Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

“Of course.” He nods, tossing his hands up in surrender and laughs. “Okay. Enough talk about my new cook. What kind of car?” I ask, hoping they’ll drop my remarks as nothing more than I don’t want a repeat of what happened during the summer.

“It’s a sweet Lexus.” They all agree with Jessie.

“Well, keep it in the barn. If she needs a ride to the store or something, I’ll take her. I don’t want whoever’s looking for her to spot it. She could be in serious danger.” We have two barns with livestock in them and one for our farm vehicles.

“We’re all packing, Tobias. We got your back.”

I nod and get back to the standard morning check-in before we break off to get the projects done.

It’s almost noon when we head in for lunch. They’re all surprised to see me coming to the bunkhouse. “You’re eating with us? I thought you got a cook?”

“I’m letting her settle in. I’m having dinner with her.”

“Oh. So when’s the wedding?”

“Fuck off. Just because I don’t want you guys trying to get in her pants doesn’t mean I want her. She needs protection from the bastard and doesn’t need to be avoiding your advances.” Really, they know I’m mostly full of shit, but I’m already way over my head when it comes to this woman. Seriously, my heart’s pounding just thinking about her.

She looked so stunned when I kissed her cheek. It was dumb, but I’m not sure what she thought of it. Her eyes widened and her lips parted like they had yesterday when I scared her. I hope I haven’t just ruined my chances with her.

“Tobias, Tobias,” John shouts. I turn to see him shuffling toward me, huffing. “I’ve been trying to get your attention. I’m going to ride out and check that fence. I’ve already got the truck ready to take the supplies over there. Are you up for it?” He had to run out and get them this morning because we were out of a couple winches and the proper bolts to remove the tree and replace the boards. We’ll cut down the tree as much as possible and use it for firewood so the tree doesn’t go to waste.

“Yeah. Of course. Why?” My brows scrunch up at him. I’d never leave him to do the big project on his own while the rest of the guys were too busy to assist.

“You seem out of it.” Damn, I didn’t think it was that noticeable.

“I kissed her,” I confess. I need to gain control over these emotions I have for Ava. They came out of the blue, and I’m not sure if I can pull them back.

“Oh no.”

I sigh and bow my head. I can’t control myself long with her. “It was only on the cheek, but I might have scared her. Shit. I don’t know.” I pull off my hat and spear my fingers through my hair, letting the cold air attempt to knock some sense into me.

He grabs my shoulder and looks me in the eyes. “Take it down a notch and act like she’s there for one thing, and that’s to cook.”

“I don’t know if I can do that. I ache for her to tell me everything.”

“You need to give her time. She’s coming from a dark place and can’t just give you everything you want.”

“You’re right. I’ll give her some time to tell me.”

“That’s a good boy. You can’t win a woman keeping secrets from her.”

“Then I’m already in the hole.”

“What? Why? What lie did you tell her?”

“I gave her a couple Bears things of mine to wear, and well, let’s just say she asked about being a Bears fan.”

“And you didn’t tell her you played for them for years.” I shake my head, feeling like a jerk. “Damn it, Tobias.”

I attempt to shrug off the guilt, but I know I’m in the wrong. “I kind of liked that she thinks of me as only a rancher. It’s as if I’m just a normal guy.”

“I hope it works out for you, but you should tell her soon.”

“I will. At dinner, I’ll mention it.”

“Good. Now you’re learning.”

“Yes, wise sage. Please continue expressing your wisdom.”

“Laugh now, but I’ve been married for ten years now, and Louisa’s everything to me. I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth a couple of times.”

I’m betting it’s more than a couple of times. “She could seriously do better than you, but you know, there’s no accounting for tastes.”

We go into the field over to the broken fence and get to work on the spot. It takes two hours to remove the remainder of the debris, load it onto the flatbed of the truck, and then replace the wood with new pieces. All the time, my thoughts are getting back to Ava. This is going to be a long fucking day.