Page 106 of Whispered Promises

But…what if I know better?

There should never be a world where someone can treat her like shit, and she has to tolerate it. She deserves more than the rest of the world, even if she doesn’t believe it.

“Okay.” It feels hard to say, because I don’t trust other people with her. Too many people have hurt Rosy, and I fucking hate it. But she needs this from me, so I’m going to give her what she asks.

For now.

“Thank you,” she whispers, rising to her tiptoes.

I lean down to meet her, receiving her soft kiss. Unable to let her go just yet, I groan into her mouth, nipping at her lips until she gasps. As soon as the sound leaves her mouth, I dive in with my tongue, swiping and licking my way in.

A loud snort interrupts us, pulling Rosy’s attention away from me. Then she laughs. It’s a bright, fucking perfect sound.

“I’m not apologising, Squid. If you don’t like it, you can look the other way. You have plenty of field space to stand anywhere else,” she tells the stumpy black-and-white cow.

Squid responds with a tongue swipe across his very wet nose.

“Fine, you can have a kiss too,” she says, striding over and planting a loud one on his face.

Not sure I like that she kisses them too. Now I have to share her with the other guys, the cat, and cows too.

“What do you think, Squid? Should we open his gift?”

Insecurity creeps back in. What if I didn’t pick the right thing? Maybe it’s not enough?

The bag rustles as she rummages through it.

“Nate!” She gasps. “They’re perfect! I love them.” She tugs my gift from the bag, holding the long, fluffy socks up and inspecting them closer. They’re blue, with hairy-looking orange cows on them. “I can’t believe you got me these. It’s so thoughtful.”

She wraps her arms around my torso. My arms wind around her, holding her even closer, and my chin rests on top of her head. Every inch of her body is pressed against mine, soft and sexy. “I know you like socks. Never seen you in a plain pair, so I got those.”

She tilts her head, chin resting on my chest as she smiles up at me. “Who knew you’re a gift giver? It’s honestly the best thing someone’s ever given me.”

“I know something better I could give you.” One of my hands drops, squeezing the round curve of her backside.

She laughs again, and it vibrates through me. Fuck, I love it.

“Nate! I’ve got work to do, so you can either help or watch.”

“Not watching you work,” I huff. “Tell me what you need doing.”

FORTY-THREE

ROSY

“Ouch, fuck.” Nate growls.

I turn to look over my shoulder and a laugh splutters out. He pushes Jerry’s head, trying to detach himself from the hold the pony has on his rear trouser pocket.

“That’s my arse.”

Jerry snorts back, not letting go.

“I have carrots,” I announce with a snicker.

Jerry suddenly releases Nate’s trousers and charges towards me. Nate grunts as his arm gets yanked after the pony. His grip stays tight on the lead rope attached to the pony's headcollar, and the pony almost drags him along. They come to a stop beside me, Jerry huffing indignantly and Nate grumbling under his breath. Shifting Gilly and Mabel’s lead ropes into one hand, I tug open the gate, trying to hide my sniggering.

We reach the side of the barn, and I tie up the girls, then tie Jerry’s rope to another hook. Picking up the grooming box, I turn to Nate. He’s scowling, rubbing at his rear cheek.