’m so glad you’re here. Take it easy. Another larger storm will be hitting tomorrow night.” Shit, I’m not looking forward to that.

“Is there anything else I need to know?”

“All of the emergency flashlights and blankets are in the front hall closet. Let me show you because I don’t want anything to happen to you.” She leads me out of the stunning kitchen and into the foyer again. There’s a white door under the steps that I hadn’t noticed. When she opens it, it’s a treasure trove of lights and blankets. “Everything you’ll need for the time being will be here. Once the power goes out, someone will rush down here to make sure you’re okay.”

“Thank you again.”

“Don’t thank me yet—you haven’t met Tobias. There isn’t a cook he hasn’t run off.”

“Well, I ain’t got anywhere to go, so he’s just going to have to put up with me.”

“By the way, your bedroom is up the stairs and it’s the door to the left of the landing. The housekeeper’s room is usually down here, but he’s having it remodeled.”

“Great.” We hug again and then she slips on her shoes and leaves.

Chapter 3

Tobias

“Presents! Uncle Tobias, wake up! It’s time for presents!” Junior says, standing next to my bed with his face inches from mine. I jolt backwards, hitting my head on the headboard.

“Santa came!” Brandon’s jumping on my bed near my face. Holy shit. What a wake-up call.

“Boys! Leave your uncle alone,” Landon says from the doorway with a smirk on his face like a prick. He probably sent their asses in here.

“We can’t open presents until he comes down,” Junior complains, but he follows his father’s gentle command.

“What about you, boy? I haven’t had my coffee. It’s been a long time since I tackled anyone.”