Free Stay With Me: BWWM Interracial Cowboy/Western Romance (Westbury Ranch Book 2) by Roxy Wilson Page A

don’t know about that. You’re the one who’s traveled more than I. Me? I’m just—you know? Um…layers of chic are easy to pile on when you’re living in the city.”
    “It's more than that, and you know it. This sophistication is a part of who you are.” He set his glass down and took out the bowl of salad. Expertly, he swished a bottle of homemade dressing and poured it over the greens. “And the beauty is of course, an added bonus.”
    It seemed odd to see a man so at home in the kitchen. She could see he was used to cooking and took pleasure in it. Her mouth watered as she saw him toss the salad, and it wasn’t because of the food but because of the way he made her feel. Her skin tingled when she was around him. “Thanks.”
    “Let’s go in the dining alcove.”
    When she took a seat at the dining table that was wedged against a window, Shayne was astounded at how well planned this place was. A family with two children could live here with ease and not feel the pinch or lack of space. The view from the window was breathtaking. With no wall or fence, she could see right up to the hills that loomed way behind. “I hope Cullen is planning to make all the cottages this big. I wouldn’t mind shifting into one later on.”
    “You don’t like living at the farmhouse?”
    “Oh, I love it. My mom cooks, nags me into cleaning the room, and doing laundry, but I think if I stay there for too long, I might become lazy. Also, I need my space.”
    Juston nodded his head. “The location for the new cottages has already been marked out, and since there’s more than enough space on the farm, Cullen has kept enough distance between them to ensure a lot of privacy, but of course, this one would be my most favorite cottage of all. It’s near enough to the farm to walk to it within five minutes, but is well protected by the grove of trees, so no one could butt in without permission.”
    While she sipped her wine, he went back to get the chicken. The aroma of it was mouth watering. He came back and put in on the table. He served her the salad. She took a bite and closed her eyes. “Wow! I had no idea I was in for such a treat. You could have easily chosen a different career in cooking.”
    “There is fun in cooking for myself and for people I care about, but I don’t think I could’ve done it for money.” He smiled. “So what do you like to do in your spare time?”
    “Spare time? What’s that?”
    He laughed. “That bad?”
    “Actually, I’m glad to be so busy. It’s nice to have something to do, and because my father and Cullen never did any marketing, we have to start from scratch. I’m enjoying it, but I already have a feeling that once the farm is on track and the expansion plans have been completed, I’ll have a lot more time on my hands.”
    “So what will you do then?”
    “Maybe, go back to New York,” she announced. Shayne read the feelings on his face. He wasn’t at all happy to hear that. Would he be disappointed if she went back? Even though she was flattered that he felt so strongly about her, she also felt a little unnerved. Their relationship was moving at a breakneck speed, and she didn’t know if she could catch up to it.
    Juston carefully cut the chicken and gave her some. “Do you miss the city?”
    She tasted the chicken. It was just as delicious as it smelled. She swallowed and then answered, “A little bit. And I miss the friends I made and the hustle and bustle of it,” she admitted. “But I guess I don’t have to make any decision now. For this year at least, I’m committed to the farm. My younger sister, Paige, is coming back soon when she’s done with her studies. Once she’s here, Cullen will have more support. She’s also more hands-on.” Shayne expected Juston to say something about her plans to go back, but he didn’t. She ate the food. Even though there was silence in the room, it wasn’t uncomfortable. There was warmth in it. She felt it, and it soothed her.