Spurs 'n Surrender (Operation Cowboy Book 2)(57)

Inside was still messy with construction debris—buckets, dust and a few empty soda bottles. And thankfully, the only trace of his and Anya’s sex romp in the place was in his mind.

When he glanced at her, he found her eyes burning. His cock twitched.

She took her family and Marty on the grand tour, which took all of three minutes. Wydell ran his thumb over a rough edge of the paneling. He’d need to sand that in the final finishing of the interior.

Anya pointed to a space between the cabinets. “We’re putting a small convection oven here.”

She and her mother made pleasant noises about the decor for a few minutes while the men drew Wydell into a discussion about the use of square footage. Not an inch wasted.

Then Anya told them all about his surprise addition and how much it helped with a feeling of luxury while remaining small. “I think with some built-ins for storage, even a woman with a shoe habit would be happy to live here.”

He shot her a wink, watching her flush under his attention. When he looked around again, he found Marty beaming as if his ward had done something he approved of. And her father eyed him. He recognized that look. A talk was on the horizon.

Wydell took the bull by the horns. “I’d like to speak to you about Anya.”

The distinguished man held up a hand to stop Wydell. “I see how you feel about my daughter. She makes good decisions—always has.”

“I’ll sign a pre-nup if that makes you feel any better about my intentions, sir.” At the word sir, his tone tightened, as if he were still taking orders from a commanding officer.

Her father gave a nod. “That does swing things in your favor, son. Now, I’ve enjoyed this tour, but it’s feeling a little cramped in here for my taste.”

Wydell laughed. “I couldn’t agree more.”

After viewing the second house as well as the foundations for four more, talk moved on to food. Anya and her mother started talking animatedly, hands fluttering, as they planned a feast for the whole town.

“We must write a list and we’ll give it to your father and Marty,” her mother said. “They can run into town for supplies. Oh, and Wydell too.”

“Thanks,” said Wydell. “But I’m heading up to the Bells’ ranch. They’re having a hardship and I’ll need to see to their animals.”

Anya met his gaze, eyes filled with compassion. “I’ll come help. Momma, can you handle the shopping list and planning? I’ll be back in time to help cook.”

“Of course. This isn’t my first rodeo.” Her smile matched Anya’s.

Feeling a strange mix of relief and trepidation, Wydell waited for Anya to grab a few belongings from the trailer. Then he took her hand and walked her to his truck. As he opened the door for her, she skimmed a fingertip along his jaw.

“You’re amazing, Wydell. I’m so excited.”

He couldn’t resist smiling into her eyes. “Excited for what?”

“For forever.”



*



Anya’s ranch hand duties were much easier with the proper footwear and a pair of Wydell’s good leather gloves. He wore an older pair with a rip in the thumb, but it only made him look more rugged.

She kept stealing glances at his hands while he worked alongside her. The care and skill he displayed tending the animals was damn hot too.

“If you keep looking at me that way, you’re going to find yourself tossed into the nearest hay bale.”

She lifted her jaw. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He forked more clean hay into a stall. “Uh-huh.”

“Besides, I need a shower desperately.” With longing she thought of the inside of the Bells’ house. They must have a full-sized shower, and right now she wanted to spread out. But it would be terrible manners for her to go into their home while they were away dealing with a crisis and help herself to their soap and water.

Seeming to read her mind, Wydell stopped working and leaned on the handle of the pitchfork. “You know, there’s a freshwater pond on this property.”

She felt her brows shoot up. Her hot, sticky skin prickled with the need of a good soak. And a cool pond with Wydell? Bliss.

“I’m in.” She dropped her shovel and swayed her hips all the way out of the barn. It took two whole seconds for him to catch up with her.

“It’s this way.” He pointed toward a field where the cattle weren’t grazing. “Let me run back to the barn and grab something.”

Waiting for him to return made her tap her foot in anticipation. But seeing him stride from the barn again, a couple towels slung around his neck and a few items in his grasp, was so worth it. Especially when his eyes smoldered from beneath the brim of his hat.

Each step he took was like cowboy catnip to her. To keep from tackling him and sinking over his cock, she was getting in that water quick. “This way?” She tipped her head in the direction.

“Yup.”

“Race ya!” She took off, knowing she’d never win. In five steps, Wydell had already caught up to her.

He dance-jogged beside her. “C’mon, Marine, you can do better than that! Faster. Push harder.”

She gave him the finger, which was like waving a red flag to a bull. As he dived for her, she tried to sidestep. They crashed to the turf, rolling. He settled his mouth over hers and she forgot about the bruise she got on her hip.