Rhett returns with a sparkling clear drink, and I take a few sips. “Thanks. That helps.”
After dinner, I head for our bedroom. I want to grab a shower and process what happened today. Under the hot stream of water, I wonder if it’s always going to be like this. Will Amber freak out every time she sees me in public? I thought that conversation with Rhett in high school was the worst thing that could happen, but I’m not sure I can handle having Amber make a scene any time we’re both in the same room. We live in Wild Heart, after all, not a big city where I can avoid her.
Between that and Rhett not wanting more kids, I’m starting to feel like the deck is stacked against me.
It’s disheartening to think about.
I drag myself out of the shower and dry off. I throw on a tank top and sleep shorts. It’s early, but I’m exhausted. I crawl into bed and pull the covers over me.
In the middle of the night, I wake with Rhett curled around me.
Even though he’s right here, I wonder if he’ll ever want me again like he did that day in the truck. He hasn’t touched me like that since, and I don’t know what to do to bridge that divide.
I’m starting to worry it’s a hopeless cause.
And then he surprises me.
The next morning, I’m in the office paying bills when Rhett sticks his head in. “Hey, gorgeous.” He’s wearing his signature jeans and t-shirt that are molded to his strong body. He’s sporting brown boots and a baseball hat.
“Hey. What are you doing home?” He usually works out in the fields until later in the day. “Did you need me to do something? I paid those invoices you asked me to.”
“As a matter of fact, I do need something,” he says as he slides his baseball cap backwards. Damn, he’s yummy. “But you need to put on some jeans and wear your boots.”
“Okay,” I say slowly as I stand. “What’s wrong with shorts?”
He chuckles. “Your ass will get sore in the saddle.”
My eyes widen. “We’re going horseback riding?”
“I need to check out a few things down by the river, and I remembered how much you used to like it down there. So I thought I’d pack us some food, and we could enjoy a picnic.”
“That sounds fun. If you’re sure I wouldn’t be a distraction.”
“Darling, you’re never a distraction. Plus, I plain like having you around.”
I grin. “I just need five minutes to change.”
As I walk by him, he grabs me. “I think you forgot something.”
Breathless, I stare up at him. “What’s that?”
“This.” He tilts me over and kisses me until I moan. Then he pats me on the ass. “Go change.”
Yes, sir.
My heart races as I run around our bedroom to change. Then I quickly braid my hair down my back and throw on the cowboy hat he got me. I meet him in the living room. When he sees me, he lets out a wolf whistle. “Damn, wife. You look good.” He scans my body. “Turn around. Let me see the whole outfit.”
I do a little twirl, and when I’m facing away from him, I shake my ass, and he chuckles.
Before we head out, he grabs an insulated bag from the kitchen. “Snacks for our picnic.” He winks, and my heart goes into overdrive.
I’m not sure what’s gotten into him, but I am on board for this version of my husband.
We head out to the barn where he has two horses saddled up for us. He takes me to a beautiful brown quarter horse. “This is Sunflower. She’s a sweet girl. I think you two will get along.” The horse nudges him, and he scruffs her behind her ear. “Darling, do you remember how to mount a horse?”
I lift a brow. “I know it’s been a few weeks, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t have any trouble mounting you.”
His cheeks go ruddy, and he lets out a laugh. “Smartass.”
