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)
He slid from Maverick and gripped me around the waist, lifting me as if I weighed nothing and setting me on my feet. I gazed up at him, and he lowered his head, brushing his lips on mine.
“Welcome to my favorite hiding spot.”
“It’s so pretty.”
He cupped my face. “Yeah, it is. Prettiest thing I’ve ever set eyes on.”
Except he wasn’t looking anywhere but at me. I felt myself blush at his words. I wasn’t sure I had blushed from someone’s flattery since I was a young girl.
He smiled and traced his thumb over my cheek. “You constantly surprise me.”
“Back at ya, Cowboy.”
He winked. “Come help me set up camp.”
Hours later, I watched, fascinated, as he cooked us a feast. He was in control and an expert at cooking outdoors. His saddlebags held many secrets, and as he produced them, I shook my head. People would flip experiencing this.
Foil-wrapped potatoes were nestled close to the coals. It was my job to keep turning them. Asparagus was washed and trimmed by the brook, then wrapped in parchment paper, ready to go on the grill when the steak was almost done. He had a lethal-looking knife he used for preparation that he wielded with the skill of a surgeon. And he had thought of everything. We had butter, spices, plates, even forks. An old cast-iron skillet he had shoved into the saddlebags as well. A small metal grill he set into the coals. As we relaxed and talked, he’d whittled two long stakes for the marshmallows.
I eyed the sizzling steaks with appreciation, then indicated his saddlebags. “You have breakfast hidden in there too?”
He laughed. “Some buns from Callie to keep us going. If we were bringing more people, I’d make a trip up in the ATV, and we’d have coolers we’d transport last minute. We have to be careful not to attract wildlife.”
“Like bears?”
He nodded. “We’re a little close to civilization for them, but on occasion, we see one. If we went farther into the mountains, that could happen. But we’d keep campers close to home.”
“Would you bring them to this spot?”
He paused then shook his head. “I’d rather not. There’s another spot downstream. Larger. We could fit tents. This spot is sort of special to me. I don’t bring anyone here.”
“You brought me,” I said softly.
“You’re different.”
I wanted to ask how, but I let it go. The moment felt right left the way it was.
“You gonna chop any more wood for the fire?” I asked.
He laughed, his teeth white in the firelight. “I have lots. I keep a pile here, and I chopped a bunch last time I was up.”
“Dammit,” I muttered.
He met my eyes. “Don’t worry, Lady. You’re gonna get an eyeful later. All of me. Promise.”
“I look forward to it.”
He pushed at the crackling wood with his knife, chuckling. “Keep turning the spuds, Lady.”
“Okay, Cowboy. Keep your shirt on.” Then I winked. “At least for now.”
I set aside my plate, groaning in pleasure. “That was incredible, Luke. I swear it’s the most delicious thing I’ve eaten since I got here.”
He waved off my praise. “Everything tastes better cooked over a fire outside.”
“No, you were amazing to watch.”
“My dad loved eating this way. He taught me. Every weekend, we’d cook outside. This was his fry pan, his knife. That was all he used.”
“Would you be willing to cook for guests?”
He scratched his chin. “Small groups, yes.”
“Will you do your knife flips and tricks?”
He chuckled. “Sure, darlin’. Whatever you say.”
“They’d love to help with prep, even cleanup. But you cook.”
“Deal.”
After, we cleaned up and sat by the fire. Luke pulled me between his legs, his warmth surrounding me. We roasted marshmallows, drank the strong coffee he brewed, and just enjoyed the quiet.
I glanced up at the stars. They were so bright and clear here. It looked as if I could reach out and touch them. “Are we really going to sleep in the open?”
“You, me, and a sleeping roll.” He tucked me tighter. “I’ll keep you warm and safe, Lady.”
“I know.”
He shifted, turning me. We stared at each other, and he lowered his head, capturing my mouth. His kiss was soft and sweet. Tender. I slipped my hand around his neck, pulling him closer, and it changed. Became deeper. Bolder. Hungrier. He placed his hand under my ass, lifting me to his lap, clutching my hip as he bent over me, devouring my mouth. I shivered as he slid his hand under my shirt, stroking the skin along my sides and back. I moved again, straddling him, our mouths never separating. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight to his chest as he ravished my mouth. Dragging his lips to my ear, he bit down. “Ever make love outside under the stars, Lady?”
I rolled my hips against his erection. “No.”
“You want to? Part of the whole experience, you know.”