Page 72 of Sterling Clay

“I haven’t taken you on a proper date yet. I just wanted some adult time alone with you outside of the house.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, tickled that he wants to spend time with me and grateful for a little adult time myself.

Clay promised Dutton he’d bring him here another time, and while I’m certain Dutton will love the horses, I’m happy that I can have this experience first with Clay.

“I should be thanking you, beautiful.” Clay takes the reins for Honey Rose and ties her up near Terra. Then, he takes my hand and leads me inside the tiny house.

With field stone and exposed brick walls, the space is cool like outside. A double bed rests against one wall. A wood-burning stove is in the opposite corner. A small wooden chair sits near the front window and a giant rug covers the slab floor. The place is quaint and cozy.

Clay rubs his hands together. “Just give me a minute to get the fire going. And ignore the bed. I didn’t bring you here to get laid.”

Running my hand over the smooth, light-colored comforter covered by a dark plaid blanket, I laugh. “What if I want to get laid?”

Clay stills where he’s opening the front grate of the stove. “Then we can revisit the plan after lunch.”

“Lunch?” There is no kitchen. No bathroom for that fact. This place is as rustic as it gets.

He hums like he holds a secret.

After tucking some logs into the stove and striking a match to light the fire, Clay stands. “Be right back.” Clay exits the house, returning with the bag I hadn’t seen him put in the saddle bag hanging off Terra.

“Picnic on the bed?” Because the floor might be a little cold to sit on. He holds up the sack before nodding at the bed and suggests, “Kick off your boots and climb up.”

I do as he says, finding the blanket soft and the pillows comfortable as back support. The bed is cozy in general.

Clay arranges various containers with cut slices of cheese and sausage, crackers and grapes. He also has a variety of nuts. The display is charcuterie minus the board. Lastly, he pulls out a container filled with liquid.

“Going to mull this wine. It should only take a few minutes.” He pours the wine into a small metal pan and places it on top of the stove, adding in some clove sticks and orange slices. Within minutes, the room smells amazing.

“This is so sweet. When did you prepare all this?” My voice bubbles over with excitement from the thoughtfulness of what he’s brought with him. The care in his plan for the day. How romantic it all looks.

“I can’t reveal my secrets.” He chuckles, as easy going as I feel right now. “Just wanted to take care of you for an afternoon. You work so hard, Mavis. Mothering Dutton. Nursing at the hospital. Feeding me. I want you to relax. Hang out for a bit.”

I hum. “I don’t think anyone’s ever cared for me like you do.” I lower my gaze and pluck at the blanket, but I don’t want the giddy energy swirling around us to burst, so I poke fun at myself by adding, “And I’m not certain I know how to relax.”

“Maybe we can figure something out.” He wiggles his brows as he stirs the wine in the pot.

“And here you said you didn’t want to get laid.”

Clay shrugs. “I do, but I don’t. I’m happy to just spend time talking. If it leads to us making out, that’s cool, too.”

“Making out?” I tease while foolishly smiling until I see something in Clay’s expression. “You’re serious.”

“Ever spend an afternoon just kissing someone?”

“No.” My answer is a little too sharp and I soften my voice before repeating the word. “No.”

“Neither have I. And I’d like a first with you.”

“A first?” I whisper.

“You know. I can’t be your first kiss. I can’t steal your virginity.”

I snort. No, that is long gone. “But we had a first kiss with each other. And a first time together.”

Clay’s mouth slowly crooks upward. “Yes, we did, but I want something uniquely first for us.”

Us. I swallow the emotions that bloom with the thought, fighting any conflicting ideas in my head. I drop my gaze and pluck at the blanket once more. “I like us.”