Hard 5: Multiple Love

Our gazes lock, his fierce black eyes slightly narrowed. My instinct is to look away, but I don't. I hold my ground, knowing that if he kissed me, it would be fierce and passionate and maybe even hurt a little.

But that would be okay because I'd give him as good back because I'm certain that's what he needs.

"We'll take her," Cash says, and Scott shakes his head, but I'm sure that just before he turns to make his way back to the truck, that I catch the most fleeting glimpse of a smile playing on his lips.

10

Little Lady is going to be delivered tomorrow, and I’m so excited I could squeal. I actually do on a couple of occasions while preparing a joint of beef for dinner. I’ve decided to serve it with some garlic mashed potatoes and roasted carrots and parsnips. I’ve even made a gravy laced with beer, which tastes delicious.

The blueberry muffins are cooling, and I’m sweating.

When I hear the front door open, I straighten up, swiping at my disheveled hair. It’s early, and I’m not expecting anyone yet. It’s Cash, and I watch as he turns to shut the door, pausing as though he’s checking there’s no one behind him.

When he lifts his hat, his brown hair is perfectly messy beneath. I’m used to the way he keeps his emotions bottled up under an unmoving expression. Apart from blushing, I’m also relatively moderate with my responses to people. Maybe that’s what makes Cash easy for me to read. Shucking off his boots, he makes his way over and bends to kiss me without saying a word first.

It’s different than yesterday, maybe because he’s had time to think about what it felt like between us and has worked himself into a similar frenzy to me. Our tongues meet fast, and I’m backed up to the edge of the counter, my hand hooked around his neck for stability. Damn, I need his hands on me, his breath gusting against my neck as he kisses toward my ear. I’m transfixed over how big he is, how looming and strong. I’m mesmerized by the smell of him, fresh air, lemon soap, and hard work. One big hand rests at my waist, his thumb so close to my breast that I tremble. I know my nipples are hard beneath my shirt, and if that thumb just moved a little higher, he’d find out.

“You smell like the most delicious meal,” he ducks to peck my lips and then nuzzle us nose to nose.

“I’ve had my head in an oven for most of the afternoon,” I say. “How come you’re back early?”

“Because I’m the boss and because I wanted you to myself before the hordes start vying for your attention.”

“Nobody’s vying for my attention,” I scoff, and Cash gives me a rare smile.

“Everybody is vying for your attention. You’re just too sweet and innocent to notice.”

There’s no denying the fact that I’m not experienced with men, and the way he’s talking with total confidence makes me wonder if the brothers have had discussions that would make me blush from ankle to forehead.

“You need to get some more women working on this ranch,” I tell him. “You and your brothers are starved of females if I’m the most exciting thing available!”

Cash shakes his head. “We’ve been to the bar in town. We know what’s out there, Melanie. There’s no one out there that compares to you.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I say. “One of my old schoolmates was asking after you all. She said she might drop by.” As the words leave my lips, I’m immediately regretful. Why am I telling Cash about Amber? If she turns up in this kitchen, there is no way Cash will still be interested in kissing me. All his thoughts will turn to her and her pretty bundle of curls and floaty dresses.

“Oh yeah?” His lips twitch as though he’s trying not to laugh. “You think I’m interested in girls who talk about me to their friends? That’s schoolgirl behavior.”

“She’s not a friend.”

Cash shakes his head. “I know what girls think…”

“Women,” I correct.

“I know what women think. They think they know what men want, but most of the time, they’re dressing up and putting on make-up and worrying about what they look like because of what other women think, not men.” He smooths my hair. “If you could see inside a man’s head, you’d find out what they really care about.”

“Oh, yeah. And what’s that?”

Cash shrugs. “That would be telling, Melanie, and I know enough about life to never lay all of my cards on the table unless I’m sure of winning.”

“What are you trying to win?” I ask, touching the collar of his shirt. It’s slightly frayed, and I make a mental note to inspect all their clothing as it goes through the laundry and darn anything that’s worth rescuing.