Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
I regarded her warily, unsure what to expect. Anger? Accusations? Regret? Instead, her gaze was steady, soft, and warm. I wanted to bask in it.
“Is that what you call a bucking bronco?” she asked, smiling.
I returned her smile, pressing a kiss to her full lips. “That was unexpected and not part of the regular tour, Lady.”
“I should hope not.”
“The only one I’ll buck for is you.”
“You kinda bucked on your own.” She frowned. “Doesn’t seem fair.”
“Maybe I’ll let you make it up to me later.”
She met my gaze, her eyes serious. “I will.”
“For now, we have to go. I have work. And I need to change. Otherwise, I’m going to be crusty all afternoon.”
She giggled. “Crusty the Cowboy.”
I shook my head. “We have to go.”
She leaned close, peering up at me. “You’re still inside me, Luke.”
I shut my eyes at her breathless voice. Slowly, I eased my fingers out of her, watching as she winced a little.
“You okay?”
She nodded, her eyes going wide as I pulled out my hand, then slipped my fingers inside my mouth. She whimpered as she watched me lick them clean. I kissed her. “You’re delicious, Lady. You taste like honey on my tongue.” I paused. “It makes me want you more.”
She crashed her lips to mine.
I didn’t object.
SAMMY
The sound of a horse approaching made Luke pull away. I watched as he yanked on his shirt I had pulled partially off him, grabbed his hat from the ground, and casually held it low as he whistled to Maverick. The horse obediently came toward him, accepting a stroke on his nose. I marveled at Luke’s ability to command the horse with nothing but a whistle or a few spoken words. No doubt, he wished I were as obedient. I was certain he had already realized it would never happen.
I sat against the trunk of the tree, ghosting my fingers over my mouth that still felt Luke’s possession. Under his cool exterior, he was passion and fire. I liked that side of him. The way he lost control with me. The feel of his hands on my body. And his mouth. It was highly addictive.
A gray horse drew up, Rachel seated in the saddle, looking relaxed and in control. She frowned as she looked at us. “What are you doing?”
“City gal had a little altercation with Dusty. She’s resting.”
“What?” Rachel slid off her horse. “You’re supposed to be looking after her, Luke.” She hurried over. “Are you okay?”
I waved off her concern. “I’m fine. My ass will probably be bruised tomorrow, but I’m fine. It was my fault. I startled Dusty when some wasps startled me.”
She shook her head. “You’re flushed. Did you get too much sun?”
“No, I was wearing a hat. It, ah, flew off when I fell. I’m fine, really.” I brushed off my jeans, grateful I had done them back up before she appeared.
“What are you doing here, Rachel?” Luke asked.
“Tyler is doing so well, he’s going to be released as early as tomorrow. The doctor says he can rest better at home. He had a lot of visitors this afternoon, so he sent me home. I came to find you guys and see what was going on.”
Luke swung himself up on Maverick, casually resting his hat on his leg. I was trying not to laugh at his attempted cover-ups. “You can finish up with Sammy, then. I have things I need to take care of.”
Like changing your pants, Mr. Crusty. I smirked to myself.
“I brought sandwiches and lemonade,” Rachel offered. “I thought we could sit and talk more about plans.”
Luke shook his head. “I don’t have time, Rachel. You discuss your plans and tell me what you need.” He directed his gaze to me, his tone impersonal. “Try to stay in the saddle this time.” Then he turned Maverick away and took off, breaking into a gallop quickly.
I felt sad as he rushed off, all his fire and passion tightly contained again. I much preferred hot cowboy Luke to the cool, removed version.
Rachel grabbed the bag on her saddle and came over, sitting beside me. “Are you okay?” she asked. “You look upset.”
I shrugged. “I’m fine. He—your brother—he blows hot and cold. Every time I think I’m starting to figure him out, he switches gears.”
Rachel opened the bag, handing me a sandwich and a flask of lemonade. I bit into the thick filling, humming in appreciation at the flavorful chicken salad. “Delicious.”
She nodded in agreement. “Callie is an awesome cook. She makes the lemonade from scratch too. Iced tea blends as well.”
“Guests will love that.” I chewed and swallowed. “I have an idea—it’s simple but I think effective.”
She waited for me to continue, nodding around a mouthful of sandwich.
“I was thinking you should paint the various buildings. It would make it so easy to say the blue building for the cookhouse or the red barn to direct people. Plus, it would be appealing and spruce them up. Paint is a cheap decorating tool. And we can paint the cabins too.”