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)
Which meant I had to be careful not to be around her much. I had to stay in control. I needed to be aloof and distant. Contain these odd reactions and let the hands deal with her. I’d make sure to send her out with a couple of the women next time.
I soaped up, trying to think of something else. Tomorrow’s schedule. The upcoming auction I would attend. At least that would give me some distance.
I groaned as I wrapped my hand around my shaft, and images of being buried inside Sammy hit me like a wrecking ball. Her heat. The feel of her. The breathless whimpers and passionate moans. The way she moved with me. Kissed me as if I was the oxygen she needed to breathe. It all rushed back, and I was helpless. I braced one arm on the tile wall and stroked myself, moving faster as the images unfolded one by one. The way her head tilted back and how her hair brushed my legs. The taste of her skin under my tongue. How she looked and sounded as she came.
I dropped my head to my arm as my orgasm hit. I bit my bicep to hold in the deep groan as I ejaculated onto the tile, dragging in some deep breaths to steady myself as the water washed away the evidence.
I shook my head in defeat. I couldn’t make it through a shower without thoughts of her. How was I supposed to make it through the next six weeks?
I was fucked. Totally fucked.
I was relieved to find Rachel sitting with Sammy when I ventured down the hall. A platter of meat was on the counter, along with a bowl of salad.
I hugged Rachel. “How’s Tyler?”
She smiled. “A slight delay, but home tomorrow.” She indicated the counter. “Jane sent over some barbecue. I made up the salad.”
“Jane doesn’t have to keep sending dinners,” I remarked, although I was grateful.
“She knows you’re on your own, plus Sammy is here. She always makes too much. She was hoping maybe you would join us tomorrow night to welcome Tyler home.”
I filled my plate with the ribs and chicken, carrying it to the table and sitting down. “Sure.”
She turned to Sammy. “You’re welcome too. It’s relaxed and easy since it will be just family.”
“Oh, that’s fine. I don’t want to intrude.”
“You won’t be intruding. Right, Luke?”
I met Rachel’s gaze and shrugged. “The more, the merrier.”
She frowned at my lack of enthusiasm but kept going. “See? You have to come. Tyler wants to meet you.”
“Okay. Can I bring something?”
Rachel laughed. “No. Jane has it all under control.” She took a drink and spoke to Sammy. “So, how is everything going?”
“Good. Ah, good.”
Rachel frowned. “Just good?”
“No, great. Tomorrow, I’m going to start filming. Some before shots. I want to feature some sunrises and sunsets, pictures of the ranch. Showing it at its best.”
“Of course,” Rachel agreed.
“I’ll film the process and edit it all. Do some candid shots, some interviews—very casual, of course—plus a few scripted parts I’ll splice in. When the show airs, I want to capture people’s imagination.”
“Make sure you have everyone’s permission to film them,” I said flippantly. “Pretty sure that’s needed.”
After a beat of silence, Sammy spoke, her voice low and serious. When I looked up, her gaze was frosty.
“Luke, perhaps you don’t know the process, but let me explain it to you so you understand.”
I lifted an eyebrow in silence.
“I get hundreds of applications for me to take and help a new business. Each one is vetted. Each idea gone through thoroughly. We look at the business plan, the numbers, the validity of the idea. Rachel’s was spot-on. Her application was perhaps one of the best I had ever seen.” Sammy leaned forward, tapping the table. “It’s not only your ranch and money. It’s my money, time, and reputation as well. I want this to be successful for you. I will do everything I can to make sure it is. I’ll have you know not one business I have helped with the show has failed. Not one. But the difference here is they believed.”
I blinked at her direct tone.
She stood, and I noticed the small frown cross her face as she did. “If you don’t believe in this venture, if you brush it and me aside, then it is doomed to fail. Your attitude with the development—and, even more so, the guests—will be paramount. You treat them with derision, then we’re bound to fail. I know what I’m doing. What needs to happen. And I assure you, that begins with releases from everyone.” She slid a piece of paper my way. “In fact, the only person who hasn’t signed one is you.” She shook her head. “I’ll let you and Rachel discuss this, and you can let me know. I can be on a plane home tomorrow if you’re not fully on board. I won’t waste any more of your or my valuable time.”