Loving Cara(28)

“I see that.” I smile back at him, then watch as Starfire turns to her baby and licks and nuzzles her gently.

“She needs to eat,” Josh tells me, and wraps his arms around me, pulling me back against his chest. “So, Starfire will help her get on her feet so she can nurse.”

Sure enough, over the next ten minutes, Starfire coaxes her baby onto her feet, and the foal wobbles, unsure of her footing. Finally, she takes a few steps and roots around under her mother’s belly until she finds a teat and begins to nurse.

“Gross.” Seth scrunches up his nose.

“How else will the baby eat?” I ask him, and smile.

He shrugs, watching the mama and the baby closely, and the teacher in me can’t help but appreciate what a learning tool this is for the boy.

We spend a few hours there, watching the new foal get used to life on the “outside,” as Seth puts it with fits of giggles.

“I think it’s time for us to get to work, Seth.” I laugh when he scowls at me.

“But I should get today off, to help with the baby.”

“She’ll be here when you’re done,” I reply sternly, and run my hand down Josh’s arm before walking out of the stall. “I’ll give you a break in a couple hours so you can come check on her.”

“Okay.” Seth looks longingly at the foal and then jumps down off the stall wall and walks out of the barn ahead of me.

“Come check on me while you’re at it,” Josh murmurs as he moves up behind me and kisses my neck, just below my ear. I pull out of his grasp, pointing at Seth walking ahead.

“Will you need checking?” I ask with a grin.

“I’ve got something you can check, sweetheart.” He swats my ass as I walk away, laughing and shaking my head.

I’m so coming out to the barn in a few hours.





CHAPTER


Seven


“We could have gone somewhere more casual,” I murmur, and take a sip of wine, enjoying the sight of Josh sitting across from me at the table in his white button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up on his forearms, and black slacks. His dark brown hair has been tamed, and I can’t wait to run my fingers through it and mess it up.

His brown gaze finds mine over the leather menu in his hands and he smiles softly. “This is our first official date.”

“I’m aware,” I respond with a raised eyebrow.

“So we should be somewhere nice on our first date. Besides,” he adds with a smirk, “you love it here.”

“How do you know?” I ask, surprised. This Italian restaurant is new to town and has quickly become my favorite. “We’ve never talked about this place before.”

“You should have seen your eyes light up when I mentioned it.” He glances back down at his menu, his lips pursed.

He’s observant, which is one of the things that I’ve come to appreciate about him. He pays attention to my moods, my body language, both in and out of the bedroom.

It’s nice to be away from the ranch for the evening. I enjoy the ranch, and in the past few days that I’ve been staying there, in Josh’s bed every night, I’ve come to have a greater appreciation for how much work it is, and how dedicated Josh is to his family legacy.

I smooth my hands down my thighs, over the cotton fabric of my orange sundress, thankful that my clothes came back from the hazmat cleaner in time for this date.

Shorts and a tank top would not have been appropriate for tonight.

Folding his menu, he sets it on top of mine at the edge of the table and takes my hand in his, weaves our fingers together. I catch a few curious glances from other patrons at nearby tables.

If news of my staying at the Lazy K hasn’t already begun circulating around town, our being out together tonight will be fodder for conversation by tomorrow morning.

The young, bubbly waitress appears and takes our food orders, then leaves us alone.

“What are you thinking?” Josh asks, his eyes searching mine.

“We are going to make the grapevine news before morning,” I murmur with a smile, and play with the stem of my wineglass.

“Good.” He shrugs. “Does it bother you?”

“No.” I shake my head, then frown as I think about it further. “It’s really no one’s business, although I am blurring the line where my job is concerned.”

“They can’t fire you for what you do on your own time, Cara. You’re allowed to have a personal life.” He grips my fingers more tightly. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”

I nod, but bite my lip.

“What?”

“I just hope you’re right.”

Our salads are served, along with the most delicious chicken I’ve ever tasted. At the first bite, I close my eyes and moan, letting the flavors explode on my tongue.