The Billionaire's Secret Love Child(115)

Mike pulled a couple steaks off the stove top and served them up. He knew how to cook them well, and it tasted like I could still hear the cow mooing. I can’t say I liked it at first; he always made me try something a few times before giving up on me. I would usually cave in and give it a try, and then hate it for a while. That was just how life was on the ranch. Larry and Buck felt like the brothers I always wanted, and Mike was always the responsible caretaker.

It brought up memories from the city; nasty old thoughts that would consume me for a while before fading away. I started thinking about my sister and wondered what she might be up to. It was too soon to call, though. I needed more time to leave the old life behind before letting them know where I was.

“Alright, tomorrow is a big day. Jennie and I gotta head into town and fix a few things with the bank. Buck, you and Larry check the fields and make sure this storm hasn’t destroyed anything we need. We should be back before noon.”

I nodded and finished up supper, being careful to leave a little behind for Rusty. I set my plate to the floor, and Rusty jumped up like she was a puppy, and the old dog lapped on the plate, being careful not to spill a thing.

“Rusty, why can’t you just eat the food I buy for you?” Mike sighed.

I pulled the plate off the floor when the pooch was done with it and tossed it in the country basin that had dishes already piling up inside.

“I’m goin’ to get a shower before bed, G’night guys,” I said.

“Night, Jennie,” they all replied.

I stripped off my dirty shirt while walking up the stairs; I doubted any of them would be staring at me from the kitchen. My muscles were tender, so I rubbed them as I walked to my room.

It was smaller than I was used to, but plenty of space for a dresser and a bed. Although, that’s about all I had, I barely had use for the dresser to be honest.

I grabbed my towel and headed off to the bathroom. The room was a bit cramped, with the ceiling angling low and at places, you had to duck under a beam. But, the claw footed tub was perfect for showers and soaking. Granted, I had to work my hardest to avoid it becoming a peep show for the boys downstairs.

I always gave a quick look for any new holes that may have popped up in the walls since I’d last been in. For the most part, they stopped, but it never hurt to double check.

The water warmed me to the bone. And, I took a little extra time for myself in the shower. I could feel my muscles were getting stronger in all the right places, my skin seemed firmer than when I first moved out this way. I maybe have been a bit curvier than most women, but I don’t think anyone ever minded a little extra curve.

I wasn’t overweight by any means, though, just rounder. I liked my body, though, even though I always found a new bruise that would need nursing or a new cut that needed bandaging.

I tugged at my towel on the nearby hook while shutting off the water. It was quite steamy in the bathroom, so I took my time drying off. I heard a knock at the door.

“Jennie, you almost done,” I heard Buck ask.

“Gimme one second, Buck,” I replied.

I wrapped my towel around me as best I could, and gathering up my things, exited the bathroom. I swear Buck’s eyes grew three sizes while he stared.

I couldn’t help but giggle. I tip-toed quickly back to my room, trying to keep my feet from freezing on the cool wood floors.

Once back in my room I clicked the lock, and threw off my towel, collapsing into my comfy bed. I wasn’t in the mood to do anything else, I was relaxed, and the sound of the rain pattering against the roof of my bedroom was like a melodic choir, drumming me off to sleep.



2.

“Alright Larry, you’re in charge of the ranch for the day. We’ll be back before noon.”

We rode out in Mike’s old pickup. I was amazed the thing still ran as well as it did; it looked like it had been put through its fair share of paces.

About an hour trip from the ranch was a small town, maybe a couple of hundred people in total lived inside and most only lived there to take care of their shops.

I enjoyed the charm of the small town, nothing of note really happened, so it was relaxing. It was nothing compared to home.

Mike parked beside the road, and we walked for the most part. The first stop was the bank, and I didn’t want to go in at first, but Mike said it’d be better than waiting around outside. So I followed him to meet with the manager.

Mr. Grant was quite lenient when it came to paying back loans and was always looking to make things right, rather than make money. I took a seat next to Mike, opposite Mr. Grant.

“Mike, I’m not seeing much in the way of revenue here, ya got three extra hands doing the work of one, and they’re bleeding ya dry.”

Mr. Grant still liked to tell it how it is.

“They’re family; I can’t let ‘em go. Besides, it’s almost time for harvest, and I’ll need the extra people.”

“Ya don’t need three people to work your farm, Mike.”

“Okay listen, how much do I owe you.”

Mr. Grant went quiet; he was still a shrewd businessman.

“Mike, I’ve been lookin’ over your accounts. I don’t think you’ll be able to handle the fee this month if you still want to be able to eat.”

Mike let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. I could see he was forcing back a headache.