Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“I’m sure Dad’s enjoyin’ the quiet, though.”
She nods. “He walks around naked ninety-nine percent of the time now. So if you come over, ring the doorbell first.”
“Oh God, the visual I just got.” I shiver, hoping I keep my food down after that.
Mom’s phone buzzes, and she walks off with a quick wave as she answers. I rinse out the plastic container, then check the time, knowing I need to leave now.
As soon as I arrive, I meet Payton inside the nearly finished structure.
“Wow, it’s so huge,” I say, walking around the space. Right now, it’s just an empty building, but it’s progressing.
“I can’t wait to see it once the stables and offices are built,” I say, visualizing where it will all go.
Payton turns around, and he’s smiling so wide it’s contagious. I move forward, and he wraps his arm around me. “This would’ve never happened without you.”
A blush creeps up my cheeks as his fingers slide against my bare skin. I place my arm around the backside of his waist as we look around in awe.
“All you, Payton. I wouldn’t want to go on this journey with anyone else.”
He slightly squeezes me. “I couldn’t agree more.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
PAYTON
ONE WEEK LATER
As I walk away from the water trough, I try to adjust the loose-fitting boxers I’m wearing today. Nothing like having my balls tap against my leg with every step I take. Kaitlyn’s lucky she’s my best friend because these are uncomfortable as fuck.
“You’re still walkin’ funny,” Knox mocks as soon as I enter the barn.
“Shut the hell up,” I mutter, adjusting the material in my jeans. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to wearing them. I know I’m not the only one who’s making sacrifices. Kaitlyn’s been eating like an athlete now by adding more vegetables and protein to her diet. She’s just as strict with herself as she is with me, which I respect.
After mucking out the stalls and leading several horse couples to their free-roam pastures, I take my lunch break. I grab my bag from the fridge, then warm up my large bowl of lima beans with chunks of bacon.
Another one of Kaitlyn’s ideas.
Kane looks at me over his shoulder. “What is that gross smell?”
“Just some legumes.”
His face wrinkles. “Smells like dog food. Did Maize cook that?”
Laughter escapes me. “No, but I’ll be sure to give your sister your compliments.”
“Jesus, Payton. You don’t have to eat that shit when she’s not around. She’ll never know.”
The microwave beeps, and I stir the beans, then put it back in for twenty more seconds.
“Smells like a punishment.”
“It’s actually pretty good,” I admit.
He barks out a laugh. “Doubt that.” Once he grabs what he needs, he leaves.
I sit at the small table we’ve got set up in the break room. I take the lid off the spinach salad and set the giant bag of Brazilian nuts on the table.
Once I’ve finished half of my beans, Knox walks in. “What stinks?”
I roll my eyes. “Shut up.”
“Smells like baby shit.” He stands over me and glances in my bowl. “Looks like it too.”
“You’d know,” I quip.
Reaching forward, he takes several nuts out of the bag and pops them in his mouth. “Damn. These are so good.”
“I wouldn’t eat too many of those,” I warn.
“You’ve got the supersize bag. Don’t be greedy.” He takes a few more, then shouts over his shoulder. “Kane! He brought those weird nuts again!”
Seconds later, Kane crowds the table and fills up his palm.
“Dude. These things aren’t cheap,” I explain, snatching the bag out of his hand.
“They’re delicious, though. I’m gonna tell Hadleigh to buy me some,” Knox says, throwing one in the air, then catching it in his mouth.
All I can do is shake my head as they finally leave me alone. They already have super sperm.
Just as I take my last bite, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I immediately grin when I see her name.
Kaitlyn: It’s time to bang, BD ;)
I send her a teasing reply.
Payton: Might need to check my schedule.
Kaitlyn: Don’t you dare play with me!
With a knowing smirk, I think about being inside her again. Fuck, I’m already growing hard. My body shouldn’t respond like this when this is just about making a baby and nothing more.
Payton: Who said I was playing?
Kaitlyn: You’re gonna pay for that.
Payton: Lucky me.
Kaitlyn: Not sure I’d be lookin’ forward to what I have in store for you.
Payton: Does it involve rope?
I must not flirt, I say on repeat in my mind, but clearly, my heart isn’t listening.
Kaitlyn: It can. Or handcuffs.
Now she’s teasing me.
Payton: Throw in some candle wax and you’ve got yourself a deal.
Kaitlyn’s text bubble pops up and disappears.
Kaitlyn: I’ve been called Kinky Kaitlyn before…so be careful what you wish for. Not sure you could handle that side of me.
I can’t help but imagine her biting the corner of her lip as she responds, swiping her blond hair away from her face. Even though she wears it in a ponytail while she’s working, little strands always fall out. I find myself longing to tuck them behind her ears.