Page 7

Chapter seven

Kissing your cheek and dusting your hip

Mason

Why is it that every time I touch her, I feel like I’m on fire?

The way her big green eyes met mine when she tried to shake my hand, and watching that thick blush of red rush up her supple neck to engulf her cheeks, it made me want to jerk her close to feel just how hot her skin was.

There’s something wrong with me. I’m too damn old for that shit.

Especially for her. She can’t be much older than Sophia.

Carrying her plate to her room, I tap lightly on the door before going in.

“Hey, Dad. That looks delicious. Thank you.” She pushes herself up and drops her phone on her table.

“Yea, your friend looks like she tried pretty hard.” The dish scrapes along the wood surface next to her cell.

Sophia frowns and fixes me with her bright blue eyes. “Dad. You aren’t being mean, are you? That’s the ‘I’m irritated, but playing nice’ tone in your voice.”

My finger tilts my hat back and I hold my hands up in my best attempt at surrender. “No way. She’s just nervous, I guess. I promise I didn’t yell.” I give her the most innocent sound I can muster.

I’m not frustrated at all by Lori. She’s more like an itch, deep in my belly, that I can’t reach.

Her lower lip juts out. “She’s out of her element here. You need to give her some time to adjust. Please?”

I drop my left hand, but leave my right suspended in the air. “I solemnly swear to make her as comfortable as possible here.” To distract myself, I pick up her nearly empty water jug and take it into her bathroom to fill. “Do you need to go while I’m here?”

“No. Lori’s been helping me. I appreciate it though.” Her words come out muffled.

When I go back in, I see her stuffing her mouth.

“Is the food good?” It does smell pretty decent.

My stomach grumbles, reminding me I haven’t eaten all day.

She nods emphatically, lifting another forkful. Pausing before taking her next bite, she tilts her head. “I might have to tease her about no biscuits. That was my only request.”

Seeing how flustered Lori looked when I first walked in, I’m not sure if she could have handled rolls today.

“Let’s ease her in slowly, honey. There’s a lot to get used to around here.” My guts twist.

Carolyn used to bake fresh bread all the time.

I wonder if Sophia is trying to recapture some of that. She’s never been one to want to cook.

We’ve pretty much lived off of microwave meals and frozen pizza for years, despite Ford taking it upon himself to make sure our kitchen stayed stocked.

There’s a bit of old school in him. We grew up on the range, and he usually did most of the meals.

In fact, even recently, his is the only homemade food we get. That is, when he decides to feel sorry enough for me.

If I have any more cattle come up missing, we all might be rationed to bread and water so I can make wages.

Sophia smiles at me with her cheeks puffed full. “She’s tougher than she looks, Dad. Don’t underestimate her.”

“I’m sure she is. I gotta get caught up on some paperwork. I’m glad your friend is here.” Leaning over, I give her a quick kiss on her temple and then close the door behind me.

Lori is sitting at the table, poking at her salad while Sawyer dishes himself a plate. Her emerald eyes fix on me as I step in.

“Does she need anything?” Dropping her fork, she sits up straight while glancing past me.

My shoulders lift in a shrug. “Probably some company. I have some work to do in my office.”

Sawyer loads his dinner four inches high and smothers everything with the thick tomato sauce. “This is pretty awesome. Thanks again, Lori.” He nearly runs into me as he turns.

“Easy, son. What’s the hurry?” I manage to step back before I’m wearing half of a pot of pasta.

“Sorry, Dad. There’s a Call of Duty tournament next week and I told my buddies I’d practice.”

I can feel my gaze narrow. “Don’t stay up too late. We’re heading to the Bastion pasture in the morning to tag calves.”

He pops a tomato piece in his mouth as he nods before pushing past me. “Got it.”

The air buzzes after he leaves.

Lori watches me gather my own meal in silence.

Why am I so conscious of every breath she takes?

She idly pushes an amber lock of hair from her cheek before glancing back to her own plate. “I thought I made enough, but I’ll know for next time.”

“Don’t worry about Sawyer. He could eat all of this food himself and will be back in the kitchen in an hour.” I’ve seen him devour two large pizzas in a single sitting, and he’s still lean. “Teenage boys are bottomless pits.”

That earns me a small smile, and for some reason it makes my heart beat just a little faster.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Her pink tongue darts out and pulls a droplet of sauce from her bottom lip before it rolls between her teeth. “I can see why Sophia asked about biscuits. It makes a great filler. There was some sandwich bread. I guess I should have offered it?”

Breaking my gaze from her mouth, I’m met with her iridescent eyes looking up at me for an answer.

My voice tries to crack, so I clear my throat before continuing. “This was perfect. We’re gonna be gone all day tomorrow and will eat on the trail, so you don’t have to make anything for us.”

“Okay.” She pauses. “How do you get food out there?” Her slim elbow lands on the edge of the table as she cups her chin in her palm.

“I’m not helpless.” I toss her a lopsided grin. “Sandwiches are not outside of my wheelhouse. But—” I gesture with my plate. “—this is much better. Have a good night.”

A blush flares up her neck. “Thank you, sir. You, too.”

The rapid pulse in her throat stands out like a beacon as its color deepens.

Dammit, it’s hard not to look at it. Shifting on my heel, I make my way past the kitchen and into my office.

Tossing my hat onto the corner of my desk, I follow it with the plate of cooling spaghetti.

My worn leather chair creaks as I slump into it. I could have stayed there until my food grew icicles watching her heart play its staccato beat just beneath her heated skin.

Being out of this house will be the best thing for me. If I spend too much time here, I may be tempted to make an ass out of myself.

Lori is Sophia’s friend.

I’m old enough to be her father, for fuck’s sake.

She sure as hell shouldn’t be making my jeans tight every time she calls me “sir.”