Page 15 of The Boss

She stares at me for a moment, then frowns. "It's too fast to be saying things like that, don't you think?" she murmurs.

"Hey, when you know, you know. And I know." I grin, kissing the side of her cheek, then down her neck. "And as soon as you know, you'll let me know…you know?"

She bursts out laughing, then looks around. "Should we lock up the helmets?"

"Nah. Everyone knows whose vehicle this is."

"Wow." She pulls off her small backpack to check the time on her phone. "A safe town. That's amazing."

I slip five twenties from my wallet and tuck them into the back pocket of her jeans, using it as an excuse to squeeze her ass until she giggles. "Spending money. If there's anything you need for the next few days, grab it now." I point to the building across the street. “I'll be right there in the bank, okay?"

“Wow. Thank you." She looks around and grins. "I don't think I'm going to get lost here."

“I like your hair all messed up.” I finger comb it a little more, then cup the back of her head and bring her lips to mine. “Especially when you’re sleeping in my bed.” Kissing her gently, my heart swells even bigger when she grips the front of my shirt. “You were stunning when I woke up this morning. Been thinking about that all day.”

“Stop it. You’re making a scene,” she whispers.

“So?”

Her fingers tighten in my shirt as she gives me a shake. “Let’s be respectable, mister. You said people know you around here.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” I kiss her forehead, grinning. “I’ll find you when I’m done, baby.”

I love the way her eyes light up when I call her baby. Or beautiful. Or mine.

I watch her walk into the bookstore, then go into the bank, waving to Shane across the lobby. As usual he's not wearing a tie, and his jacket is flung across the back of his chair.

He greets me warmly. “Thanks again for taking care of the Jensen mortgage. I checked with Darla down the hall and it turns out the poor family still owe payments on that loan they had to take out a couple of years ago to pay for a new tractor, too.”

"Should I pay that off as well?"

He shrugs. "You could. They also owe two years’ worth of back taxes." He slides a paper toward me and points to some numbers.

“Fine. Put it on my tab." I chuckle. "If any other expenses crop up, pay them as well. The Jensens have had a rough time for the past few years, but they're good hard-working people and don't deserve to lose their farm."

"I couldn’t agree more. And thank you." He shoves the papers aside, his expression souring. "You should know, those Decker real estate people are getting nasty. They've been calling around town, trying to dig up dirt on your ranch."

"Should I care?"

Shane shrugs. "Many of us know that things are kind of done…" He chuckles. "Your own way? Is that fair to say?"

"Sure, but⁠—"

"You know how people talk, Boss. I've heard all kinds of crazy theories. That you're growing marijuana out there. Or poppies for opium."

I chuckle, scratching the back of my head. "I know the land is great for rhubarb and strawberries. I’m not sure about the rest."

He shakes his head again. “I've heard people in the café whispering that you're a bunch of horse thieves. Paying people under the table to keep your records clear. Even how you’re hiding women up there. All kinds of bullshit."

I sigh, drumming my fingers on his desk. "Is it just dumb gossip, or should I be genuinely concerned that people are going to drive out to the ranch with pitchforks?"

"People around here know to leave you alone. But these real estate guys… I just don't know. They're getting pretty aggressive. They're hell-bent on buying that land. Something about the perfect view for this project that’s going to earn them a fortune or some damn thing."

"Thanks for the intel, Shane. I appreciate it." I stand, shake his hand, then nod. "Call me if you hear anything, okay?"

"Will do. Good luck." He grins. "And thanks again for helping out the Jensens."

I nod. "Just doing our bit."