Jisung and I huddle around Minho's hospital bed. He squeezes each of my hands, taking a shaky breath.
"I'm so lucky y'all were there. I suppose, well...I trust you two with my life."
Would Minho be this trustin' if he knew what Jisung and I were doin' when he got hurt?
Before Minho can say anything more, Dr. Miller enters the room.
"Thought I heard a celebration in here. Nice to finally meet you Mr. Lee."
"Pleasure's all mine. Thanks for fixin' me up, Doc. When can I bust outta this place?"
"Not so fast. Between the broken ribs, the internal bruising, and the concussion, it'll be several weeks before you're back on your feet."
"Weeks? Doc, that ain't gonna fly! I've got a ranch to run."
"Minho, Listen to the doctor. You were just sayin' how much you trust us. We'll take care of the ranch, you just focus on gettin' better." I tell him.
"And what, I just lay around all day?"
"Until you're fully healed...yes, that's the idea." the doctor informs him.
"Weren't you sayin' you never know what shows people are talkin' about? Now's your chance to finally catch up." Jisung tells him with a small chuckle.
"C'mon y'all, I'm fine. It was just a little bruisin'—"
Minho tries to sit straighter in the bed, but winces, his face screwing up in pain.
"Mr. Lee, please. I know this will require some adjustments. But if you rest now, you'll recover faster. I promise."
"I guess it would be better for the ranch if I wasn't huffin' and puffin' everywhere... Besides, I've got the dream team here, right? Jisung and (Y/N)'ll make sure everything keeps runnin' smooth while I rest up."
"By the time you're feelin' better, the place'll be a well-oiled machine." Jisung tells him with a smile.
"If you ask me, this is a piece of cake. Without you breathin' down my neck, I can even make some of those changes I've been talkin' about."
"Now hold on a minute. I'm not dead! You still gotta run that stuff by me."
"She's pullin' your leg, Minho." Jisung says.
"Jisung's right. But when we're through, I think you'll find the ranch in a better place than you left it."
"In that case, I think we can send you home. I'll just finish up the paperwork."
"Thanks for everything. We all appreciate it." I smile to the doctor.
The doctor passes Mandy as she exits the room. She comes bearing coffee and croissants.
"I brought sustenance!"
At the sight of Minho awake in his bed, she startles.
"Minho!"
"Mandy! I didn't know you'd be here..."
"Didn't (Y/N) give you our gift?"
"I totally forgot about that." I gasp.
"Then let me do the honors. Here, Minho. This is for you."
"Uh, wow. Thanks, Mandy. This is so...thoughtful."
"Don't mention it. We just wanted you to know how much we care. I should be headin' home, but it was nice to see y'all."
She pauses in the doorway to cast one last lingering glance at Minho.
"Get well soon."
Once she's disappeared down the hall, I wheel on my brother.
"What was that?"
"What was what? He answers me.
"Don't think I didn't notice you goin' tongue-tied over Mandy."
"No, no, no. Mandy's much too citified for a guy like me. Sure is a nice girl, though."
I exchange a knowing look with Jisung. A smirk tugs at his mouth.
"Now, enough dilly-dallyin'. You gonna break me outta here or what?"
Back at the ranch, I make sure Minho is comfortable in his own bed, carefully laying our grandmother's quilt at the foot.
"Quit fussin' over me. I said I'm fine."
"Oh, you're an expert in medicine now? Coulda sworn Dr. Miller said to fuss over ya extra." Jisung chuckles.
"She didn't know how much there is to do! Mendin' fences, reinforcin' the stable for the next storm..."
"Minho, don't make me smother you."
"You wouldn't dare."
"I love you, but you're tryin' my patience."
"I wouldn't test her if I were you." Jisung warns Minho throwing his hands up in surrender.
I reach for the pillow beneath his head, but Minho recoils.
"Dammit, fine! Standing down. Before y'all head out, can I ask you somethin'? It's about somethin' that happened in the storm...I can't get it outta my head."
Oh no...did he see us? There's no mistaking what we were doin' during that storm...
"...Is the root cellar holdin' up alright? Because we can't afford to lose all those stores. And rain like that mighta flooded it."
"We'll make it our first task. C'mon, (Y/N). The drill sergeant has give us our orders."
As Jisung and I cross the room to leave, Minho calls out for me.
"Wait! Don't forget to move the horses back to the pasture! And speakin' of horses, one of you should reach out to our associate and let them know we have a live foal. Shoot, that reminds me, has anyone checked on the mare? She was riled somethin' fierce durin' the storm..."
I hold out my hand behind my back, giving him the bird as I depart.
"What in the—? When I'm well again, you'll pay for that!"
Jisung and I share a smile as we exit the room. Minho might not be healed up yet, but clearly he's on the mend. Together, we descend the stairs to the root cellar. It's cool, a bit muggy, but overall dry.
"Looks like Minho was all worked up over nothin'." I say
"You're right. It's a bit damper than usual, but there's no standin' water."
"I'm countin' this as another victory for Lee Ranch."
I cross to check the rows of glass jars on the far wall, the ranch's store of preserves and pickled vegetables.
"I didn't realize we had such a stockpile. At the end of every summer, Mom would loop me in to help her with the cannin'. I always loved helping. Growin' up, her garden felt like magic to me. Every spring, she'd plant the seeds. Every summer, we'd eat what grew. The canning at the end of the year was hard work, but it was worth it. I still dream about her strawberry jam."
"Well, I can't claim mine's quite as good, but you're welcome to it. I laid down plenty last year."
"Really? You know how to can things?"
"Don't act to surprised. Havin' access to homegrown ingredients year-round is any cook's dream."
He takes a step closer and I feel the pull of his proximity, as if I've entered his orbit.
"Down here, I've got peach preserves, barbecue sauce, tomatoes, okra, jalapenos..."
"Sounds like you're a man of many talents. Seriously, Jisung. What can't you do?"
"I suppose I'm not much of a singer."
"Well, next time Mandy and I go out for karaoke, you're comin' with. Gotta shrink that head of yours down somehow."
"Since we're here, why don't you take a look at our stores and see what we can use for supper?"
"Lettin' me take the wheel on what you're cookin' up? I won't miss that chance."
I bend low for a better look at what's on the bottom shelves, and Jisung whistles appreciatively.
"I don't know if it's fair to do that to a man."
I turn to find him biting his bottom lip. I grin, catching his spark immediately.
"Why don't you come over here and do somethin' about it?"
At my invitation, Jisung takes a step forward. His hand traces the curve of my ass, and he squeezes once, hard enough to send a shiver through me.
"What did you have in mind?" he asks seductively.
The thrill of his touch spreads through me like wildfire. I can feel the barely restrained need in him. It would only take one word from me...
"We should take some time for us." he suggests.
"That's a good start. But I'm not sure if we're on the same page yet..."
Jisung pulls my ass flush against him. Even through layers of denim, I can feel the hardened proof of his desire.
"How 'bout now?"
"Better."
My panties soak at the sensation of his arousal pressed against me. Jisung slides a hand between my legs. The barrier between my body and his hand can't disguise how damp I am.
"Feels like it."
I stand and turn in Jisung's arms to capture his mouth with a kiss. The feeling of his lips against mine lights a familiar spark inside me, and I moan against his mouth.
"Mmmm..."
Slipping my arms over Jisung's shoulders, I pull him closer, molding my soft curves to his body. I can feel the taut muscles of his chest and abdomen against me. As I imagine the sharp lines dipping below his waistband, like a map to ultimate pleasure, I can't help but moan with desire.
"You taste even better than I remember."
Jisung's kisses grow insistent. When his tongue teases for entry to my mouth, I warmly accept him.
"Jisung..."
Spurred on by the sound of his name, Jisung pushes me back against the shelves.
"Yes?"
The glass jars rattle, but I hardly notice them. I'm too intoxicated by the feeling of Jisung's hands on me. He reaches under the hem of my shirt, his knuckles grazing my navel. It sends a shiver through me. As I arch under his touch, his fingers inch upwards until they curl around my breasts. He teases a thumb over my nipple, making me shiver.
"Yes..."
I make my own fun, teasing the waistband of his jeans before cupping his desire through the denim. Jisung growls, pressing against me with growing impatience. I throw my arms around his neck to pull him close.
"You're makin' me want more, (Y/N). Much more."
I hitch my leg around the back of his knee and writhe against him. Jisung rolls his hips in a rhythm to match, using his as an instrument for my pleasure.
"Do you like this?"
My answer is a breathy moan.
"I like it so much"
"What else do you like? I wanna hear you tell me..."
"I love it when you dominate me." I answer him
Jisung's hand hooks around the back of my neck, gripping just a bit, and tilts my head so I'm forced to meet his fiery gaze.
"Never forget that you're mine."
A devilish grin curls at the corner of his mouth. I smirk back defiantly, but he wipes the expression from my face with a ferocious kiss.
"Then treat me like it and touch me."
When I reach between our bodies, he pins my wrist to the shelves.
"You're not in charge here, darlin'."
"May I make a request, then, sir? "
Jisung's impish smile only deepens. He nods once.
"Looks like someone's getting' distracted." I smirk.
"you tend to have that effect on me..."
I wiggle a finger at Jisung, freeing myself from his grasp and move over to one of the shelves.
"We said we'd check on our stores, I mean to do a good job of it."
Grinning, I twist the lid off a jar of peach preserves to dip a finger inside. Jisung licks his lips, enticed.
"You make a good point."
I raise my finger to Jisung's mouth, and he parts his lips slowly, eyes never leaving mine. I dip my finger inside, gasping as his lips close around me.
"Ohhh..."
The way he swirls his tongue makes me lightheaded. I can't help but imagine how it would feel on other parts of my body.
"How's it taste?"
Jisung holds me by the wrist, catching my fingertip between his teeth before releasing me.
"Almost as good as you."
I can still taste the peaches when we kiss. Our tongues tangle together, savoring the sweetness.
"You're delicious, (Y/N)..."
Jisung's hand rests against my jaw, holding me in the kiss. I moan against his mouth, senses overwhelmed. Not only can I taste him...I can smell his heady musk, feel his firm muscles, hear his desperate groans.
"Jisung, please..."
We cling to each other, ravenous. Together, we crash against the shelves. Although the connection of our bodies is exhilarating, it isn't enough to satisfy. I cover Jisung's hand with my own and part my legs in invitation. At my direction, he rubs furiously against my pleasure point, using the friction of my jeans to elicit pleasure.
"I want to fell you, Jisung. Really feel you."
Taking the hint, Jisung tugs my bottoms down over my hips. He reaches past the soaked fabric of my panties to tease the source of my desire. He moans.
"Please, would you..."
He gently takes my hand in his, guiding me to his hardened length.
"Well, since you asked so nicely..."
As Jisung continues to stroke me, I work open his jeans. He gasps when my hand closes over him.
"Oh, God..." he groans.
"Tell me I'm the only one."
"Don't matter if we're together or apart. All I think about is you..."
I press a sensuous kiss to Jisung's throat as I stroke him. As my hand glides over the length of his shaft, he clutches my shoulders for support.
"No one's had that kinda hold on me before. No one."
Jisung's sentence ends in a moan. He isn't soft like putty in my hands. Instead, he's hard as stone.
"Truth is, I don't want it to stop."
"Neither do I."
The fire in Jisung's eyes flare. Our bodies collide and he claims my mouth with a kiss when...
CRASH!!
Several jars shake loose from the shelves and shatter to the ground.
"So much for keepin' an eye on things..."
Jisung laughs and steals a sweeter, softer kiss.
"I think that's our cue to get back to work."
"I'm not the one who lost focus here." I giggle.
"Takes two to tango, (Y/N)."
"Not to mention to clean up this mess."
With a smile, Jisung moves away to help me clean up the broken jars.
The two of us quickly finish checking the rest of the stores, then head upstairs to continue with our chores. While Jisung repairs the damaged fence outside the barn, I check in on the new foal.
"How're we doin' in here, you two?"
As soon as he hears my voice, the foal perks up, wobbling towards me on shaky legs. I kneel down to meet his eye.
"Welcome to the work, lil' one."
The foal whinnies at me with joy.
"And how're we doin', Mama? You've always been such a sweet girl. I know you didn't mean to hurt Minho."
The mare leans into my touch, nickering lightly.
"Let's give Mama a brush down."
The mare bobs her head, as if in agreement. A laugh bursts out of me.
"Maybe that's why you kicked Minho. He didn't pamper you enough."
I grab a brush box from the tack room and get to work, flickering off stray pieces of straw as I work my way over her coat. Before long, it's shining.
Look at that! You'd never know you'd been laborin' in the hay. Whaddya think, girl?"
"Neiiigh!"
"Now that's done, let's clean this place up for you."
I spread out some fresh hay and shavings. Once I've finished, the pair curl up in the corner, the foal resting its head on its mother's belly.
"Sleep tight, y'all. I'll be back to check on you later."
I head out to the paddock in search of Jisung. I find him shirtless and sweating, replacing rails in the fence where the tree branch crashes through. He drags his forearm across his glistening brow, but all you notice is the way the muscles in his chest ripple as he moves. Suddenly, I'm sweating, too. When he catches me staring, he greets me with a wicked grin.
"Is this payback for earlier?"
"I can't help how I look while I'm workin'."
"Really? 'Cause you look like you belong on the cover of a romance novel."
"I don't mind that comparison. Hell, pretty sure I wanna encourage it."
"If you really want romance novel vibes, hold me against your chest."
"Like this?"
Jisung wraps me in his arms, one hand splayed across my back. He caresses me with a feather-light touch.
"Somethin' like that..."
With his other hand, he tilts my chin. I gaze longingly into his eyes. His gaze is soft, yet secure.
"Is this how you imagine me when we aren't together? Some ranch hand hunk wantin' to whisk you off your feet?"
"Would you think less of me if I said yes?"
"Hell no. Honestly, I'm kinda flattered. Well? How's it look from where you're standin'?"
"Trust me, I'll be savin' this moment for later..."
Jisung's wicked grin quickly fades. He raises a hand to his ear, concentrating hard.
"You hear that? I think it's comin' from the barn roof. C'mon, let's get closer."
"Hoo... Hoo..."
"Do you think somethin's stuck up there? We should go check..."
"Sounds like... Hold tight, I'll grab a ladder." he tells me as he dashes off.
As the light begins to fade, Jisung returns with a ladder. He props it against the barn, holding the base steady so I can climb it. When I peer over the ledge, I find an owlet blinking in the fading sun.
"Hoo?"
"There's a baby owl all alone up here! Its nest is torn to shreds."
"Poor thing. Must've been blown in by the storm." Jisung says.
"What do we do?"
"You could take care of it. Owls are great for pest control. It'd probably love livin' on the ranch."
"But what about its mother?"
"I hate to say it, but there's no way its mother would know where to find it. If she even survived the storm."
The owl lets out a sad purr as if to respond to Jisung.
"Usually I leave wild things to themselves, but this little guy's not gonna make it without some help."
"In that case, let's adopt the owl! Now get up here and help me."
"Jisung quickly joins me on the roof. As I reach for the owlet, he holds my hand to keep me steady. The animal looks about wildly, flapping its wings in alarm.
"He won't let you take him if he doesn't trust you."
"How do I get him to do that?"
"You could always try sweet talkin' him. Works for me. Or you could try giving him somethin' to eat. Little guys probably hungry."
"Probably best to feed him. Gimme just a second, I've gotta find somethin' the little guy'll be able to stomach."
I climb down the ladder and look around in the dirt. Sure enough, thanks to the storm, I find a few large worms.
"Not my idea of a treat, but I'm bettin' these'll work for an owl."
Back on the roof, I reach out my hand to make my offering.
"Whaddya think, buddy? Need some dinner?"
The owlet approaches my outstretched hand tentatively and snatches the worm. Once he swallows, he nuzzles against my palm and purrs.
"Would you look at that? I've never seen a creature come around that fast."
The owlet hops excitedly, butting its tiny head against the palm of my hand.
"Guess that means we're meant to be, huh?"
"I'd say so. Though if this little guy's gonna be art of the family, you should give him a name."
"I think I'll name him Ozzy."
"Lee Ozzy. It's got a nice ring to it."
I lift up the owl carefully, cradling him against my chest.
"We should build him a nest. There's plenty of room in the hayloft."
"You'd really let him live in your sacred space?"
I stroke his soft fluff. The owlet cuddles closer, craving the warmth of my touch.
"It's big enough to share. Besides, it's where most of the pests are. He'll never go hungry."
"Sounds like you've thought of everything."
Up in the hayloft, Jisung helps me build a nest with blankets and straw.
"Well, that's a good start. If it were you campin' out up here, what would you want him to have?"
"That's easy, you."
"I dunno...might get crowded with the two of us in here."
"I don't think you and I have ever had a problem gettin' close."
To prove my point, I shift so Jisung and I are shoulder to shoulder.
"Wouldn't you get sick of me?"
"Haven't yet."
Jisung's eyes soften as he gazes at me. He leans into me a little closer, body slotting perfectly against my own. I finish arranging the blankets and hold Ozzy up so he can see his new home.
"Well, whaddya think?"
He hops out of my arms and into the nest. Even when occupied, it looks empty.
"He looks a little..." Jisung begins to say
"Lonely?"
"Yeah. But I dunno how to help him with that. We only have one owl..."
"Wait, I have an idea!"
I reach under my old fort and pull out an old teddy bear.
"A friend to help Ozzy settle in." I smile as Ozzy hoots with joy.
Jisung can't hide his smile when Ozzy curls up with his new companion.
"Look at that. He likes it."
Still look at Ozzy, I reach for Jisung's hand. He threads his fingers with mine, then squeezes.
"You did a good thing today. Let's finish up these chores and celebrate with a home-cooked meal, hm?"
"I'd love nothin' more."
But as we're making our way to leave, Ozzy lets out a questions hoo.
"Looks like someone doesn't want to get left behind."
"Is that right, Ozzy? Do you wanna finish the chores with me?"
Ozzy answers with a purr.
"Sounds like a yes to me."
"Okay, just this once. But only 'cause you're too darn cute to say no to."
I quickly fashion a sling from a scrap of an old horse blanket and scoop the owl inside. He nestles up against my chest with a fluff of his feathers. I dash through my to-do list. By the time I finally make it back to the house, Jisung's already standing over a simmering pot.
"It smells amazin' in here. What's cookin'?"
An empty jar of tomato sauce sits on the counter, but the scents wafting from the stove are something else entirely.
"Is that...?"
"Your mom's beef stew? Sure is."
He holds out a wooden spoon to offer me a taste. It warms me to my toes.
"This is exactly how I remember it, but... I don't remember her adding tomato sauce."
"She left it off the recipe card, but once I watched her sneak it in. Makes all the difference."
"She left it off the recipe card, but once I watched her sneak it in. Makes all the difference."
"Shoulda known you'd have figured that out."
While we're busy talking, Ozzy tries to snatch a carrot from the counter.
"Nope! Sorry, Ozzy, but that's human food." I tell him while giving him head scratches.
"How about a cube of steak? I have some left over. More up your alley anyway, little guy."
I present Jisung's offering on my palm. Ozzy tears into it immediately.
"Thanks, Ozzy. I'll share your compliments with the chef."
"Mind if I bring Minho his dinner? I want to introduce them."
"Sure thing. Just promise you'll come back and share a bowl with me?"
Jisung catches me by the waist. I plant a quick peck on his cheek.
"Wouldn't have it any other way. Back in a jiff."
When I enter Minho's room, he's lying in bed, shifting restlessly.
"Hey, there. Want some supper? Jisung whipped up somethin' special for us."
"Thanks, (Y/N). Bring it on over."
As I set the bowl on his bedside table, Ozzy peeks out of my sling with a hoot.
"Whose this?"
"This is Lee Ozzy."
"My first day on bed rest and you've already started a zoo?"
"It's not like that! Ozzy was orphaned by the storm. I saved him."
"As long as you got all your chores done, I've got no problem with it. This place could use a mascot, after all."
"We finished every task, just like you asked."
"That's a relief. We just gotta keep it up. Can't afford to fall behind."
"Minho...I promise we've got this. Just focus on gettin' better. After all, if you don't heal up right, you'll be no use to anyone."
"You're right. And as much as I hate to say it...this has been the most relaxin' day I've had in years."
"If this is your idea of a vacation, you really aren't takin' enough time off."
"I know you're jokin'...but you're right. Today has been a wake-up call for me, (Y/N). After I heal, I don't wanna work myself to death."
"I won't let that happen. We're partners, remember? We can shoulder this burden together. Now, eat up. You don't want it gettin' cold."
Just as Minho raises the spoon to his lips, his phone rings. He answers the phone, and his expression immediately transforms to one of grave concern.
"No, I hadn't heard. That's awful... Of course... Well, put our names down. We'll be there."
He disconnect the call and turns to me, expression pained.
"What now?" I ask with worry on my face.
"The Sanchez family, their barn was leveled by the storm. Thankfully no one was hurt, but it's a hell of a thing."
"Oh no. what can we do to help?"
"Glad you asked, 'cause I just signed y'all up for some hard labor. Get your party duds ready, (Y/N). Tomorrow you're off to a good old-fashioned barn raising!"