A Pinch of Cinnamon

Nick’s POV

Jesus Christ. When I first saw her, I didn’t even take in her appearance I just looked into her mesmerizing eyes as I finished the song I started to sing for Jay. I don’t often sing for people. I know I don’t sound awful, but I typically only sing for me or if it’s for someone important. Like her and the small child I’ve fallen in love with.

She’s covered in blood. My brain automatically jumps to her being injured in some way which wouldn’t really make sense considering she’s standing in front of me looking exhausted, but fine.

I want her to eat before she passes out, so I gently take her hand to lead her downstairs. I lead her over to a stool by the counter and have her sit down before taking her food out and beginning to reheat it.

I turn to face her. I watch her eyes droop slightly as she leans her chin on her hand, gazing up at me through half lidded eyes.

“You can’t keep doing this to yourself. You’re exhausted.” I murmur quietly to her.

“I know. I need to quit. But I also need the money to hire someone around here. The workload has gotten too much. Jesus, I still have chores to do tonight.” She sighs and starts to rise from her seat. “I should do them now before I eat.” I walk around the counter and place my hands on her shoulders, gently pushing her back into her seat.

“You’re eating first. All the chores are done except feeding grain and doing a headcount.” Her eyes widen in shock as she stares at me. “I didn’t know what you normally feed so I didn’t want to over feed. Everyone got hay, and you will just have to miss a headcount tonight. I didn’t dare take Jay out with me without you being present.” Her mouth opens and closes like she is fighting for words.

“How......why....” She sighs. “You didn’t have to do that.” She looks down at her hands like they are suddenly the most interesting thing on the planet. I sigh in exasperation.

“Spence.” I graze my hand under her chin, gently lifting it up to face me. I gently caress the side of her jaw as I maintain eye contact. I want her to get what I’m saying.

“I know you don’t like to ask for help or accept it for that matter. But I can’t sit by and watch you kill yourself knowing I could have helped. I wanted to do the chores. It’s not like you are forcing me. I enjoy farm work. I’m a professional landscaper for god sakes, I’m used to hard work and I like it.” She tries to turn away from me, but I firmly hold her head towards mine. Raising my eyebrows, I try and make my point as I stare at her.

I can see her warring with herself. Taking help doesn’t come easily for someone like her. She’s hardworking, stubborn, and prides herself in doing her own work.

“What would be the difference between me helping you or a farm hand? Hmm?” Spencer sighs and I let her move her head from my grasp.

“Well for one, I’m not paying you.” She sends me an indignant glare. She’s so feisty, I smirk inwardly.

“And I wouldn’t accept it if you did.” The microwave dings, causing me to turn around and grab her food. I made tacos so hopefully she doesn’t mind them. She glanced down at her plate and stared at it for a few seconds.

Does she really not like tacos? Who hates tacos?

“You cooked.” She says it softly like it’s the most amazing or unusual thing. I’m sure the confusion is evident on my face.

“Of course. Jay needed dinner. So, did you.”

“Well yeah, but I figured you’d just heat up chicken fingers or make Mac and cheese or something, not like actually cook.” She takes a bite and moans as soon as the food hits her taste buds. Her eyes roll back slightly.

Fuck. That was hot.

My jeans just tightened. That moan was everything I’ve been trying not to imagine. Now all I will hear is that moan from her lips.

I’ve never seen someone be sexy at eating tacos. But she totally nailed it.

She immediately blushes and apologizes while I’m trying to hide my grin.

“Guess you like tacos?” I laugh.

“Who doesn’t like tacos?” She looks at me weirdly and laughs.

“These are amazing. Thank you. And thank you for doing the chores......even though you didn’t have to.” Of course, she had to say it again. I roll my eyes. Seeing this, she snickers, knowing that she’s succeeding in annoying me.

“Well, why don’t you show me how to feed that way I can know the ropes for the future.” She whirls around to face me with her eyebrows raised.

“The future? Already planning on more visits?” She smirks a little, growing a little more used to our banter.

I step forward until I was within arm’s reach of her. “Oh, I’m definitely planning more visits. In fact....” I grab her hand and pull her towards me, wrapping one arm around her waist as I hold her hand with the other. “I might just never leave.” That did it. The confident smirk she held quickly evaporated as her face grew bright red. She pulled back from my hold and turned her face from me.

Well, uh, let me show you the feeding routine.” She quickly rushed out of the house, leaving me behind, chuckling at her. She’s just so cute.

After feeding the animals, we walked back inside. I didn’t want to leave. I was desperately trying to think up an excuse to stay longer. But I knew Spencer was tired and needed her sleep. She has to be up at 4 tomorrow morning, and it was already close to 10. I told her I’d do the dishes I used for her dinner (she complained) and then I’d head out.

She headed to the shower while I did the remainder of the dishes that were left. While I was drying the last dish, I heard a cry. My head immediately snapped up and I strained my ears to see if I heard it again. I heard a faint whimpering.

“Mommy.”

Jay.

Knowing Spencer was still in the shower, I headed to his room to make sure he was ok. He met me at the door, holding his blanket and sucking his thumb. Tears streamed down his face as he sniffled.

“Hey buddy. What’s going on?” He lifted his arms up for me to pick him up and immediately nestled into my neck. I can feel his little body trembling and his tears resumed.

“Shhh. It’s ok buddy. You’re ok. Did you have a nightmare?” I could feel him nod against my shoulder. I run his back gently.

“Where Momma.” He hiccupped.

“She’s taking a shower buddy. She will be out soon.” Vaguely, I heard the shower turn off in the other room. I fought to keep my mind focused on the trembling toddler in my arms and not the now naked female I desperately wanted to feel, in the other room.

“Why don’t we go lie down bud.”

“No.” Jay shook his head. Figuring it was best to just keep holding him, I carry him downstairs to the couch. Laying down, I keep him cuddled to my chest, continuing to stroke his back.

“What was the dream about bud.” I look down to his blonde hair, the ends curling slightly.

“Momma go away.” I can feel fresh tears leak out of his eyes, so I continue to shush him.

Ten minutes later, I can feel him gradually drifting off. His breathing gets deeper and slower. I hear footsteps coming down the stairs and turn my head to see Spencer appear.

Her concerned gaze drifts over us before she smiles softly.

“He had a nightmare?” I nod.

“Yeah. He didn’t want to lay in bed.” She nods as if it’s a common occurrence. She drifts over to us and perches on the arm of the couch, gazing down at us. I crane my neck to see her. She brushes Jay’s bangs back softly.

My heart rate seems to accelerate just by her proximity. She’s leaning over me slightly to reach him and all I can think of is pulling her into my arms......or maybe latching on to a nipple if they weren’t covered up right now.

God, I wish I could kiss her.

Jay stirs in my arms as his mom touches him.

“Momma.” He looks up to her but otherwise seems content to be in my arms.

“Hey baby.” She smiles down at him, lovingly. “Why don’t we go back to bed so poor Nick can get home.”

Hah. Poor Nick my ass. I’m loving this.

“No, mamma! No!” He gripped me tighter.

“Baby, Nick has to go home. I’m sure he’ll come back to visit if you ask.” I turn my head to her, smirking. She rolls her eyes playfully at me.

“No! Nick stay!” Jayden begins crying again and his voice begins to get higher and louder. He is about to reach full blown tantrum. I hope Spencer doesn’t hate me for what I’m about to say next.

“It’s ok buddy. I can stay here with you if you want.” Spencer’s eyes widen and snap to mine while Jay looks at me with happiness. I stare at Spencer, trying to tell her without words that this is fine if she accepts. She tilts her head slightly as if she’s about to shake it, no. Instead, she hangs it a bit and sighs.

“Well, why don’t you have Nick tuck you back into bed.” Jayden immediately shakes his head.

“I wanna stay here.” I smile at her to let her know it was ok. I was quite comfortable. She raises an eyebrow before nodding.

“Ok, baby. Well, I have to get bed so I can do chores in the morning. Come to me if you need me, ok?” She bent down to kiss his forehead, which made her face dangerously close to mine. I could feel my lips twitch in want to kiss her. She laid her hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze, hesitating a moment before heading back upstairs, with one last glance back to me.

I set my alarm on my Apple Watch to just before Spencer’s would be. Figuring if it was on my wrist, I would wake up from the vibrations without waking Jay. I made myself more comfortable on the couch before drifting off into a blissful sleep with Jay, still wishing I could be upstairs in bed with both of them wrapped in my arms.