HE WATCHED MONICA step out of the house and the breeze swept across her, lifting the hem of her shirt. She grabbed it and tugged it down, laughing. She was beautiful, and he could barely catch his breath. He tightened his grip on the horse’s reins. “Ready for a ride?”
Did she pale some?
“On a horse?” She practically squirmed.
“Yes, this is Charlotte. She’s gentle and doesn’t have a problem carrying two riders. She loves to ride.” He patted the beauty on the neck.
“Yes, she’s very pretty, and—wait…what did you say?” Her eyes widened.
“Her name is Charlotte.”
“After that.” Monica took another step.
“She loves to ride?” The scrunching between her brows deepened.
“You know what I’m talking about. You said two riders, as in one,” she pointed at him, then stabbed her own finger against her chest. “Two as in me.”
He laughed. “What’s the problem? You said you wanted me to be your tour guide. We can’t walk the entire property and a golf cart doesn’t have the genuine feel.”
As if she saw his point, she nodded. “Okay. You do remember I’ve never done this, right?”
He pushed his Stetson farther back on his forehead. “Everyone has to start somewhere.”
“Is that saddle big enough for the both of us?”
Cull climbed up, settled against the leather. “Right here, sweetheart.” He patted the space between his legs.
She dropped her arms and her cheeks flushed. “It looks awfully small.” There was a quiver to her voice.
“I could always go and saddle up another horse so you could ride alone.”
She gave her head a quick shake, sending some of the hair from her topknot. “No, I’ll join you.” She stepped across the short space and looked up at him with a bewildered expression. “What do I do to get up there?”
“Put your foot in the stirrup.” He wrapped his hands around her waist and easily lifted her into the saddle. “Feel free to scoot closer,” he whispered in her ear.
****
There was something very intimate about sitting in the saddle with Cull. The heat rose, and her inner thighs trembled.
“Relax and enjoy the ride, sweetheart.” His words made the butterflies go wild inside her stomach. He brought his arms around her to take the reins and with a clicking sound of his tongue, the horse took off into a gentle gallop.
She bounced lightly against him and when it became too difficult to keep her back straight, she gave in to need and relaxed against the broad plane of his chest. His warm breath brushed her cheek and she swore she could feel the heavy beating of his heart. Laying her hands on his thighs, she felt his muscles flex and his breaths quicken. There was no denying that she wanted him.
The sun was balmy and the slight breeze felt good against her skin. The rhythmic movement of the horse’s steps were a lullaby to her senses and the comfort of Cull’s body with his arms around her put her in a trance. The land was beautiful, lush green as far as the eye could see and the jagged line of mountains in the distance. The blue sky was scattered with plump, fluffy clouds.
They rode for another few minutes and reached the edge of the woods. He brought Charlotte to a stop and he slid out of the saddle.
“I’ll help you down,” he said. He placed his hands around her waist and she clasped his shoulders as he lowered her to her feet. Lifting her face, she looked up at him, his eyes were as blue as an ocean. Neither made a move to part, they stood there as seconds floated by and the temperature rose.
He took a piece of her hair and twirled it around his knuckle, bringing it to his nose. “How is it that you always smell so damn good.”
****
He was a goner. He knew it and there was nothing he could do to stop his need. Hell, did he want to stop things? “We’re going to have to stop fighting these feelings, sweetheart.”
As if a higher authority controlled his body, Cull couldn’t step away from her. He shifted to give his tight jeans a little more room, hoping to ease the discomfort of his growing cock. It wasn’t enough. He was engulfed in the moment, a runaway train without brakes.
“Maybe it’s time we allow things to happen,” she said in a whispery voice.
He felt like every wish he’d made in his life had just been granted. The stars were aligned, and he had reached the ultimate happiness. “Are you sure? I mean, you’ve had a lot of ups and downs and your memory is slowly coming back. You’re in the driver’s seat, sweetheart, and I respect your decision.” He dropped the tendril of hair and brushed the tips of his fingers along her cheek.
“You’ve been here with me through everything. This feels so right.”
Her soft and seductive voice did amazing things to his body—things he couldn’t deny. She smiled and he growled with appreciation for her beauty. He’d always thought she was beautiful, ravishing, but today she was radiant, and her eyes were as bright as diamonds. He followed the delicate lines of her face from her high cheekbones, full, delectable mouth, big gorgeous eyes, and a pert nose. He kissed the tip and her smile grew. “My God, I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman. Never wanted another as much as I want you.”
A little giggle bubbled up in her throat. Her cheeks flushed and that made her even more adorable. She tucked her hand into his and their palms touched. “Let’s go sit by the tree.”
Once they were in the shade of the ancient oak, he touched her back, skimming his thumb along her spine, following the line until he came to the waist of her jeans. What he wouldn’t give to use his tongue to explore her. He’d sample her sweet body, learn every inch. Bringing his hand up, he lifted her hair away from her neck and he massaged her nape. A moan of pleasure escaped her and he smiled.
“The scene is so gorgeous. Everything is so bright. The sky. The grass. I’m so calm except for the fluttering of butterflies in my stomach,” she said softly, lifting her head to look at him.
He bent and brushed his nose over the silken skin of her cheek. She was so soft, and he wondered how she felt and tasted on other parts of her beautiful body. “Your scent reminds me of cotton candy from the carnival.”