Cloud Riders(36)

Cassie suddenly noticed a strong poised tan horse eyeing her from a distance. She noted he was younger than the rest and yet stood tall, proud and patient waiting his turn. His pure black mane and tail softly outlined his perfect shape. She patted him and turned her head to the side. ‘Surely you are not the baby foal.’

He nudged Cassie, wanting to play and have some fun.

Cassie laughed. ‘I don’t believe how quickly you’ve grown. Kayden what did you call my horse?’

‘Starburst.’

‘Love it! Hey Starburst,’ she patted him. ‘You’re not the baby no more, are you, boy? Okay then let’s see what you got.’ She grinned mischievously and started to run at full speed away from him before stopping quickly and darting back at him. He reared up, making her laugh as he made a chuckling sound in the back of his throat and then took off. He was so cute. Cassie followed him to the river where she ran around the trees to get away from him and they played hide and seek—only he was too big to hide and kept making her laugh when he tried.

There was a screech of tires on the dirt and dust flew everywhere. Cassie stopped mucking around, wondering who it was. Out of the dust, Woody came running down the hill, gathering Cassie up in his arms, laughing and very happy to see her. She felt flattered and flushed crimson at his attention which made him laugh more.

‘I knew that if he was this happy it had to be you. Welcome back, Cassie girl.’

Another car pulled up just as quickly and Jason, Conor and Ethan opened their doors and headed for them. Woody still had her in his arms and he raced back up towards them and slid her onto her feet. ‘See, I told you she was back.’

They all took it in turns hugging her while Jason went crook at Woody for not waiting for them. He had apparently just taken off out of the house when he felt his boss’s emotions.

‘I saw her playing with Starburst and knew it was Cassie.’ He was still grinning at her.

Kayden finished checking the horses, came up and slid his arm around Cassie protectively. ‘That’s enough, boys, she’s taken,’ he said, smiling down at Cassie and keeping his arms firmly around her, letting them all know in no uncertain terms who she belonged to. Cassie was delighted that he was finally able to show his love for her without hesitation or thinking that it might damage his leadership.

‘You look fabulous, Cass.’ Jason gave her one of his cute boyish grins. ‘City living definitely agrees with you, girl.’

Cassie knew she had changed and it had been almost overnight. On her twentieth birthday she had just woken up different. Her body shape had changed from stick-thin to voluptuous and shapely. Her hair had grown in length and golden highlights lightened up her usually dull, lifeless locks.

She grinned, flabbergasted at how much attention she was getting. ‘It’s called growing up, Jase. It had to happen sooner or later. I was a bit of a nerd last time you saw me.’

He chuckled. ‘Well, I didn’t like to say it then but shit, you were hard work. To think you even had to learn how to cook toast. Can you boil a kettle yet?’ He joked with her and she laughed.

‘Cheeky beggar, it looks like I have a thing or two to prove.’ Kayden tried to protest but she put her hand up to stop him. ‘It’s a friendly little bet we have then, Jase,’ she egged him on.

He glanced at the boys and they all nodded. ‘Okay, girl, you’re on. A fiver out of each of us.’

‘Double it and you are on.’

‘So we sit back and do nothing and you cook.’

‘You got it?’

‘And if it tastes like crap and we have to end up cooking ourselves, you pay us.’

Cassie put out her hand. ‘Deal!’

He shook it and they all went back to the house, laughing about the burnt offerings they would get for their ten bucks.

Back at the house, Kayden listened to the men and only entered the conversation when he was directly asked a question. His eyes were fixed on his woman who drifted with ease around his kitchen. The aroma of what she was cooking wafted over to him and he wanted to go hug the honey who was making him feel so happy. She was cooking for him and for them. How could this be?

She wiped the back of her hand across her forehead unconsciously and flour-marked her flawless complexion. He wondered if she’d be mad if he went out there and kissed it off; he would have broken his promise to stay seated. As if she felt his thoughts she sent him a surge through their connection and he shuddered at the lovely emotion she sent his way. He wanted to tell her he was cheating and could feel her but somehow he felt she already knew because it was working both ways. She smiled, confirming his thoughts and then went back to making the last batch of pancakes. Finally she asked for the table to be set and there was a mad rush as juice and coffees were organised while she placed the food in the middle of the table. The men sat down, grabbing toast and piling omelettes onto their plates.