The Wrangler Takes a Wife (Silver Creek Ranch #7)

Chapter 5

Chapter Five

C hase

What was that saying about shooting yourself in the foot? Chase was feeling the effects. Of course, he always knew they would have to kiss if they were going to convince everyone they were a couple. However, he hadn’t planned their first kiss. Last night, he allowed his feelings to get away from him. The kiss wasn’t at all the controlled tool he’d wanted it to be. Amara’s lips were so pillowy soft. When her warm, luscious curves were pressed against his body, it felt as if she had been made especially for him.

He was a grown man, accustomed to controlling his emotions, but there was something undeniably magnetic about the moment. It wasn't just about the chemistry; it was the way her presence made him feel alive, as if time had paused just for them. Despite knowing he should pull away, he found himself lingering, savoring the connection that felt both exhilarating and comforting.

Chase hadn’t counted on their chemistry being an added complication. If anything, he thought it would make for a more enjoyable time. His plan had seemed so fool-proof. Both Amara and he would get something out of this. The two years would fly by in a blur. Then, when the time came, they would walk away. No harm, no foul. He felt like all kinds of a fool for letting one little kiss question his plans. He needed to stay at the ranch for two years before he could unload it. It was the stipulation his uncle had put in his will. He’d only been messing with her when he suggested five years.

Since his days at Silver Creek Ranch, he had not stayed in one place for such a long period. The gigs Chase took before moving were either one-year or short-term. He had just finished working at a ranch for a year, when he was called to Alberta for the reading of his uncle’s will. Being in one place for two years wasn’t ideal, but the land was all the incentive he needed to stay put. It was all so uncomplicated. Even when he came up with the plan to marry Amara, things seemed simple enough.

An errant thought struck him as he made his chicory. After I’m gone, Amara will move on. Someone else will be kissing her. The thought didn’t sit well with him. Chase tried to convince himself it didn’t matter, as long as no one touched her while he was still here. Which got him to thinking. Had he made that clear to her? He was making damn sure she got that straight the very next time he saw her. In the meantime, the thought that his future-wife might be thinking she could have a side piece had him in a foul mood.

When he snapped at the first person he encountered, he surprised them. Rightly so. Chase was direct, but he was never overly harsh with his workers. In fact, most would say they liked him. He worked right along with them, just as hard.

A few people felt his irritation before Chase got himself under control and managed not to be so ornery. Until he overheard two hands talking.

“Did you see Amara out there riding this morning?”

“You know I did. Her days off are my favourite days. The way she rides the horse.”

“Good, Lord. I wouldn’t mind her riding me like that.” This is how he speaks about Amara, how dare he?

Seeing red was the real thing. Chase knew it for a fact. He’d never experienced it over a woman before. Nevertheless, he was balling his hands into a fist and preparing to introduce it to Vin’s face. Lucky for Vin, Rodney intervened before he could get to the man.

“I know the fuck your ass isn’t talking about my little sister.”

The other man made himself scarce while Vin put his hand up in the air. “I was just messing around.” The man looked contrite, but that probably had more to do with Rodney’s stature than being sorry he disrespected Amara.

“I have a good mind to tell my sister how you were speaking about her,” Rodney groused.

“Please don’t. You know how she is.”

Chase wanted to hear this. Maybe he could still kick Vin’s ass.

“She’ll probably deck me, then kick me in the nuts all before she bans my ass from the diner. Then still turn around and tell my Momma.”

It was the first thing which made him smile all day. God Amara was something fierce.

“You better watch yourself, Vin.” Rodney stepped closer to him, until their boots touched, and growled down at the man. “You’re lucky I promised Louisa not to start no fights.” Looking from side to side, he lowered his voice. “But next time, I might swing and pummel first, then ask forgiveness later. Or, however, the hell the saying goes.”

Vin scurried off like his friend had before him.

Even though Amara was tough and stood her ground, it was nice to know how her brothers looked out for her.

Rodney noticed Chase’s presence. “Hey.” He nodded.

“Is Vin going to be a problem?” Chase asked.

“Problem for who? My sister?” Rodney shook his head. “Nah, he’ll watch what he says from now on. Vin is a good hand.”

It was true the man was a hard worker, and skilled at what he did. However, he earned himself a ride to the top of Chase’s shit list.

“Alright. I’m off this afternoon.” Chase reminded Rodney who was in charge when he wasn’t around.

Forty minutes later, he was leaving the ranch after a shower. Chase was running early. His intent was to drive straight to the lawyer’s office, but he remembered Amara was on the Welch Ridge. Before he could talk himself out of it, he headed out there.

Was it normal to be delighted when the woman who answered the door became furious when she realised it was you?

“Wrangler, what are you doing here?”

“Afternoon, Sweet Darling.” Chase noticed Amara hadn’t objected last night when he called her that. Nor did she now. She placed her hands on her hips, cocked her head, and stared at him.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

“Why would I? I didn’t ask you to come to my house. Weren't we supposed to meet at Jo’s office?”

“We were, but I thought I’d stop by and give you a ride.” Chase became distracted when the smells inside her home reached him. He sniffed the air. “What’s that you’re cooking?”

“Part of it was my lunch, and I also made a treat for my cousin.”

“Did you make anything for your future fiancé?” He found the glare she sent him sexy as fuck. Chase used his knuckles to brush her cheek. “Are you going to let me in and feed me?”

“Seriously? You act like you are starving.” Amara’s gaze swept him from head to toe. “Like you’ve missed a damn meal.” Shaking her head, she stepped aside so he could enter. “Come in.”

Amara’s place was warm. Despite the earth tones, it still managed to be soft and feminine. She was an avid reader. Chase was immediately drawn to the two bookshelves. Like a magnet, he headed straight for them.

“Hey, I thought you came in to eat. Come sit.”

Reluctantly, he walked away after giving the shelves a cursory glance. He spied cookbooks, and tons of fiction books. It sparked his curiosity. What types of books did she read?

Proving he was easily distracted when she was around, he soon forgot all about the books. Instead, all his attention was focused on her. He got a good look at what she was wearing. Instead of her regular hip-hugging jeans, she wore a jean dress that stopped just at her knees. The material wasn’t stiff but swayed as she moved around. He had a side view of her and was mesmerized by the buttons going all the way from the hem up to the collar. There were more than a few buttons left undone, exposing the plump swell of her abundant breast. Surprisingly, the diner’s t-shirts she normally wore had been minimizing exactly how full her breasts really was. His mouth watered as he tried to figure out the puzzle.

“You’re staring. It’s rude. Stop it.” Amara bristled. He chuckled at her tone. She had a fair point.

“What are you making me?”

“I’m not making you anything. I’m giving you some leftovers,” she informed him, adding some lettuce to a bun.

“What leftovers?” Chase didn’t really care.

“Chicken salad on a bun. Is that all right with you?” Her tone issued a challenge, which he couldn’t help but answer.

“We’ll see.” He shrugged.

Her eyes rounded at his response, and it was all he could do not to laugh. It was quiet in the room. No music or television. Was she in her kitchen with no background noise? It was strange to him. So, he asked about it.

“Before I was rudely interrupted, I was listening to an audio book.” She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Well, don’t let me stop you. You can put it back on.” There was something about all those books on the shelf that drew his attention.

“No. It’s fine.”

Amara walked over and placed a plate in front of him. Were those homemade chips? Well, damn. The bun was overflowing with chicken salad.

She walked away. “Would you like some Apple Cider?”

“Sure. Thanks.”

Amara returned and placed a glass in front of him and then headed back to the kitchen. She looked over at him with concern, etching her brow, and tilted her head. “Thought you were hungry.”

“I am but was waiting for you.”

“I ate earlier. Go ahead. I have to finish packing things for Jo.”

Chase ate the most delicious chicken salad while he studied her as she moved around her kitchen. She was in her element. What he liked most was she didn’t feel the need to fill the silence. Once he finished his food, he took his plate into the kitchen. She hadn’t heard him approach and gasped, pressing her hand to her chest. He walked past her and placed the plate in the sink.

“I could have done that.” She told him.

“It’s the least I could do. Thank you for lunch. Best chicken salad I ever had.” It wasn’t just idle words he offered her. There was something special about her food.

“You’re welcome.”

Chase wasn’t in a hurry to leave the kitchen and be away from her. “Can I help you with something, Sweet Darling?”

Amara had packed containers and just placed a reusable bag on her counter. He was certain she had everything under control.

“No, thank you.” She pointedly looked at his chair at the table across the room. Chase ignored the hint. Instead, he backed her up against the counter until she was pressed against it.

“Are you certain?”

She raised her eyebrow in response.

“That there isn’t anything I can help you with?” He placed his hands on the counter, bracketing her in. She shook her head as she exhaled. “Mm. Well, there is something you can help me with.” As he spoke, his eyes dipped to her mouth. Her lips were slightly parted. Something shiny coated them, and all he wanted to do was lick it off.

Chase lowered his head slowly. Giving her enough time to stop him. When she didn’t, he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was gentle at first, but quickly deepened as his tongue stroked against hers in a slow, deliberate dance. He moved one hand to grasp her nape. His thumb brushed against her pulse. Her moan reverberated against his tongue. Chase closed the small gap between them. The swell of her breast pressed against his body. God, she felt good. He wanted more. His hands caressed her curves… her hips. Then dipped beneath her skirt, caressing her velvety smooth thighs. He groaned as she whimpered at his touch.

It was difficult enough trying to hold on to his control when it was just him touching her. However, the moment he felt her hands grip his shoulders, it snapped. His hardened length jumped. Amara squeaked in response. Things were going further than he intended. Chase needed to check in with her before he got too caught up. He ended the kiss. As he stared into her eyes, he saw everything he needed to know. Amara wanted him as much as he wanted her.

She squealed in surprise as he lifted her onto the counter. His hands remained on her hips. He stepped in between her parted legs, filling the space. She looked down, hiding his view of her dark orbs. To get her attention, he squeezed her hips. “Tell me you want this.”

She nodded. “No.” He lifted her chin. “I want to hear you say it.”

“Yes.”

Almost before she could finish the word, he kissed her fiercely. Chase couldn’t remember the last time he wanted someone as badly as he wanted Amara. She melted into the kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pulled him closer. He fed off her passion.

The heat of her thighs surrounded his legs. He could feel the warmth radiating between them, creating an intimate cocoon. Seeking more. In a gentle motion, his hand moved upward between her inner thighs until he reached the apex. He explored her covered mound. She was wet. Wet for him. Pleasure strummed inside him. The sweetest sounds emanated from her as he teased her protruding pearl. Her moan traveled through his body, straight to his cock.

Their connection was intense, an undeniable force that seemed to draw them closer with every touch. The power of their chemistry was palpable, leaving him breathless and craving even more of her. She rocked forward into his touch.

Chase needed to see her face. Seeing her face contorted from passion made stopping the kiss worthwhile. God, she was beautiful. His touch concentrated on her hardened pearl. She was drawing closer to climax. There was such soft panting from her as her lips parted.

A loud peel sliced the air.

“What the fuck was that?” Chase’s head snapped up.

“The doorbell. Oh, shit.” Amara pushed at him. He didn’t budge.

“Move,” she whispered with venom. He had barely gotten out of the way when she slid off the counter.

“Coming!” she called out as she headed to the door.