Tacoma Falls: Home and Heart

Proof is in the pudding

Maury

I woke the following day to find Shep using me as a body pillow. I didn't mind since it was better than waking to a spot beside me. My lips twitched into a slight smile. It was nice to wake up beside somebody. Most guys would make an excuse or sneak out after we got together.

I pried Shep from me, slipped out of bed, and crept to the bathroom. After finishing, I returned to the bedroom to find Shep getting dressed. My heart sank, but I masked it so the blow didn't hurt. "I didn't think you were awake."

"Yeah, I need to get to the ranch before Waylon has my ass in a sling." Shep tugged his shirt over his head.

"Oh, you wouldn't want to upset Waylon." I turned on my heel and hurried from the bedroom. Don't cry, Maury. Wait until he leaves before you have your breakdown.

I entered the kitchen, grabbed the coffee, and prepped the coffeemaker—anything to focus on falling for more lies. I grabbed a mug while the coffee brewed and waited. I ran through tasks this morning to distract the crack in my heart. I don't have any clients scheduled, so that I can sell fishing licenses and bait to customers. That should keep me busy all day.

"Maury?"

I glanced at Shep standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "Just thinking of my plans today. I don't have any appointments, so that I can wait on customers at the bait shop."

"What?"

"Yep." I crossed my arms and bobbed my head. "If I don't have appointments, I work in the bait shop. It keeps me busy. So, yeah. It sounds like a busy day."

"I was going to ask if you wanted to come to the ranch. I wasn't sure if you had appointments or not."

I stood erect and stared at Shep. "What?"

Shep walked toward me. "I planned to ask you last night, but it slipped my mind while we discussed the lousy childhood."

"Are you ready for Beau and Waylon to know about me?" I swallowed hard as my heart thumped against my rib cage.

"Yeah. Why?"

"I wasn't sure if you were ready or not. I didn't want to push."

"Maury, I meant what I said last night. I will shout to the world that you're my guy. Did you think I was running off?"

"No..." I gave Shep a sideways glance.

"You sure did! You thought I was going to bolt like a wild steed!"

"Well, what do you expect when I find you dressing?"

"Did you want me to head to the ranch naked? I'm sure Waylon and Beau would have something to say about it."

I looked at Shep and pursed my lips.

"Maury, I didn't realize the time when I woke up. Waylon usually drags my ass out of bed before the roosters. Not that I minded snuggling you last night."

Annoyance flooded me before I grabbed another mug. "We might as well have coffee before you drag me home to meet your brothers."

"One cup. Then you need to get dressed. No suits."

"I'm not an idiot, Shep. Even I know you don't wear nice clothes on a ranch. I grew up on a farm."

Shep's lips curled into a smirk.

******
Shepherd

Maury was more skittish than a newborn filly. I can't blame him since he didn't work on a ranch. Ranchers don't have regular hours with a desk job. We work from early morn to after dark most days.