Play Me

“Oh yeah, a woman who speaks my language. I like it… a lot. Keep using those sexy words, and my dick will be back up in no time.”

Kendall chuckled as she crawled on top of me. It only took her rubbing against me a few times before she was the one leaning over and getting a condom. We spent the rest of the afternoon learning different ways of making each other come—some sweet and romantic, some hot and dirty—until we finally crawled out of bed, got into the shower, and then headed back into town for dinner.

We spent the rest of our time at the ranch, enjoying each other’s company. We ate breakfast and lunch in bed, talked about work, ranching, and one of her favorite subjects—horses. When the new ranch hand came on Sunday, I spent a few hours showing him the ropes while Kendall got caught up on some work in my office, Nala close to her side. After he left, Kendall and I made love in the barn and then against the back door while the sun slowly set behind us. We laughed, learning more about each other Sunday night when we cooked tacos, made chocolate muffins, and ended up on the sofa, clothes stripped off and me deep inside her. Then I carried her upstairs where we showered and made love slowly until we were both exhausted.

Kendall was curled up next to me, her body wrapped in mine as I drew light circles on her arm. In a few hours, we would wake up and head back to Bowling Green. Back to the real world. I knew I would never be able to go back to a place that didn’t have Kendall Wales in it. Life had been perfect the last few days, and I honestly didn’t want it to change. I dreaded Monday morning and what it was going to bring. Finally, my mind grew tired of thinking of it all, and I started to drift to sleep. In a few short hours, all my questions would be answered. Would Kendall freak when we got back to Bowling Green, or would she trust this thing we had going on?

Only time would tell.

24

Kendall

I raced around my apartment, trying to get ready for the day. It was going to be a busy day after being gone for two weeks. Stopping, I touched my lips, which were still tender from the bruising kiss Hunter had given me before I left his ranch that morning. He wouldn’t be far behind, but he needed to help Ahava adjust to the new foreman.

Ahava.

I loved the name and everything it meant. To give love. At a wedding I’d attended about a year before, that had been the theme for the ceremony, and I thought it was the most beautiful concept. I wanted that concept someday. Or maybe I already had it. My thoughts were a little crazy after the amazing weekend we’d had. Hunter had shown me what it was like to be with someone where it wasn’t just about sex.

It was beautiful.

Magical.

Soul shattering.

My phone vibrated, and I smiled when I saw his name.

Hunter: Did you make it?

Me: Yes, I’m so sorry. I’ve been trying to get ready and go through my agenda and to-dos.

Meow.

“Oh, Nala. I forgot to feed you.”

All my life, I had wanted a girl cat and to name her Nala. I remembered when I’d decided I wanted a Nala like it was yesterday. I’d been eight years old and my dad had taken me on a father-daughter date to the drive-in where they were playing classic cartoons. That night it was The Lion King. I had fallen in love with the name and all Nala stood for in the movie.

Strong.

Loyal.

Not afraid to go after what she wanted.

It was what I wanted in life.

I never shared that with anyone, but when Hunter had brought her in from the barn, it had been like fate telling me “He is the one.”

“Here, Nala. Here’s some nom noms.” I poured the food and made sure the litter box was all set and secure. “Be a good girl.”

Another text came through.

Hunter: On my way. How’s Nala?

Me: Good. She’s settled and should be good. She’s so sweet.

Hunter: She is. But not as sweet as you.

Nervous jitters started in my stomach. I was falling for Hunter fast. My phone rang, and I startled for a second. “H-hello.”

“Hey, baby.”

“Hey.” My voice shook. Even I heard it. Damn it.

There was a pause before he asked, “What’s wrong?”

I took a deep breath, wanting to be open and honest. There was something about Hunter that soothed me. He had a way of calming down my erratic thoughts. “I’m nervous.” I let out a breath and leaned against the couch. “Taking on an entire angry boardroom is a piece of cake by comparison. I don’t want to lose the magic we had this weekend.”

He was silent for a second. “We’re going to figure this out, Kendall. I’m in this for the long haul.”

“Me, too.” My mind started racing. “Okay, just don’t ignore me too much or spend too much time with me or let your eyes linger too long or—”

“Kendall.” There was humor in his voice, which made me smile.

“Yes?”

“Take a breath, baby. I’ll be there in time for our meeting with Mac. It will all be fine. I promise. I meant what I said; I will never jeopardize your career.”

“I—” I slapped my hand over my mouth. I had almost said that I loved him. Hunter had already said he was falling in love with me without realizing it. Was he in love? A phone call was not how I wanted to profess my love for him. And it terrified me to be so vulnerable. To put love out there truly gave someone the power to hurt you.

“You broke up. What did you say.”

“I…”

Think. Think. Think.

“You broke up again.”

I slapped my forehead. “It must be where I’m standing in my apartment.”

“Okay, that came through clear. What were you saying?”

What was it about Hunter that brought out this part of me? Normally, I was always able to keep it together. “I was just saying I know you wouldn’t jeopardize my career.” I cleared my throat. “I trust you, Hunter. I’m just scared I’m going to mess it all up.”

“Kendall, breathe.”

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We’re going to figure it out.”

“Yes, we are.”

It had worked. Hunter had talked me off the ledge. “Thank you.”

“Always. I’ve got to run so I can get to the office.”

“See you soon.”

After giving Nala some snuggles, I grabbed my briefcase and headed out the

door. My revelation about love would need to be put on the back burner, otherwise I would spend the entire day freaked out until I saw Hunter again.

Currently, I had a job to focus on. I rushed out the door and to my office. It was a madhouse when I got there. People were already lined up to speak with me. I gave rapid-fire responses, signed the payroll authorization, and requested the quarterly reports. I was due to present a detailed brief to the board by the end of the week.

When I made it to my desk, Amber brought me a cup of coffee. “Thank you. You’re amazing.” I never expected Amber to get me coffee, but she must have seen that I needed the caffeine fix.

“No problem. I’ll keep them coming.”

“You are a lifesaver. Thank you.” I took a sip of the heavenly bliss. Coffee with a dash of cream and smidge of sugar. Perfection.

Amber took out her notebook and sat down. “Of course. It’s nice to have you back. Did you have a good weekend?”

I stopped and smiled, thinking about my stolen time with Hunter. “I did. You?”

“I did. I like Bowling Green. It’s growing on me.” There was a little something extra in her words. I paused my keystrokes and focused back on Amber. “Have you met someone?”

She shrugged and gave a shy smile. “Maybe, but we’re just keeping it low-key until we figure things out.”

That sounded familiar. “Well, whoever he is, he’s a lucky guy.”

“Thank you.” Amber blushed a little. “I’ll leave you to it unless you have anything for me.” She readied her pencil.

“I think I’m good. Let me know when Coach White and Mr. Owens are ready.”

“Will do.”

As soon as the door closed, I buried myself in work. I nearly jumped out of my chair when my phone vibrated. I took another sip of coffee, already on my third glass, when I opened the text.

Hunter: Made it. I’ve missed you.

Hunter was here. I would see him soon. It felt like it had been forever.

Me: Me, too. The weekend already feels like it was forever ago.

Hunter: I can’t wait to feel you in my arms tonight.