Page 21 of The Rancher

Our meal is lovely, and Remy relaxes completely, both of us having a wonderful time. We split a chocolate sundae for dessert and make up completely inaccurate symbolic meanings for each flower in the arrangement on our table.

On the ride home, Remy zones out for a bit. Maybe she's tired. Or maybe the sugar from all the chocolate hit her? Then it occurs to me. "Hey, baby. Question."

"Yeah?"

"You said you work two jobs at home. So most of your time is spent alone, isn't it?"

"Yes. Why?

"You just seem a bit…drained, I guess. I wonder… Have we been together so much that you haven't had enough alone time?"

She turns, reaching to take my hand. "Thank you for being so observant."

"I want you to be comfortable, baby. So tonight, if you want to stay in the guest room, and work all night or whatever makes you happy, go for it." I rub the side of her hand with my thumb before releasing it. “You could sleep in late while I take off to do chores?"

"That's a great idea. Thank you."

I’d rather sleep with her in my arms, of course, but Remy needs some space. I want to be careful to give my sensitive girl what she truly needs, especially since she’s away from her home.

As long as I don’t rush things, hopefully she’ll soon view my house as the space she wants to live in. Forever.

12

REMY

Ilove spending time with Stone. He makes me feel recharged. More alive. But he was right last night: my social battery was completely drained.

I do end up sleeping in and wake up sprawled like a starfish across the guest room bed. I stayed up late working and fell into such a groove that I got a whole bunch of assignments completed. It was like I was working at turbo speed.

After showering, I go downstairs to make coffee, and see there's a pot already brewed, with a note in front of it.

This was made at nine. If it's not fresh enough when you get up, feel free to dump it and make more. I went to town for groceries. Hope you're sleeping well.

A man who gives me space and leaves me gourmet coffee? I could get used to this.

I take my mug out to the back deck. It's only ten in the morning, and the sun still has that lazy hazy morning quality thanks to the wall of fluffy clouds coming over the highest peak of the mountain and stalling in place. Stone already told me that the weather can be volatile here.

I'm already thinking of staying a bit longer. This feeling of comfort is something I've craved for as long as I can remember. I’m just not sure I can trust it completely.

It all hinges on Stone. If we fight, if I make him angry, or even if he just changes his mind, I would be kicked out or abandoned. Again.

I haven’t seen him angry yet. Or disappointed. It’s too soon for me to know how he would react to any number of things. One thing’s for sure, he’s a man who is used to getting what he wants.

I look around at the lavish patio furniture and the huge garage to the side. It's wild to think how rich Stone must be. For many people, this would be their dream house. The kind of place that could only be purchased by a couple who are both highly paid professionals. And he still has enough money left over to pay anything to save horses? It's strange, but admirable. It’s also wildly endearing.

"Hello?" I hear his deep voice echoing through the house.

I go back into the kitchen, where he’s placing grocery bags on the island. Stone grabs me around the waist with one arm, giving me a fast and ferocious kiss before setting me back on my feet. "Be right back, gorgeous. One more load."

I start unpacking the groceries and hear a rattle at the bottom of a bag. Taking out the bottle, I read the label, surprised. He returns with a large canvas tote bag of vegetables, and a paper shopping bag from a shoe store.

He nods to the bottle in my hand. "I saw something online last year about how taking a multivitamin is one of the easiest ways to promote overall health and longevity.” He raises an eyebrow and winks. "Are you low in selenium? Be honest."

I smile at him. "To be honest, I have no idea."

He shrugs. "They say men's and women's vitamins are different. I figured you might as well have the right one." He holds out the paper bag to me. "Also for you."

"Stone, I can't⁠—"