Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Although, I would consider that a perk.
I wandered to the cookhouse, feeling hungry. Callie was busy rolling out dough when I walked in. She smiled at me, wiping her hands. “There you are. I was wondering if we lost you the first day!”
I shook my head, and she bustled around, handing me a tray. “Sit and eat.”
“Can you join me?”
She nodded. “Let me get a cup of coffee.”
I took a mouthful of the stew she ladled into the bowl, groaning at the flavor. “Oh my God, this is so good.”
She chuckled and sat down. “With all your exploring, you must be hungry.” Her lips twitched. “Not to mention your swim in the river.”
I had to laugh as I dipped the soft, fluffy bread she’d given me in the thick, rich broth. “Luke startled me, and I fell in.”
“Is that how you got that goose egg?”
I shook my head, swallowing before I replied. “No, that was last night. I’m not usually so clumsy.”
She shrugged, her eyes dancing. “Something got you distracted, honey?”
I met her gaze. She was about my age, pretty, with soft brown hair and dark eyes. Tall and slender, she was also strong. I had watched her lift a fifty-pound sack of flour that morning like it was nothing. Slap a huge piece of beef onto the cutting board like it was a loaf of bread. Her arms were toned and tight. I wouldn’t mess with her.
“Um, no?”
The door opened, and Luke walked in. He was in fresh jeans and a tight T-shirt that showed off every delicious muscle on his torso and arms. Remembering how his chest felt pressed into mine, the power and strength in his arms as he tossed me, hovered over me, made me blush, and I dropped my eyes, spooning more of the delicious stew into my mouth to cover the whimper that wanted to escape.
Callie stood with a grin. “Never known the boss to swim midday before either.”
“She pushed me,” Luke said, sitting down. “I’m hungry. You got any stew left, or you too busy gossiping with the city gal to get me some lunch?”
She shook her head. “Always so charming. Are you telling me this city gal pushed you into the water?”
“I am.”
“Hmmph.”
“What?” He narrowed his eyes at her.
“Bowled over, I suppose some would say.”
“Get me my lunch,” he growled.
She walked away laughing. I kept my eyes on my lunch, eating and keeping my mouth busy.
“You got all you needed this morning?” he asked.
I resisted telling him I still needed to have him inside me. Instead, I nodded.
“Got some ideas?”
I nodded again, stuffing bread into my mouth to stay quiet.
He tilted his head. “Nothing to say, Lady? Cat got your tongue?”
I shrugged.
Callie called over. “Come get your tray, Luke. I’m not a waitress.”
Luke unfurled himself from the chair. “I’m coming. Keep your shirt on.”
He stopped by my chair, bending low, his voice a whisper in my ear. “Lucky damn cat.”
I fought not to choke on my bread. He patted my back in mock concern. “Careful, Lady. Don’t want you to hurt yourself.” Then he sauntered over and took the tray from Callie. “I’m eating outside. I got some calls to make.”
I glared at his retreating back.
I owed him for that one.
Callie sat back down, shaking her head. “That man. Pain in my ass. Him and my husband.”
I laughed. “Aren’t they all?”
She chuckled. “Probably.”
“Have you been here long?”
She smiled and took a sip of her coffee. “I grew up not far from here. Met Jeff when I was twenty, and we got married. Jeff has known Luke his whole life. He worked here for a long time. I worked in town at the diner, and when Luke decided to start up the tradition of a cookhouse again, I took on the job.”
“You enjoy it?”
“I love it. I love cooking and baking, and there is only so much I can cook for us at home, which was one reason I worked at the diner. Here, I get to feed all the hands, and it satisfies me.” A sad look crossed her face. “We were never able to have kids, so looking after all the people here helps.”
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugged, smiling again. “I accepted it a long time ago. I love it here.”
“Do you know about the plans Rachel has?”
She nodded. “I have so many ideas for menus and cookout plans. I was hoping to maybe teach a class or two. Cowboy food. I can hardly wait to see it happen.”
“Awesome idea. That’s great.” I was thrilled with her enthusiasm. “I hope Rachel is able to be part of it, once her fiancé is on the mend.”
“I talked to her this morning. Tyler is awake and doing well. He needs time to heal, but he should be home soon. She’s like Luke, and she’ll have it all under control.”