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I Don't Kiss Cowboys… Often
"I know you over heard what I said." he interrupted. "I'm sorry that what I said may have hurt you,but I am thinking about what happens after you eventually leave here." He continued, standing and walking over to where she stood.
Mercedes held her ground, her eyes locked with his. "Sam, I appreciate your concern for the future of the ranch, but I want you to understand that I am more than capable of helping this ranch succeed and flourish. I may not have the same experience as you or anyone here, but I have a passion for this and a determination to make it thrive."
Sam's brows furrowed in uncertainty, his hands clenched at his sides. "Mercedes, it's not about your abilities or your passion. It's about the risks involved, the challenges we face in this line of work. I've seen firsthand how unforgiving this ranch can be. I can't just sit by while anyone makes this risky decisions in the hopes of turning things around."
Mercedes took a step closer to him, her voice unwavering. "Sam, I understand that you're looking out for your family's land and trying to protect it potential failures, but I need you to trust in my abilities. I've spent years studying-"
"Studying and living it are two different things, Mercedes. You can throw out a million great ideas but it's gonna cost to make them into a reality. I looked at your notes and in theory all of these ideas sound great but the cost verse to payout are too risky. Winter is literally almost here and we have to make sure our life
stock have what they need, did that even come up during all of this?"
Mercedes took a deep breath, her determination unwavering. "Yes, Sam, I understand the challenges you guys will face, especially with the upcoming winter. Both Stacey and Jane assured me that there would enough to ensure that the ranch continues functioning. I know it won't be easy, but I believe we can make it work."
Sam let out a sigh, his features softening slightly. "Mercedes, I appreciate your enthusiasm and your willingness to learn, but this is a huge responsibility. It's not just about making things work for a season; it's about sustaining this ranch for generations to come."
Mercedes nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "I understand, Sam. And I'm not saying it'll be easy or without risks. But every venture worth pursuing comes with its challenges. I'm confident that together we can navigate through them and find solutions that will benefit this ranch in the long run."
Sam looked at her, his expression a mix of skepticism and admiration. "You really believe in this, don't you?"
Mercedes nodded, her voice unwavering. "Yes, Sam. I believe in the potential of this ranch, and I believe in our ability to overcome any obstacles that come our way. I may not have the same experience as you, but I am willing to learn and work hard to prove myself."
Sam sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Are you certain that you've crunched the number correctly and that there won't be a big hit to the ranch?"
She nodded. "I'm positive and if I'm wrong I will pay for whatever loss you guys may face."
Sam looked at Mercedes for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he let out a long breath and nodded. "Alright. But just remember, Mercedes, this isn't just about money or about proving yourself to me or anyone else. This ranch is our home. It's our livelihood. If you're wrong, we could lose everything."
"I understand," Mercedes replied solemnly. "And I promise I won't let that happen."
There was silence for a moment as Sam studied her earnest expression. When he finally spoke again, his voice was soft. "I hope you're right, Mercedes."
With that, he turned around and walked back into the house, leaving Mercedes standing alone on the porch. For a moment, she felt a rush of fear - had she made a mistake in promising so much? But then she shook her head, dispelling the doubts.
She knew what she was doing. She had confidence in her plan and in herself. She started to walk away before spinning around and knocking on his door. She waited before the large door opened and he was standing in front of her her again.
With a raised eyebrow, he asked, "Anything else?"
Her steps were quick as she walked past him and into his living room, her heart racing. She took a deep breath before turning to face him.
"Okay, I'm listening," Sam said, crossing his arms and giving her his full attention.
"Earlier we talked about what happened the other night and we both agreed it was a fluke. I also said that I don't kiss cowboys."
Sam's confusion was evident on his face as he replied with a simple, "Okay..."
She squared her shoulders and met his gaze head-on. "Well, I do want to kiss you. And since I believe in consent, I wanted to ask for it now."
Sam's eyebrows arched playfully. Mercedes couldn't help but feel a warm flush spread across her cheeks, but she held his gaze with confidence. "So you're not asking for a kiss, you're just going to take it?"
Mercedes nodded, shifting. "Yes, Sam. I want to kiss you. Now and possibly many times in the future."
"Mercedes..." He began, but paused, shaking his head with a chuckle. "You really do have a knack for surprising me."
She shrugged, smiling slightly. "I like to keep things interesting."
"Interesting indeed," Sam replied, rubbing his hand over his face as he tried to hide his amusement. His blue eyes met hers, sparking with curiosity and something else she couldn't quite place.
"So," he drawled. "You're asking for the freedom to kiss me anytime you feel like?"
"Yes," Mercedes answered simply, her heart pounding in her chest.
Sam considered her from where he stood, leaning casually against the door frame. The silence seemed to stretch on forever before he finally broke it with a slow nod and a grin that warmed her heart. "Well, Mercedes, I can't say I've ever been asked for a kiss in such a... direct manner before. But I suppose there's a first time for everything."
He closed the distance between them in a few steps, his gaze never leaving hers. Standing closer to him now, she could see the faint lines of age and experience crinkling at the corners of his eyes and his lips. His hands gently cupped her face as he leaned down to meet her lips.
She relaxed into him, her hands settling on his broad shoulders. The kiss was soft and gentle yet held an undertone of something more; a promise of things to come and an acknowledgement of their shared understanding.
Mercedes leaned back, giving Sam a mischievous grin as her fingers danced along his chiseled jawline. "Just to be clear, this is strictly kissing and we'll keep it friendly. I don't want you falling head over heels for me, cowboy."
Sam chuckled and leaned back. "Oh, trust me falling in love with you isn't something you need to worry about, your kissing skills could use some work." He replied teasingly.
Mercedes's eyes widened briefly before she threw back her head and laughed, the sound echoing off the timber walls. "Is that a challenge?"
Sam shrugged, but she noticed his stern expression melt into an amused grin. "I'm just saying, you might want to put in a little more practice."
"Well," Mercedes said, raising an eyebrow. She stepped closer, their bodies touching. The light pressure of her fingertips against the hard planes of his chest was enough to make her heart skip a beat. "Oh, really? I think you're just afraid of admitting that you enjoyed it."
Sam's teasing smirk was infectious and Mercedes found herself grinning back. He raised a challenging brow, his hands still resting lightly on her waist. "Is that so? Guess we'll have to test that theory then."
In that moment, his emerald eyes sparkled with a newfound delight as she leaned in closer. The space between them seemed to evaporate like the morning mist at dawn, disappearing into the heat of their passion. As their lips met once more, this kiss was deeper and bolder than before, igniting a fire within them both. The world seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the intensity of their embrace, feeling the warmth of each other's breath and the electricity between their bodies. Time stood still in that fleeting moment, captured only by the pure and unbridled desire that consumed them both.
When they finally pulled away, he looked down at her, the grin he wore enough to make her heart flutter wildly in her chest. "Better," he murmured, his voice roughened slightly by the intensity of their kiss
"But still room for improvement," he added teasingly, his blue eyes sparkling with gaiety and an inscrutable fondness.
Mercedes couldn't help but chuckle at Sam's playful banter. Disentangling herself from his arms, she shot him an impish smirk. "Well, aren't you a tough critic! I guess I'll have to practice more then."
His laughter echoed in the quiet room, a sound as warm and wholesome as the man himself. "I'll look forward to it," he drawled, his gaze lingering on her face with an intensity that made her cheeks heat up.
Leaving him with a playful wink, Mercedes turned to leave the room. As she reached the door, she glanced over her shoulder. "This isn't over, cowboy."
Sam watched her leave with a bemused expression on his face. "Can't wait," he muttered to himself, shaking his head with a grin.
As promised, Mercedes made it her mission to constantly surprise Sam in the coming days. She stole kisses from him in the barn, playfully nudged him while feeding the horses, and even snuck in some passionate make-out sessions on the porch under the glow of the moon. The ranch life, which once consisted of monotonous work and mundane routines, was now filled with sparks of excitement and anticipation at every turn.
Sam, much to his own surprise, found himself eagerly looking forward to these stolen moments of intimacy. He had always known Mercedes was a force to be reckoned with - her strong will and independent spirit were what made her such an effective ranch manager. But now he was discovering another side of her: flirtatious, playful, unafraid to express her affection. It was a side of her he found irresistibly charming.
Mercedes made her way to the main house to where Stacey and Jane were waiting so they could meet with a few vendors and potential clients. She was glad that Marie packed a few of her more professional clothes because she wanted to help make a good impression. The only issue was that heels and gravel didn't mix, she carefully walked up the walkway thinking over all the notes they'd put together.
As she reached the top of the walkway, she could hear Stacey and Jane's laughter ringing through the open windows of the house. The light-hearted banter between the two women provided a comforting backdrop to Mercedes' thoughts.
The door was slightly ajar and Mercedes gently pushed it open, her heels clicking against the hardwood floors in a rhythmic pattern. Her appearance instantly hushed the ongoing conversation, and Stacey and Jane turned to look at her.
"Mercedes, you look stunning!" Jane complimented, her eyes widening with appreciation. The simple yet elegant navy dress she wore accentuated her slim figure while adding an air of sophistication.
"Thank you," Mercedes responded warmly, grateful for the compliment. She walked over to join them at the table that was spread with different business proposals, contracts, and spreadsheets.
As Mercedes settled into her seat, Stacey and Jane began to fill her in on the details of their meeting. They had a few potential clients interested in buying horses from the ranch, as well as some vendors who were interested in supplying feed and equipment.
Mercedes listened intently, taking notes and asking questions where necessary. She was impressed by Stacey and Jane's thorough research and their ability to negotiate deals that would benefit the ranch. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in being a part of such a capable team.
After the initial briefing, they set off to meet their first vendor. The sun was high in the sky as they walked across the ranch together, Mercedes feeling the gravel crunch beneath her heels. Their first stop was a small stall nestled under a grand oak tree that provided a patchwork of shade on the pebbled ground. This vendor, Mr. Phillips, sold an array of artisanal horse grooming products that he claimed were all-natural and sourced from local producers. His stand was draped in earthy-toned fabrics with his products displayed in rustic wooden crates; each item carefully labeled with hand-written tags. Stacey's eyes sparkled with interest as she picked up a sample to examine more closely while Jane initiated negotiations.
Jane skillfully navigated Mr. Phillips' initial attempt at hard selling, countering with an offer that was both fair and lucrative for both parties. Meanwhile, Stacey meticulously scrutinized each product, inhaling their scents deeply and studying their list of ingredients with a discerning eye. Mercedes admired her friends' professionalism and precision, feeling a wave of gratitude for their support in this endeavor.
The second vendor was a floral shop owner. As the women approached, the sweet scent of fresh flowers wafted towards them, instantly delivering a sense of serenity. Mrs. Parker, a middle-aged woman with an infectious smile, stood amidst her kaleidoscope of blooms, her hands stained with patches of green and soil. The sight was spectacular - roses of various hues, sunflowers standing tall, baby's breath scattered between the larger blooms as a delicate contrast, and more exotic blooms that added an unexpected element of surprise.
Stacey immediately gravitated towards sunflowers - her favorite - picking up one to admire its vibrant yellow petals. Jane, on the other hand, was captivated by an arrangement featuring antique roses mixed with fragrant lavender. Mrs. Parker explained that she cultivated most of the flowers in her own garden and had been in business for over two decades.
Mercedes could see why. Her floral arrangements were breathtakingly beautiful yet sophisticated, offering a unique blend of colors and textures that drew the eye and captured the heart. The woman had an undeniable green thumb, creating landscapes of colors and scents that took one's breath away.
"I can see these arrangements at our events," Jane commented thoughtfully, her eyes still fixed on the antique roses. "They would add a touch of elegance."
Mrs. Parker beamed at the compliment, thanking Jane for her kind words. Mercedes couldn't help but agree - the flowers were indeed beautiful and would complement their ranch events perfectly.
After finishing business with Mrs. Parker, they proceeded to meet their potential clients. Mr. Davis, a wealthy businessman from Dallas, was interested in purchasing some of their finest horses for his own ranch.
Throughout the meeting, Mercedes found herself impressed by Jane and Stacey's negotiation skills yet again. They presented their horses beautifully, expertly showcasing each animal's unique strengths and characteristics. Mr. Davis seemed suitably impressed, and by the end of the meeting, they'd secured a large deal.
After a successful day of business, the women found themselves back in the main house, their combined laughter echoing through the empty halls. Over glasses of chilled wine, they debriefed each other on the meetings, discussing strategies and next steps.
"I believe we've done exceptionally well today," Jane declared, sipping her wine while looking at her two friends.
"Spectacularly indeed," Stacey agreed. "Mr. Davis seems to be a promising client, and I have a good feeling about Mr. Phillips and Mrs. Parker as well."
Mercedes felt a swell of pride in their accomplishments. "I agree plus we have a few wedding vendor who are already adding Evans Ranch as a hot spot, I think the next step would be hiring a photographer and have them capturing some of the day to day then launching a website."
Jane nodded. "I can always call my friend Sebastian, he's a great social media marker and he has his own team so I'm sure he has a photographer on staff." She replied already pulling her out her phone to reach out.
"Also maybe a gala or ball or the ranch life equivalent of that would be a great way to pull more people in." Mercedes added as phone buzzed with a notification. She discreetly checked it under the table and saw that it was a message from Sam.
SE: Meet me at the barn
MJ: why would I do that?
SE: cause your feet hurt ;)
She smirked, shaking her head. "I know that it may seem like too much but if you invite the locals and a few from neighboring towns... you'd have free marketing that way." She added.
Stacey let out a wistful sigh, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's hard to believe... I've been begging my parents for this opportunity for what feels like ages and now it's finally becoming a reality. But there's something else I've been thinking of that could make this even more special... DJ's school is hosting a fundraiser and I was thinking we could offer a free riding lesson."
Jane's face lit up with excitement as she quickly jotted everything down in her notebook. "Yes, that's brilliant! We'll have to reach out to Sebastian sooner rather than later. I can arrange for him to come out on Wednesday. And Mercedes, you can help plan the main event. Instead of a formal ball or gala, we could make it more like a lively carnival."
"Absolutely!" Stacey chimed in. "We can invite all the vendors from today to set up booths and offer prizes and games. It'll be so much fun!"
"We can reconvene tomorrow after our morning chores and start contacting the vendors from today. And if your friend is interested in having a booth, we can include them too," Jane added.
"I could also spread the word on social media," Mercedes offered absentmindedly. "I have a pretty large following."
Jane exchanged a knowing look with Stacey before turning back to Mercedes. "Well, we have quite a few followers ourselves," she said with a laugh. "But we want to take a more authentic approach."
Mercedes furrowed her brow in confusion. "Authentic? What do you mean?"
Jane took a sip of her wine before she elaborated. "We do not just want to attract people from the cities who are looking for the next big thing or a cool photo for their social media. We want to attract people who have a genuine love and appreciation for the ranch lifestyle, people who respect and value the work we put in to make this ranch what it is."
Stacey chimed in, her voice filled with passion, "What Jane means to say is that we don't want the ranch to become the 'it' place just because people think it's trendy. We want it to be loved for its raw and authentic charm."
Mercedes nodded slowly, understanding their point of view. She found herself respecting their decision even more. "Yes, I understand, and I agree," she replied thoughtfully. "We need to maintain the essence of the ranch. It's special - it has a soul."
Jane gave Mercedes an affirming nod while Stacey raised her glass in agreement. "To Evans Ranch," she toasted, her voice carrying a note of reverence. The three women clinked their glasses together, a moment of solidarity and commitment to the vision they shared.
As they finished their tasks for the day, they left with plans to meet again tomorrow. Stacey joked that Mercedes could dress down, causing them both to laugh before saying goodbye. Mercedes made her way to the barn and opened the door with a slow creak, surprised to see Sam still working. She watched as his muscles flexed while he brushed one of the horses, tilting her head and biting her lip. She scolded herself silently for having such indecent thoughts.
"Hard at work, I see," she called out, stepping into the warm, hay-scented spaciousness of the barn. Sam turned around in surprise before a smile broke out on his handsome face.
"Well, if it isn't Mercedes Jones herself," he said, the teasing tone belying the sparks of interest in his eyes. "What brings you here this late?"
"Your cryptic message," she replied nonchalantly, leaning against a wooden post with her arms folded across her chest. "Something about my feet hurting?"
"Ah!" Sam exclaimed, remembering the note he'd sent earlier. He quickly rummaged through a nearby cabinet and pulled out a brand-new pair of cowboy boots. "I saw you prancing around in those city-girl shoes. Thought these might be more comfortable."
Mercedes stared at the boots in surprise, appreciating the small but thoughtful gesture. "Thank you, Sam," she said with a genuine smile, her heart fluttering slightly at his consideration.
Sam shrugged and smirked, looking very pleased with himself. "No problem," he said, his eyes never leaving her face. "Thought you might need them considering the work we're about to do."
"Work?" Mercedes asked, an eyebrow lifted in curiosity.
Sam nodded, tossing her a pair of gloves from a nearby shelf. "We've got horses to tend to, remember? And they could use a little pampering after a long day."
Mercedes laughed, catching the gloves with ease. "Oh, I see. So now I'm also a horse masseuse?"
The teasing banter between them was interrupted by an unexpected clatter outside the barn. Sam's head jerked toward the sound, his features hardening into a stern expression. "Stay here," he commanded before disappearing into the night.
Mercedes' heart pounded in her chest as she waited for him to return. Minutes ticked by slowly, stretching into what felt like hours. Suddenly, the barn door swung open, revealing a sheepish looking Sam carrying a large bucket of feed.
"False alarm, just a raccoon," he explained, as he set the bucket down.
Mercedes chuckled, shaking her head at the man's over-protectiveness. She couldn't deny that seeing him in this serious and caring light was endearing.
"Well then," she said, holding up the gloves he'd given her earlier. "Shall we get back to spoiling these horses?"
Sam grinned and nodded, leading her over to the horse who had been watching them with curious eyes. As they spent time together brushing down and feeding the horses, Mercedes couldn't help but feel an unexpected warmth blooming in her chest.
As they groomed the last horse, Sam leaned over, his arm brushing against Mercedes. His heart pounded violently in his chest while a thrill ran through her at the contact, causing her to look up at him. Their eyes locked and for a moment, time seemed to stand still as the tension between them grew.
"I think she's got enough hay for the night," Sam said, breaking the silence, his eyes still glued onto hers.
Mercedes nodded absently, unsure of what to say. Instead, she traced a finger down his arm and said lightly, "And you're awfully tense... too much horse grooming?"
Sam chuckled and dropped his gaze, feeling his cheeks heat up under her touch. "You could say that," he replied, reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair from her face. She looked up at him through fluttering lashes, her breath hitching in her throat with anticipation.
Sam leaned in slowly, the world around them blurring into insignificance. His hand found its way to her waist, pulling her to him gently yet firmly. There was a soft gasp from Mercedes as she realized what was about to happen, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she found herself leaning in too, closing the distance until there was barely any space left between them.
With his other hand, he lightly caught her chin, tilting her face upwards to meet his gaze. His eyes were now a turbulent sea of emotions, reflecting the intensity of the moment. The teasing smirk that usually adorned his face was replaced with a serious look of deep longing and adoration which caused Mercedes' heartbeat to accelerate.
"And you're awfully close…what's your excuse?" she teased lightly, trying to mask her rising anticipation.
"Can't help myself," Sam confessed in barely a whisper. Slowly, he leaned in further until their noses brushed against each other softly. His breath warm against her lips before he captured hers in a deep world around them seemed to disappear as they kissed, their bodies melting into each other with an intensity that sent shock waves through their systems. Mercedes found herself wrapping her arms around Sam's neck, pulling him in closer while his hands roamed her back. The familiar scent of hay and ranch animals blended with Sam's musky cologne, creating a symphony of sensations that intoxicated her.
Sam tasted of pure man and something uniquely him - earthy and honest, much like him. He was everything she hadn't known she needed, surprising her with the depth of her feelings. The intensity of the kiss increased with each passing second but was filled with a tenderness that made Mercedes' heart flutter.
Eventually, they pulled apart for much-needed breath, their foreheads resting against each other as they panted softly. "Wow," Sam breathed out in awe, his hands still resting at the small of Mercedes' back. She nodded in agreement, unable to find the right words to express what she felt at that moment.
"And here I thought I need more work on my kissing skills." She teased.
He chuckled. "I only said wow... never said it was better." He bounced back, pulling her closer and Mercedes stifled a moan when she felt him pressing into her stomach.
"Seems a part of you wishes it was more than a kiss."
Sam flashed her a roguish grin, his eyes glimmering with mischief. "Well, I can't deny what's evident, now can I?" he replied, his hands tracing circles on her back. His lips grazed her neck as he pulled her into a tight embrace. Mercedes felt a shiver run down her spine at his words, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Must suck I said only kissing then." She teased, tilting her head to give him more access.
"Eh, I don't think you could handle a cowboy like me," he murmured against her skin, his lips brushing her neck. His voice was low and husky, making her shiver in response.
"Is that your way of trying to entice me into more?" she asked coyly, the corner of her mouth curving into a teasing smile. A chuckle vibrated out of Sam's chest as he pulled away slightly to look at her flushed face.
"Darlin, you'd know if i was tryin to entice you... " he said with a grin. His hazel eyes sparkled under the low light of the barn and Mercedes felt a fluttering sensation in her stomach.
"As if you could please me," she retorted playfully, giving him a wink before stepping out from his embrace. Sam watched her with hooded eyes, a burning desire evident in them.
"Is that a challenge, city girl?" his voice carried a note of amusement and that familiar teasing undertone. Mercedes turned to give him a challenging smile.
"Maybe," she replied, laughing softly as she moved towards the barn door.
Sam watched her saunter away, his heart pounding in his chest. He'd never met anyone who could match his banter or keep up with his jokes quite like Mercedes could. And he found that he was hopelessly attracted to her.
Mercedes glanced back over her shoulder at him and winked. He grinned and shook his head, already looking forward to whatever tomorrow would bring.
I mean... she probably wish she said more than kissing! Next chapter willll be fun ;]