She leans back into me with a sharp nudge. My arms tighten below her breasts, and I hold her against me. Her heart is racing, and she stops breathing for a moment. I think I do, too.
We reach the clearing at the end of the runway.
“What’s that?” she asks.
“It’s my oil well.”
She turns so I can see her surprised expression. “Yours, Aaron Pearce’s, or yours, DHR’s?”
“It’s mine.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “Do you bring all the girls out here to impress them?”
I lift her hat and put my lips to her ear. “You’re the only one.” I circle Reuben around it.
“So you’re rich?”
I chuckle. “One oil well won’t make you rich.”
“But you must make something off it, otherwise why have it?”
“I don’t keep the profits.”
“Why not?”
“That’s not why it’s here. I have it for research.”
“What are you researching?”
“Better, cleaner ways to drill for oil.”
“You mean because of the impact on climate change? Isn’t that why people want renewable energy, like solar and wind? Won’t oil drilling be obsolete someday?”
“Oil isn’t only used for energy. It’s a natural resource critical in the production of lots of things, like rubber, detergents, clothing—even pharmaceuticals. It’s not going away anytime soon. Until then, it’s my mission to make it more eco-friendly. This is called a wildcat well. That means it’s away from any established oil fields. I specifically chose this location on the ranch so it wouldn’t impact any of the wildlife or forestry.”
She tilts her head. “Who knew you were a save-the-world kind of guy?”
“Just trying to do my part. We should head back before Reuben gets too worn out.” I turn the horse in the direction of the lodge. “I’m going to the main ranch for supper tomorrow, and my cousin wanted me to invite you along. What do you say?”
She tenses. “That depends. What have you told him about me?”
“Devyn, I don’t know anything about you, so there’s nothing to tell.”
“You didn’t mention me stealing food or living in the attic?”
“Of course not.”
She turns slightly. “Why didn’t you?”
“I figured it was nobody’s business. So, supper?”
“It would be a nice change.”
“You won’t be sorry. Andie is a spectacular cook. Want to take the reins?”
“No, thanks.”
“Come on, it’s easy,” I say. She reluctantly takes the reins from me. To reassure her, I rest my hands lightly on the back of hers. “You barely have to pull; a little tug will let him know which direction you want him to go. Use the pressure of your legs and thighs to tell him how fast. Squeezing your legs will speed him up, releasing them will slow him down. Try it.”
As we pass the airstrip, I remember what she said. It’s kind of an outrageous idea but one I plan to keep in the back of my mind.
With her guiding the horse, I sit back and enjoy the feel of her in my arms. I could do this every day, and it would never get old. She’s everything I want in a woman, which is laughable because I know precisely nothing about her. My thumb is grazing circles along her forearm, and I can feel goose bumps arise. Reuben starts to trot. She must be squeezing him. “Relax,” I whisper. Reuben slows and she leans into me. Fuck. I’ve never wanted anyone more than I want her.
When we ride up to the lodge, Joe is sitting on the front porch with lemonade. I like the man, but I’m disappointed to see him. Guests don’t arrive until tomorrow. I was hoping Devyn and I might continue what we started.
“Joe!” Devyn shouts gleefully.
He raises his glass. “Thought I’d try out a new recipe on the two of you before I poison any of the payin’ customers. You game?”
“Yes,” she says. “I’m sure it will be incredible, like all your creations.”
“How ’bout you, son?”
I help Devyn down off the horse. “Sure. Just let me get Reuben back to the stable.”
Joe and Devyn start a conversation before I have Reuben turned around. She’s really taken to him. Maybe he’s like a father figure to her.
Will I ruin everything if I try to be with her?
Chapter Fourteen
Devyn
My belly hurts from laughing. Joe may have deep dark secrets, but he sure is a funny guy. I get up to clear the table, but he won’t let me. Aaron and I enjoy a decadent dessert as Joe does the dishes. When he sits back down, he pulls a flask from his breast pocket.
I raise a brow.
“You don’t think an old man can relax with a shot of gin after supper?” He pulls two glasses from the cabinet. “Care to join me?”
“I… I guess. But go easy on me. I haven’t had a drink in forever. I’ve forgotten what alcohol tastes like.”
Aaron studies me as Joe puts ice in my glass and pours a small amount of gin over it. There are only two glasses on the table. I stand and open the cabinet for a third.
“Don’t bother.” Joe thumbs at Aaron. “This one don’t drink much.”
“Oh.” I push my glass away. “Then maybe I shouldn’t.”
“It’s fine,” Aaron says. “I’m not an alcoholic, if that’s what you’re thinking. I simply prefer soda.” He moves my glass closer. “Go ahead. Just be careful.”
Careful? It’s not like I’ll be driving anywhere. I wonder why he seems a bit uneasy, but the glass looks inviting, so I sip the gin. It warms my throat all the way down to my stomach.
“You wouldn’t happen to play gin as well as drink it, would you, Joe?”
He seems pleased. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven. I haven’t run into a young’un who likes to play gin in thirty years.”
“I’ll get my cards.” I race to my room. In the past, playing gin may have simply been a way to pass the time, but I got really good at it. I deal three hands.
Aaron laughs. “I have no idea how to play.”
“We’ll teach you.”
I spend the next two hours playing, laughing, and flirting with both of them. It’s been the best night I can remember.
Joe notices the time. “I may just turn into a pumpkin if I don’t leave now.” He puts away his flask and leans over to plant a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you for a lovely evening, Missy.”
“No, thank you. The food was to die for.”
“I’m glad you approve. I’ll add it into the rotation.”
Joe leaves. I put the cards away and hear his old truck rumble to life, then loudly sputter down the drive. I giggle. “Talk about being bad for the environment.”
I wash the two glasses, then dry them, realizing I’m being watched the entire time. I turn and lean against the counter.
“I guess I should go, too,” Aaron says. “It’s late and we have guests coming tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“You didn’t want to play more cards or anything, did you?”