“The cattle? They’re pregnant. They’re gonna have calves right around the beginning of April.”
“Tax season. Busy for everyone, I suppose.” She wrinkled that cute nose of hers, and for a moment, he thought the glasses would slip off her face entirely. “So these are all girl cows?”
His mouth twitched. “They are. I guess they left their skirts in the barn.”
She giggled and smacked his leg. “Hush. I told you I don’t know anything about cows.” Layla craned her head, watching them wander past. “They’re close.”
“They’re gonna follow us because they’re hoping to get fed,” he pointed out to her. “Just ignore them. They’re harmless.”
“No boy cows in here?”
“No bulls, no. They’re a lot more aggressive.”
“Huh.” Layla was quiet for a while, and he enjoyed watching her process the sights. She eyed the cattle and the snowy landscape. She watched the horse and gazed at the distant mountains, and her nose wrinkled again as they passed by the muddy watering hole. They left the herd behind—once the cattle figured out they weren’t getting fed—and headed further out. “Where are we going?”
“Just up the next ridge,” he promised her. “The view’s nice. It’s not too much further.”
They rode along for a little while longer before Layla glanced over her shoulder at him and spoke. “They make this a lot sexier in the books, you know.”
“What books?”
“Romance novels.” She arched an eyebrow at him. “Don’t you dare judge.”
“Not judging anything. They talk about being a cowboy?”
“No, I meant riding on horseback. There’s even a book where the main couple make love on the back of a horse and it’s all very dramatic and romantic.” She shifted in her seat. “The reality is a lot more irritating to the ass.”
He snorted with amusement. “I can think of a lot of places to make love to a woman, and on horseback is not anywhere on that list.”
“No?”
“Nope. If I’m holding on to the reins, I’m not holding on to you. Pass.”
She giggled. “You’re ruining all my fantasies.”
“Well now, if it is a fantasy of yours, I’m happy to give it a try, uncomfortable or not. Do I have to wear my spurs? Is that in the fantasy?”
Her laughter grew louder. “I’ve never given it much thought.”
“I’m disappointed in you. Here I thought we were living out one of your kinky fantasies.”
Layla’s laughter pealed out across the land, and it warmed him from head to toe. “I’m sorry to disappoint, but most of my fantasies are very mundane.”
“Tell me about them and I’ll be the judge of that.”
“Nice try.”
“A man’s always got to try.”
She chuckled, casting a grin over her shoulder at him, and he felt his stupid heart skip a damn beat. She really was the cutest. He already loved her laugh, her sense of humor, her everything.
Jack needed to send Becca the biggest thank-you bouquet of flowers ever for dragging him into that stupid bachelor auction. He tightened his arm around Layla’s waist and leaned in. “We’re almost there. Just ahead.”
She seemed to lean back against him, and it felt natural and right.
Was it possible to fall for a girl on a first date? Jack would have said no in the past, but Caleb had fallen for Amy the first time he saw her, and Hank was smitten with Becca for months before they went out. So maybe it was a Watson thing. Maybe they just fell hard and fell fast.
He was okay with that.
Jack halted Rocket and slid down the horse’s side. Layla looked at him anxiously and gave a boneless slide into his arms, and then waddled forward gingerly, holding her ass. “My butt muscles are protesting.”
“I’m happy to massage them for you if needed,” he promised, rubbing Rocket’s nose. “This is the spot. You like it?”
Most people would probably think the view wasn’t much to see. They were at the top of a snowy ridge, but from this particular spot, the land dipped down and it seemed like it extended for miles up ahead, just rolling grasses and snow—and the ever-present mountains in the distance. He liked it because it was quiet here, and open. It let him think.
“It’s beautiful,” she admitted, hugging her arms to her chest. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this far out of town. It looks like a Bob Ross painting out here.”
He laughed. “Isn’t that the guy with the weird hair?” He’d seen a few videos online.
“‘Happy little accidents,’” she quoted. “I turn it on in the background sometimes when I’m working on something and need noise. I’ve never painted one, though. Have you?”
“Me? Nah. Definitely wouldn’t be a happy little accident if I touched it. I’m not very artistic.” He pulled the bundle he’d prepared for their date out of one of Rocket’s saddle packs. Inside was a thin blanket, a thermos of hot cocoa, and a few cookies.
Layla turned to look at him as he began to spread out the blanket. “Are you serious? We’re having a picnic?”
“Full cowboy experience, just like I promised,” he said. “You should get your money’s worth.”
“What if I want my money’s worth somewhere inside, near a heater?” She shivered in her coat. “You do realize it’s February, don’t you?”
He settled the blanket on the snow. “We won’t be out here that long, fussypants. Come sit.”
“Fussypants,” she grumbled. “Really now.” But Layla sat down on the blanket, pushed her glasses up her nose, and took the thermos cup he offered her. She made a little noise of appreciation at the hot chocolate, and then offered the cup to him as he sat down next to her. “Okay, so this isn’t so bad.”
He grinned at her reluctant praise. “Have to admit, sometimes I like coming out here to think.”
“What does a guy like you think about?” she asked, taking the cocoa back from him.
He shrugged. “Might seem silly, but I think about having a ranch of my own someday.”
Layla frowned at him, sipping the cocoa and then handing it back. “Why would that seem silly? I think if that’s what you want to do, you should absolutely go for it.”
He took a drink and then shrugged. Some of his self-effacing humor threatened to bubble up, but he held it back. “You don’t think I’m too much of a clown to run a ranch?”
“Why would I think that? You’re allowed to be a clown and still be good at your job.” She leaned over, nudging him with her arm. “I happen to know a clown of an accountant who’d be more than happy to help you with your paperwork if you go that route.”
He grinned. “You make it sound so simple.”
“That’s because it is simple. You just have to be stubborn enough to pursue it even when people tell you that you can’t.” She smiled up at him. “Look at me. I got my degree in a field my mother hated because it was something I liked. I started my own business even though she told me I’d fold in a month. And here I am.” Layla shrugged. “It’s not a huge business but I have enough to keep me busy and I love being in charge of my own life. So don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. I’m going to tell you, as a clown accountant, that you can do it.”
His smile grew wider with every word she said. He liked that about her—that Layla chose the positive aspects of life no matter what it threw at her. He wanted to point out that her mother was an absolutely wretched human being, but Layla knew that. Instead, he leaned in closer to her, watching her pink mouth as it settled on the rim of the cup again.
He wanted to kiss her.
She glanced up at him, and her gaze went to his mouth. Her lips parted, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still.
“Can this clown of a cowboy kiss you?” he murmured.
“This clown of an accountant will allow it,” Layla
breathed.
She didn’t lean into him, but that was all right. Jack took the empty cup from her hands and set it down on the blanket, then touched a finger under her chin, tipping her face up. He leaned in, and he could smell the cocoa on her breath, and he’d have sworn it was the most erotic thing he’d ever scented, better than the most expensive of perfumes. Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers.
She quivered underneath him, remaining perfectly still for a too-long moment, and then her mouth softened under his. His first impression was of sweetness, not just the cocoa but the feel of her against him, the way she was so soft and perfect. His nose bumped against her glasses, and she chuckled, pulling back long enough to take them off. “Sorry. It’s been a while since I kissed anyone.”
Good. He liked that, for some reason. That made her feel like his and his alone. He brushed his knuckles along her jaw again and brought her in for another kiss. He kept it soft and gentle, playful instead of intense. Lightly, he moved over her mouth, nipping and tasting as if he had all the time in the world to savor her. When her lips parted under his, a silent invitation for more, he brushed his tongue along the seam of her mouth.
She moaned against him, leaning in.
“God, you taste sweet,” he murmured, cupping her face and pulling her closer for another round of kisses. He peppered her face with them, flirty, quick kisses, sometimes accompanied with a flick of his tongue, just enough to tease her into wanting more . . . he hoped. He wouldn’t push. If Layla wanted more, she’d let him know.
And let him know, she did. When he pulled away again, she flung her arms around his neck and launched herself against him, bearing him backward onto the blanket. Her mouth was hot on his, and frantic. This time, it was her tongue that pushed into his mouth, and Layla took the lead on the kiss. Letting her kiss him was different, he decided, and he liked it. She was aggressive and hungry, her mouth wild on his own, her tongue flicking against his. She wanted this just as much as he did, and he groaned with the realization. They could flirt and banter circles around each other, but a kiss showed passion, and Layla was so passionate it made his chest ache.
Damn, he wanted this woman.
He lifted his head as she moaned and pressed one final, tiny kiss on her swollen mouth. “We should stop.”
“Why?” There was a hint of a whine in her voice, and damn if that didn’t make him hard as a rock.
“Because if we don’t, I’m gonna be all over you and I don’t want your prettiest parts getting frostbite out here in the snow.”
“Shows how much you know,” Layla commented as she rolled off his chest. “All of my parts are pretty.”
God, she was perfect.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The cowboy date ended far too soon, to his thinking. Jack had wanted to stay out for a while longer, but the wind was biting, and Layla had started to shiver. She wasn’t used to being out in this all day long, didn’t wear the layers he did, and so he reluctantly packed their things up and helped her back onto the horse, and then they rode back to the barn.
Oscar was thrilled to see them return, tiny tail wagging back and forth as he looked from Jack to Layla and back to Jack again.
“I hope he wasn’t any trouble,” Layla said to Uncle Ennis.
“Not at all. I thought the two of you would be gone longer, to be honest.” Ennis gave Jack a curious look. “My nephew losing his charm?”
His girl gave the most indelicate snort. “It’s too cold out, even for someone as charming as him.”
“So you admit I’m charming?” Jack couldn’t help but butt in.
She ignored that, turning toward him.
“Are we still on for this weekend?” Layla asked even as she scooped up the dog and scratched his fat sides. “Because now that I’ve seen what it’s like on horseback, you really don’t have time to haul Oscar around with you.”
He didn’t point out that Uncle Ennis would be more than happy to keep the dog with him in the vet clinic on the ranch. Oscar looked mighty comfy tucked against Layla’s chest, and for the first time, he was jealous of a dog. “You want him until the weekend, then?”
She gave him a teasing look. “I figure this way you have to go out with me again.”
“As if you could stop me.”
Her cheeks pinked and she smiled. “Like I said, I do want to visit Cora tomorrow.”
“If you’re sure you don’t mind taking him?” When she shook her head, he pretended to reluctantly agree. “In that case, I’ll let our son go with you on one condition.”
Layla glanced over at his uncle, her face turning redder. “Do I want to know?”
Uncle Ennis made a face, throwing his hands in the air. “I’m hearing far too much.” He nodded at Layla. “Nice to meet you, young lady, and I didn’t get a chance to pull together that paperwork just yet, but I’ll send it over with Jack this weekend.”
Her mouth twitched with amusement. “I look forward to it.” They watched silently as the elderly veterinarian left, and then Layla shot him a look. “Well? What’s your condition?” Her gaze went to his mouth and he realized she was thinking of kisses.
Damn, he liked her idea better than his. “A goodbye kiss and I also want pictures at least once a day.”
“Of me or the dog?”
“Yes,” he agreed solemnly, and she burst into laughter again.
“Just one kiss?”
“For now.” He’d take all her kisses soon enough, but for now, he’d be content with just one. Jack pulled her close until she bumped up against his chest and the dog was sandwiched between them.
“Watch your hands,” she murmured, her gaze going soft and sultry as she looked up at him.
“Just a kiss,” he promised her, and gave her a light, teasing one.
For now.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Jack thought about their date all night. A few things stayed in his head long after Layla had said goodbye and driven off with Oscar. He thought about her even after she texted a good-night picture of her and the dog in matching sleep shirts. He thought about the way her mouth had felt against his, the intoxicating taste of cocoa and Layla that was going to haunt him for the rest of his days. He thought about how good she’d felt in front of him on the horse; even though she’d been nervous and scared, she’d done real well. He thought about her sunny laughter. The constant stream of jokes and how she poked back at him. He loved all of that.
And he kept thinking about . . . the way she viewed him. To her, he wasn’t the jokester youngest brother, good for nothing but chasing skirts. Layla hadn’t seen a problem with him buying a ranch. She hadn’t doubted him for a second. If he wanted a ranch, she thought he should buy a ranch. There was no doubt in her mind that he could do it.
It was that simple confidence in him that he hadn’t realized he’d needed. He’d been sitting on the real estate agent’s email for days now. She’d said she was ready to look at property whenever he was . . . but he hadn’t been sure if he was ready or not.
Layla made it sound so simple. She was confident he could do it . . . and that was what he’d needed to nudge him forward. He pulled out his phone and sent an email back to the Realtor before he backed out.
Can we look tomorrow? I’m free in the afternoon.
The Realtor immediately emailed back, thrilled, and they set up a time and place to meet. Jack felt a rush of excitement course through him, and he wanted to tell someone.
Immediately, he flipped over to Layla’s number. She’d texted the bedtime picture twenty minutes ago, so he didn’t want to wake her up . . . but maybe she was still up.
JACK: You up?
LAYLA: Will you judge me if I say I spent the last 20 minutes scrolling through funny dog videos online?
JACK: Not as long as you send me the best ones.
JACK: I’m gonna go look at land tomo
rrow. For a potential ranch.
JACK: Kinda nervous.
JACK: You want to go with?
LAYLA: I wish I could but I’m busy tomorrow visiting Cora. I don’t want to disappoint her! ☹
JACK: I forgot. No big deal. I just . . . I’m excited. Wanted to share it with someone.
LAYLA: I bet you’ll find just what you’re looking for. This is great, Jack! I’m so proud of you. And if you need an accountant to look anything over for you, I’m happy to help.
JACK: I really appreciate the confidence. Didn’t know I was so nervous about this. Guess I keep expecting someone to tell me I shouldn’t do it.
LAYLA: If they do, then that’s all the more reason to get it done.
She sent the devil emoji, and he laughed. That sounded like Layla—stubborn and ornery . . . and fun.
JACK: Night. Thanks for listening.
LAYLA: Keep me posted. I want details!!
JACK: Will do.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The moment he saw the property, he knew.
Jack stared at his surroundings. He couldn’t believe a piece of land this gorgeous—and reasonably close to town—was for sale. Snow covered everything, of course, but what he could see was rolling and pastoral and stretched all the way to a nearby stream. The water wound through the valley, bordered by hills, and the natural greenery was abundant, even in winter. It was perfect. It was everything he’d ever wanted. He envisioned piecing it off into different pastures, a horse corral over there, a large barn, and the house at the top of one of the hills. Beautiful, and exactly what he was looking for.
Jack pretended to consider it, though. He scratched his chin and walked around the stream several times, but his heart was racing.
“Well?” his Realtor, Anna, asked. “What do you think?”
“Kinda flat.” Jack kicked a bit of mud off of his boot. “Kinda muddy, too.” Really, neither of those was a problem. He just needed to make it seem as if he wasn’t too eager.
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