Her eyes are already wide and entrancing, but there’s something about my waiting palm that makes her pupils dilate.
“I’m Summer Brady, and I didn’t have a shower this morning, so my hair is a mess, and I smell like horse crap.” Pink nails hesitate at my fingers. “Not that I’ve been rolling in the stuff. I’m living above them, the horses, that is. So I…” A perfect shade of blush warms her cheeks again. “I’m not looking my best. I have better clothes, but I figured I was just cleaning… which I will do, when you show me what to do… what to clean, I mean.” All the words tumble out in a thick, sexy dialect, and then she finally thrusts her hand into mine and shakes, hard. “Nice to meet you, Hayden.”
The contact is forced and quick, so I slow it down and wrap her delicate hand with mine for a little longer than we both expect. I clear my throat. “I’m not one hundred percent sure what you just said.” A smirk lifts my lips. “No matter, I’m sure you’d look just as stunning rolled in horseshit.”
My low chuckle competes with my dad's hands briskly rubbing together. “Right then, Hayden. Idle hands n’ all. There’s work to be done around here, and it won’t get done with us standin’ round chattin’. Hayden, give Summer the tour, and show her where’s needing extra attention.” My eyes cut to his when a low rumble of laughter rasps in his chest. “I’ll make a start on the fencing.” He nudges my bicep as he passes by. “And stay outta the bedrooms.”
7
“I wasn’t planningon taking the kid to my bedroom, Dad.” Hayden makes a strange noise like the idea is preposterous. He crosses his arms over that broad chest of his. My mind instantly goes for a stroll, imagining him standing in the blistering hot heat minus that sinfully tight tee of his, with beads of water trailing down his super smooth tanned skin. “She’s off limits,” Hayden quickly adds. His head bows, keeping his eyes lowered.
Kid. That single deflating word sinks the flutters in my chest. Like I’m a kid and he’s an adult - and the whole idea of him touching me is absurd. Well, it would be if Iwasa kid. Hasn’t he noticed that I’m a fully grown woman, with a set of boobs and unwashed hair because Sawyer honked his damn horn on repeat until I fell out of bed, unsure where the hell I was when I woke up. I bet he’s never suffered from jet lag, the grumpy old arse. At least he handed me a travel mug of freshly brewed coffee when I climbed into his ancient truck.
I feel like I’m walking through water. The heat has made me all sticky and sweaty. I crave a shower with lukewarm water, in a proper bathroom, with fluffy towels and pampering creamy suds, and quite possibly this guy to wash my back.
Hank walks away with a wonky gait. It’s the kind of bow-legged walk I always imagined a true cowboy would have. He leaves me alone with this gorgeous man and my naughty thoughts. I mean, as hurt as I am that Hayden doesn’t think of me that way, I can’t help but stare at his big bulging biceps hidden behind white sleeves straining at the seams. It’s neatly tucked into indigo jeans with a brown leather belt sporting a big gaudy buckle. Even at that, the brass clasp doesn’t deflect from the material rubbing close to his ass. It looks firm and round and bitable. Omigod, what’s happening to me? I’ve never had these sexual urges before, but then again, I’ve never been attracted to a manly rancher with choppy chocolaty brown hair and vivid mint green eyes. It just hits home - that’s my favorite flavor of nondairy ice-cream, mint choc chip.
I want to lick Hayden Taylor, to find out if he’s fresh and velvety on my tongue. I decide that my favorite color is also mint green, now and forever.
“Right, then.” Hayden opens the cupboard beneath the sink. “There’s cleaning products under here.” He hunkers down, and his back arches. Muscles. Curved muscles are all I see. From his thick sinewy neck, to broad shoulders and even defined protruding muscles beneath his armpits that lead to a sculpted back. He has no idea how much his strong shoulders are giving me goosebumps.
“I’ll need rubber gloves.” I shift closer, still ogling his fine physique.
“What for?” His green eyes meet mine, and I swear my insides move an inch closer to my skin just to take a look at how remarkable they are.
I wiggle my fingernails. “I have to protect my mani until I find a decent nail technician in Heartville. I’m afraid I can’t submerge my hands in water for too long or scrub or get cleaning products on them.”
Hayden swivels around, stands tall and grabs my hand, carefully inspecting my nail technician’s handy work. The intimate contact takes the breath from my lungs in a thrilling gasp. “They’ll not last a day on this ranch. You’re here for working, right... or a beauty pageant rehearsal?” His forehead creases, and I can’t tell if he’s being serious.
“No need to be snarky, Mr. Taylor.” I snatch my hand away, feeling out of place in a stranger’s kitchen, in the countryside somewhere in America. “We clearly come from different worlds. I’m sure you think the woman’s place is in the kitchen, elbow deep in dishes?”
I can’t help but notice his mouth quirk. “A woman's place is in the bedroom.” Hayden’s expression stays blank.
“You’re such a joker.” I feel his hot gaze sweep down my body.
“I try.”
Perhaps it’s his soapy scent or the rays of light pouring in from the clear blue sky, or the fact I haven’t eaten yet, but I sway a little. Pressing my palm to my belly, I teeter closer to the countertop.
There’s a loud screech of wood on ceramic tiles. Large hands cinch my waist, and I feel him right next to me. Hayden ushers me to a chair and kneels down before me.
“Summer?” His voice is laced with concern, and he eyes me closely. Without a second thought, his powerful legs straighten, and he walks behind me. Sitting at the table gives me a moment to myself, away from the sexy rancher who has my tummy in knots. I hear water gushing, glass clinking and heavy footsteps. Hayden returns with a pint glass of iced water.
“Take a sip.” I reach out for the glass, the tips of my fingers meeting his. He lowers before me again, and his hand floats to my knee as he watches cautiously as I take a drink. “You okay?”
I nod a few times and smile shyly. It’s crazy how smitten I am by him already. The light pressure of his hand on my jeans heats the skin beneath. “Better now, thanks.” The delightful touch flits away, and I instantly miss the slight weight. “I haven’t eaten, and I’m not used to the heat… and my body’s clock is still running five hours behind.”
“Do you like eggs?” He’s staring right at me, inviting me to meet the shade of green I love so much. It sparkles in the sunlight with a playful vibrance.
“I like them poached. Not too runny and not overcooked.”
Hayden’s thick brows lift, and he half smiles. “It’s either fried or scrambled. I ain’t no chef, honey.”
“The water is fine.” I raise the glass in appreciation.
“Toast?”
“I don’t eat gluten.”
