Page 66 of Long Hard Road

“We were supposed to have our dinner date tonight,” Nate reminded me quietly.

“I think we’d better just go home.” I had really wanted that date with him. I had wanted to feel like a normal woman going to dinner with her boyfriend. That wasn’t going to be possible now that everyone in town knew who I was. The last thing we needed was another incident that would draw even more attention.

“Whatever you want, angel.” Nate squeezed my knee. “We can grab some takeout instead. Have a little picnic in front of the fireplace.”

“That sounds perfect.” I kissed his cheek. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Anything for you.”

Nate drove us to his favorite diner and ordered a bunch of greasy food for us to take home. He even grabbed extra food for Xander and the security guard who was stationed outside the cabin.

“If you want to get started on the fire, I’ll grab drinks and set up the food.” I was surprised not to see Meadow waiting for Nate at the door. “Where’s your girlfriend?”

“Don’t be jealous. There’s plenty of me to go around.”

“I remember,” I muttered as desire began to pool low in my belly. I had never thought that I would enjoy having a man’s cock in my mouth, but that moment with Nate had ruined me forever. I couldn’t stop picturing his face as he released inside me, unguarded as he looked hard into my eyes and let me watch him come undone.

“As I remember, you handled all of me just fine.” He squeezed my ass before heading into the living room.

I had to take a couple of deep breaths before I was composed enough to move from that spot. It took me three attempts to open the paper bag because I was so flustered. I placed our food onto plates and took them into the living room. Nate had spread a blanket on the floor and was busy stacking logs in the fireplace.

“What do you want to drink?” I asked.

“Is there still beer in the fridge?” he asked without turning around.

“Coming right up.”

I grabbed two beers and started back to him, but stopped when I heard a tiny squeak. “Nate, did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” He had gotten a nice fire going and dusted off his hands before standing.

“I’m not sure.” I looked around the room. “Where is Meadow?”

He looked at the food spread out on the blanket. “She would never stay away after smelling our burgers.”

I placed the beers on the coffee table and walked over to where Nate had created a bed for her out of blankets. “Oh holy cuteness!” I clutched a hand to my heart. “Nate, she’s having her kittens.”

He was at my back in an instant, arms coming tight around me as he settled his chin on my shoulder. “Meadow is a mama now.”

One slimy kitten was already laying in front of Meadow and she was cleaning it with her tongue. She stopped and shifted her leg, revealing a second kitten starting to emerge.

“This is incredible,” I breathed. I had never witnessed a birth. “You’ve probably seen stuff like this a bunch on the ranch.”

“A few times. It never stops being amazing.” His nose brushed my ear. “Kind of like holding you. Never stops being amazing.”

“I like being in your arms. I feel safe here.” I sighed as he kissed my temple. “You’re acting pretty calm after everything that happened at the game.”

“I’ve had some time to let my rage dwindle. I still want five minutes alone with those three assholes, though.” His arms tensed around me and I regretted ruining our tender moment.

“All the stuff before that. The stares and the pictures. Did it bother you?”

“That’s part of your life. Not my favorite part– that part happens behind closed doors. But if I have to get through that shit to get to the good stuff, I can deal.” The stubble on his jaw tickled my cheek. “This is the good stuff, angel. It was worth it.”

I had tried to date after I first got out from under my parents’ control. I had gone on dates with a dozen different guys, most of them only once. A couple I had gone on two or three dates with before I realized it was never going to work. All of those men had been annoyed by the cameras that followed us. They had acted like being with me was a burden and I should be grateful they put up with me.

“Look.” Nate squeezed me tighter. “Kitten number two.”

Meadow had pushed the second kitten into the world without making a noise. She was dutifully cleaning this one just like she had the first one. “I wish we could help her.”