Page 49 of Honoring Freedom
“I’m not playing matchmaker. I’m just pointing out how you watch her.” She pulled off some cotton candy, pushed it into her mouth then licked her fingers. Thankfully, things had calmed down on the ranch since the horses were poisoned. Kent Downs had seemed to be keeping his distance. Freedom guessed she and the businessman had reached a sort of silent truce.
“You mean the same way you look at Keller?”
She almost choked on air. “What? That’s insane.” Her laugh was a bit constricted.
He chuckled. “Do you two think you’re fooling anyone?” He cocked a brow.
Looking around to make sure no one was watching, she dragged him over away from the crowd. “What are you talking about?”
He swiped the napkin down his beard. “Freedom, come on. Do you think since we’re hands we’re stupid?”
“I-I…”
“Just thought you could sneak around for months, and no one would catch on? There’s nothing to be ashamed of. He’s not a hand. Hell, he’s a good man.”
The cotton candy suddenly didn’t taste so well. She dropped the remaining treat into the trash can. “I’m not ashamed.”
“Okay. Then why continue to hide your relationship with him?”
“Who all knows?”
Jinx shrugged nonchalantly. “Not too many. I’d say they have their suspicions, but they respect Keller, and you.”
“Is that what’s happening between you and my sister?” She looked up at him.
He snorted. “Justice wants nothing to do with me.”
“Are you sure about that or is that your assumption?”
He shoved the last bit of his hot dog into his mouth and said around the mouthful, “We’re not going there.” He took off walking.
“We’re not done with this conversation,” she called to his back.
He gave a semi-wave in the air.
She stood there a minute looking around at townsfolk gathering near the tables.
She checked her watch and headed for the barn with pep in her step.
Liberty had remarked earlier that Keller looked at Freedom like he was in love. Freedom wanted to confess her relationship with Keller but hesitated. It seemed the longer they kept everything private the harder it was to admit the truth. Whenever Freedom was about to speak, one of her sisters would come up with something important to share. Liberty had revealed her own secret—she and Wyler were back together. It didn’t surprise Freedom, as Wyler clearly adored Liberty.
As she headed down the path to the barn, she looked over each shoulder making sure she wasn’t spotted before slipping inside. Her heart picked up speed when she was swept up by strong arms.
“Freedom, you’re late. I’m about as restless as the horses,” Keller whispered in her ear.
“Sorry, but I got caught up.” She stared up into his smiling face.
He looked quite handsome in his button down and worn jeans. He pulled her over to the bales of hay which created a makeshift nest away from any prying eyes. “I thought I’d go crazy.” He leaned in and kissed her neck.
She sighed in pleasure. “You almost gave away our secret. Liberty caught you staring at me. We have to be more careful.” When his tongue came out to lick her skin she deepened her grip on his shoulders.
He lifted his head just enough to look down at her. “I don’t know why we’re still keeping this a secret.”
“Less mess.”
He moved to the other side of her neck, planting warm kisses on that side from her collarbone to her ear. He rolled the tip of his tongue over the sensitive lobe. She shivered. Although they were having sex every day, she couldn’t seem to get enough of him.
“And you don’t think it’ll be messy when everyone finds out that we’re married?”