Maybe it was the bright morning or the reflection of the water, but when he looked at me, his eyes appeared a bit glossy. “The good Lord blessed me with her, that’s for sure.” His eyes stayed on mine. “To have you and Zoey back in my life makes me about as happy as an old guy can get.”
There was a knot in my throat while we sat quietly. I cast my line and settled onto the hard rock beneath my ass.
“I wonder if Grant has fished before. I’m sure Jax will get him into the groove quickly if not.” He adjusted the fishing hat on his head.
“It’s great Jax wants to be there for him. Kind of unexpected for a young, single man.”
He chuckled. “I would’ve agreed with you a few years back, but not now.”
“Really?”
“He and Austin hadwaytoo much fun in college, with liquor and ladies being their main course of study. But he came back here and took on a big role in the business side of the ranch. He’s tweaked some things and really pushed forward our training of horses, and the results have been pretty amazing.”
I nodded while Jax’s big brain and other things sent a little ping to my stomach.
“He’s grown very responsible, and that’s when the discussions of adoption started. He had Abby, and I thought they were on the way to the whole marriage thing, but it didn’t work out. She was too different. They both knew it. I think she hoped he would change and leave here, and that’s what broke them. I’m proud he’s taking on Grant by himself. I think this is the Lord’s plan for him.”
Grant popped up beside me, and I nearly fell off my rock.
“Hi! Daisy said you were fishing, and here you are!” He held up his little hand, and I gave him a high-five.
“Hello, Grant. Why don’t you take my fishing pole and see what you can get?”
“Are you sure?” Those eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
“Absolutely.”
A second later, Jax walked up beside my dad. “Morning.”
I looked over and instantly felt heat swirl up the back of my neck recalling those hands doing some magical things to me on his couch.
“Your ears must be burning.” My dad stood up.
Jax’s baby blues cut to me, a cocky grin crawling across his lips. “So, y’all were talking about me. Interesting.”
Grant pointed just off the shore. “Jax, can I stand on that big rock and fish?”
“Sure, be careful.”
My dad followed Grant. “I think that looks like a great spot. Can I join you, Grant?”
“Okay! I like this river. The water goes so fast!”
I went over by my dad’s tackle box and grabbed the other pole that lay on the ground, the sound of leaves crunching behind me.
“You don’t strike me as a fishing kind of gal.”
I turned around and took in the hottie in front of me. Jeans, a Minnesota Wild sweatshirt, and hair still damp from a shower. Again, visions of water beading up and rolling down those abs in a steamy shower played like a dirty movie in my mind. An instant later, the warm fall breeze sent a hint of his manly-man, orgasmic cologne in my direction. I wanted to get back to the cabin, rip his sweatshirt off, and run my tongue along his abs.Get rid of that dorky smile, or he’ll read your freaking mind again! Damn it, be cool!
“Well, it’s the one outdoorsy thing me and Zoey did with my father. It’s been a hot minute, but I’m kind of loving it.”
I grabbed a worm from my dad’s bait bucket.
He crossed his arms over that magnificent chest of his. “Do you want some help with that?”
“I’ve got it.” I weaved the worm onto the hook before proudly looking up at him. “That bad bitch ain’t going anywhere.”
“Impressive and surprising.” His eyes traveled down my body, jump starting the little flame in my tummy. “Is that a ribbon holding up your pants?”
