Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek, #3) (36)

Chapter Twelve


LANDEN




Mario’s being a little shit this morning. He’s one of our newer stallions and tends to rear when I lead him out to the pasture. Usually, I can redirect and settle him down, but he’s being extra feisty.

Pretty sure I’ll have a black eye tomorrow from his head lashing around and smacking into mine when I didn’t get out of his way fast enough. But since I’m leaving for the Franklin Rodeo in a few hours, he’ll be one of the other ranch hands’ problems. At least until I get back.

“Save that energy for the mares, bud.” I unclick the lead rope once he’s securely inside and then lock the gate behind me.

“Rough day?” Tripp rides up on Denver, one of our family horses, and smirks after I flip him my middle finger.

“Just another stud actin’ up as usual. What’re you doin’?”

“Dad asked me to move the goats to the east retreat pasture before we all head out, so I’m lookin’ for ’em.”

“You lost the goats?” I muse, crossing my arms and leaning against the fence.

“No. They’re…somewhere.”

I chuckle, pushing to my feet. “Good luck with that. I once found a few up in the hay loft.”

“Shit,” he mutters.

As I walk to the barn to grab the next mare for Mario, my phone vibrates with a text.

Cecilia





What’s a girl gotta do for a good night kiss around here?





I smile as soon as I read her text. After our back-to-back fair dates last weekend, I still hadn’t kissed her, and then we had an ice cream date last night. Since I worked late, I couldn’t hang out long, but when we went our separate ways, I hugged her goodbye and kissed her cheek.

We haven’t made any new plans since I’m leaving for the Franklin Rodeo this afternoon, but we’ve been texting every day since we met.

Landen





You ever heard of a Southern gentleman? I’m trying to be respectful and take things slow.





Although I love how blunt and forward she is, I’d rather not jump right into bed before getting to know each other better.

Something I’ve never considered before, but if I’m truly attempting to move on, then I want to be sure there’s a real connection between us.

Cecilia





Afraid a little tongue will turn you into a sex addict?





If only she knew it’s been a long time since I’ve been with someone.

Landen





Pretty sure you’re the one who won’t be able to keep your hands off me.





Cecilia





Come to my place for breakfast and find out.





There’s no reason I couldn’t. Yeah, we’re leaving at noon, but that’s never stopped me from getting laid before.

But there’s this nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that tells me I’ll regret it if we move too fast.

Landen





Wish I could, but I have to finish eight hours of work in three.





Cecilia





You sure I can’t change your mind, cowboy? Maybe a little visual incentive…





A moment later, she sends a mirror selfie of her only wearing a black see-through lacy teddy with a red bow between her breasts.

God help me.

Lifting my cap, I scrub a hand through my hair and contemplate my next move.

Landen





Fuck. You play dirty. Can I take a rain check for the minute I’m back in town?





The next photo she sends is her turned around, looking over her shoulder in the mirror, and showing off the matching thong and stockings.

Cecilia





Not sure I can wait that long…





I should be tripping over my boots to get into my truck and speeding to her place. The old me wouldn’t have to think twice about it. Chicks sending me nudes or enticing me to sleep with them used to be the norm, and I’d welcome it.

But now, I’m way too old to be acting like a careless horny frat boy. It’s one thing to put myself out there again, but I’m not looking to go back to my old self where I had unattached sex for the sake of feeling something.

Landen





I’m sorry. I gotta get back to work. I’ll text you later.





Yeah, I’m sure that’s going to deflate her ego or piss her off, but it’d be irresponsible for me to bail when I haven’t even finished packing.

I started two nights ago but then ended up on the phone with Warren again to go over our letters to the parole board. He’s still dealing with Maisie randomly showing up and needed a distraction.

Although it was a little emotional to talk about Tucker and Talia, I’m glad I didn’t have to be alone while figuring out how to put into words that Angela deserves to continue staring at prison walls until her entire sentence has been served.