Rode Hard, Put Up Wet (Rough Riders #2)(61)

“I love it when you sweet talk me, Amazin’ Macie.” He growled, “That was the hottest sex I’ve ever had.”


“Was pretty hot on my end too.”


“You okay?”


“Might be a little sore. But it was worth it.”


“I’m glad. I’d never do anything to hurt you.”


“You’d be the first.”


He closed his eyes and breathed her in. “What changed earlier tonight? We were talkin’, getting along just fine with our clothes on and then, wham, you were on me like a bear on honey.”


“It was watching you eat my pie. You tried to be polite and savor it, but in the end, you devoured every bite. Then went back for seconds. You moaned, smacked your lips and would’ve licked the plate clean if your momma’s good manners hadn’t been so ingrained in you.”


Carter chuckled.


“You flat out enjoyed it to the fullest extent.” She paused. “That’s the way you make me feel sometimes, Carter. Like you wanna be all polite and gentlemanly, but in truth, you’d rather swallow me whole. And you don’t give a damn whether or not I like it.”


“That doesn’t bother you?”


“A little. But when I saw that side of you tonight, I didn’t think. I just reacted.”


And it didn’t scare her? “Well, it might not be the best side of me, but it is there. And you’re the first one who’s seen it.”


“I’m glad to be your first at something, too.” She snuggled into him. “I’m tired.”


“Sleep. But I am gonna wake you up and make love to you later. A couple of times maybe.”


“Remember the sore comment?”


“I’ll be gentle.” His hands swept down her lithe, pliant body, curled against his.


“You never know, I may even be sweet and romantic.”


Chapter Twenty-four


A week later, Gemma said, “Macie, can I talk to you for a sec?”


Macie stood and wiped the dirt from the bunch of leaves. “Am I in trouble? I saw the patches of mint and just started picking—”


“It’s okay. I’d forgotten all about this part of the garden.” Gemma leaned on the fence and peered at the wild tangle of vegetation. “Seemed pointless to plant a garden after Steve died. No reason to can vegetables for one. Looks like the herbs have taken over.”


“There’s no shortage of sage in Wyoming, that’s for sure.”


Gemma chuckled.


An awkward pause lingered as the sun beat down on them and the gnats swarmed.


Macie wiped sweat from her brow and slapped away the bugs. “So, what did you need, Gemma?”


“Help. Colby and Channing McKay will be here tomorrow morning. Cash and I are headed over to Meeteetse to look at a couple of bulls tonight and won’t be back until late.”


“What needs done?”


“The house is cleaned and ready, but I haven’t had time to cook anything.”


Macie relaxed. Cooking, she could handle. Cleaning the barns? Yuck. “You have a menu planned?”


Gemma shook her head. “But the freezer and the pantry are both full so there’s plenty of food to choose from.”


“Will I be working around dietary restrictions? Is Channing a vegetarian or anything?”


“No. I think it’s illegal to be a vegetarian in Wyoming.”


She smiled at Gemma’s teasing tone. Things were getting easier between them. It was an odd balancing act, with Gemma being her dad’s boss and lover—Macie was never sure when one role was more predominant for him or for her. And Gemma made a point not to intrude on time Macie spent with her dad. So they were both careful not to offend or overextend themselves or their opinions.


“So you won’t mind helping out?”


“Not at all. Might not be politically correct not to aspire to be a world-class chef, but I like to cook. I like to cook for lots of people.”


“That makes one of us. How are things going at the diner?”


“Slow.”


“That stinks. Unless you like havin’ time on your hands?”


“Not really. I like to stay busy, though I do have more time to try out recipes when I’m not flipping burgers. Sitting around drives me crazy.” She shot Gemma a sideways glance as they started toward the house. “Would it be all right if I weeded that garden spot? Clem promised me a few tomato and pepper plants. I’d like to try my hand at gardening.”


Gemma didn’t hide her shock. “You’ve never had a garden?”


“Mom and I didn’t stay in one place very long. Certainly not long enough to see the fruits of my labors.”


“You can do whatever you want, Macie. I want you to think of this as your home for as long as you’re here, okay?”


“Okay.”


“You have time to come up to the house right now and hash this cooking business out?”


“Sure.”