“Steady, boy. I have a feeling this is gonna be the day.”
Phoenix stared back, gaze fixed on the saddle held in front of him. But the horse’s head was high up, and no nervousness emanated from his form. As usual, Ethan greeted him by stroking his sweet spot, and the horse bumped his pocket, looking for the oatmeal cookie he expected from these regular sessions. This time, Ethan didn’t offer it right away. Keeping up his chatter, he presented the saddle to him, stroking his left flank, and began to slowly move toward his body. The horse stood and allowed the saddle pad to be adjusted, waiting with patience as Ethan buckled the straps and adjusted the stirrups. Good. They’d moved ahead, but now it was time for the true test. It was time for Ethan to ride him.
Grasping the reins, Ethan put a leg in the stirrup and began to haul himself up.
The horse backed up in stubborn refusal.
Ethan regarded him. Phoenix held his gaze, the battle of wills finally to its breaking point. After hours of getting him comfortable with his presence and the saddle, it was time to test the trust issue. The sessions had indicated Phoenix had been whipped, probably forced to race under duress, and what he’d once loved in his Thoroughbred heart had been warped. But Ethan sensed if he could get him to run again with pleasure, they’d finally reach a turning point.
Ethan grinned, stroking his pocket. “Gonna make you work for this treat today, boy. You let me ride, and you get your cookie. I think it’s a fair deal. Especially since Ophelia made this batch especially for you.”
Phoenix snorted and moved a few inches closer. Ethan stroked his head. “I’m asking one more time for trust. I won’t let you down if you give me a chance.”
Ethan stared into those beautiful brown eyes that had seen way too much but still held a tiny glimmer of hope. Opening himself up to the animal, he let his emotion flow through his stroking fingertips and in his gaze. Then he lifted his leg to mount.
And swung himself into the saddle.
Phoenix remained still. Pride filled Ethan’s veins, along with a fierce burst of adrenaline and power that sitting on top of a racehorse gave. It was a gift that went both ways, and it never failed to humble him. He held the reins in a firm yet light grip and gave a whistle.
“Let’s go, boy. Nice and easy.”
His heels nudged the horse’s flanks with just a gentle touch, and Phoenix took off. He stretched his legs in a leisurely walk, as if rediscovering the feel of carrying a rider again. Ethan let him set the pace, eventually moving to a nice steady gait, keeping up a stream of encouragement. They left the fenced-in area behind and took off into the open meadow. Horses grazed freely, chickens flocked around, and the two hound dogs howled in pleasure as they chased squirrels. The mountains sprawled before them in majestic glory and a reminder of how small their presence was, how fleeting their time, how precious their moments.
Phoenix began to trot, seeming to catch the energy in the air, and broke into a canter. Ethan guided him toward the flat space where earth met sky and the meadow spread out in endless acres of green. “When you’re ready, Phoenix. When you’re ready, go for it.”
The horse caught his words on the breeze. Ears pricked, his strong, graceful body kicked up a few notches, and then they were racing across the meadow.
Time stopped. The horse ran with a freedom that took Ethan with him for the ride. The world blurred as power unleashed from the animal, and he raced harder, hooves pounding, mane flying in the wind, the wicked speed unfurling at a rapid pace Ethan had never experienced.
He let Phoenix run it out for a little while, all the demons and memories left behind in the dust, freeing them both. In those precious moments, Ethan was able to let go and realize the past didn’t have to dictate his future. And when Phoenix finally slowed down, Ethan guided him back toward the stables, slightly stunned from the experience.
He slid off the Thoroughbred, sliding his hand over the sheen of sweat gleaming on his coat, and took out the cookie. Phoenix munched on the treat with the same ecstasy Mia exhibited when she allowed herself to indulge, making a grin curve his lips.
“Good boy. You are magnificent, just like I always thought. Thank you.”
His name echoed in the air. He turned and found Harper walking toward him, her face alight with joy. “You rode him,” she breathed out in respect. “I saw you racing in the meadow. Dear God, Ethan, he was amazing. He’s like lightning. How did he do?”
Ethan faced his sister. A lump lodged in his throat. It took him a few times to clear it before he was able to speak. “He’s special, Harp. A racehorse through and through. He just lost the way.” He paused, a bigger realization looming before him that he couldn’t ignore. “We both did.”
Harper reached out and took his hand, squeezing hard. “We all do, big brother. But you found it again, and so did he. And this one’s going to accomplish amazing things. I think I finally found my winner.”
They both watched Phoenix dig out another cookie, happily munching without realizing something extraordinary had just occurred. The inner lockbox inside Ethan shook and released a series of truths he’d only been trying to hide from himself.
And just like that, he realized he’d fallen in love with Mia Thrush.
Now what the hell was he going to do about that?
Mia watched from a distance as Ethan dismounted Phoenix and began speaking with Harper.
A fierce shaking thrummed through her body, moving from her limbs to her belly to her heart. The melding of horse and man she’d witnessed was almost holy. It was as if both of them had freed a piece of themselves within that ride. The devotion and pride etched on Ethan’s face—glimpsed from the shadows of the barn—humbled her.
What was she going to do?
Precious days were left. Jonathan had already emailed her with a loaded schedule for when she returned. Her assistant had officially declared herself overrun and said she was marking down the days of her return. Mia had just managed to sign a new client who was in the running for the new face of Cover Girl but was fighting a murky past that unfortunately included a sex video. Damn ex-boyfriends. Mia had already warned Chloe about taking her clothes off on her iPhone for anyone, and the girl had laughed and swore she wouldn’t. At least Mia had a firm plan of attack and defense sketched out, but she needed to be back in the city.
Away from Ethan.
She watched him walk toward her with Phoenix in tow, then noticed his slightly exaggerated limp. She’d suspected he was in pain last night, but when she tried to fuss, he distracted her by getting naked. His body was like sugar to her—a sweet addiction she had no control over. And damned if she hadn’t savored every last taste.
Hei Hei walked over her foot and rubbed his head feathers against her leg. She looked down with a laugh. “It’s not about you, right now. It’s about Phoenix and his incredible ride.”
The chicken squawked.
Chloe ran over, squealing with excitement. “Mia, did you see? He rode Phoenix! He was so fast. Is that normal, Ethan? Are horses usually that fast?”
Ethan grinned, sweat dripping from his brow, but as usual, he was more concerned with the horse. “Haven’t seen one this fast other than at the track. Let’s get him washed down and some fresh water. Chloe, do you want to help John do it? I’ve noticed you’ve been visiting Phoenix a lot, and he’s getting comfortable with you.”
The girl beamed. “Yeah, I’ve been sneaking in some extra time with him. I’d love to help. Thanks.”
Mia watched their easy interactions, relieved their relationship had grown stronger after Chloe told him the truth about the vandalism and the diner. He’d actually accompanied them to see Bea, and the united front, along with Chloe’s honesty and raw apology, helped heal the breaks. Chloe had given Bea the first week of her pay, and Bea had taken it. With that exchange, they’d reached an understanding.
“Welcome.” He helped set it up and let John take over once the horse was settled. Then he turned and pinned her with that bright-blue gaze. “Spying again?”
She didn’t hesitate. Just walked into his arms, lifted herself up on tiptoes, and kissed him. He growled deep in his throat and kissed her back, his arms grasping her hips to keep her in place. He withdrew slowly, nipping at her bottom lip, and regarded her with suspicious eyes. “What brought this on?”
He laughed. “Saw the whole thing, huh?”
“It was amazing, Ethan. It was so . . . beautiful.”
His gaze softened, and he stroked her cheek. “Still a long way to go. He’s got amazing potential, but we don’t know how far we can push.”
“You gave him back something precious that he’d lost.”
A mixture of raw emotion hit her like a fist through her solar plexus. He hesitated, as if struggling to tell her something, then dropped his hand and stepped back. “All in a day’s work,” he said lightly.
Disappointment crashed through her. She noticed him shift his weight again. “Your knee is bothering you.”
He glanced down. “I skipped doing PT this week. Doctors said sometimes the scars can cause phantom pain. I better finish up here. Catch you later?”
She forced a smile. Why did he suddenly seem so distant? “Sure.”
She turned, took a few steps, and his arm shot out to stop her. “Mia.”
“Yeah?”
“Dinner at the inn, right?”
His gaze held a heat and need he allowed her to see. This time, the smile bubbled up from inside. “Definitely.”
She headed back with Hei Hei at her heels.
Later that night, she looked around the dinner table and wondered how this family had managed to make her feel so at home so quickly. Ophelia had finally let her help with the dishes. When had it become so important to be treated like she belonged rather than a mere guest?
Chloe’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Ophelia, Mia has never seen a Disney movie.”
Ethan’s sister froze. Distress flickered over her graceful features. “Please tell me that’s not true.”
Mia sighed and shot Chloe a look. “It’s true. We’re more of a History channel family than Disney. In fact, my father warned me it would give me false expectations about the real world.”
“Bull,” Ophelia shot out. Her blue eyes flashed fire. “Watching Disney movies is the only thing that can prepare you for the real world,” she said passionately. “They help kids deal with the tough stuff—losing parents at a young age, getting lost, growing up, being bullied, etc.”
Mia glanced over at Ethan for help, but he was shaking his head. “Don’t get me involved in this discussion,” he said, grabbing another ear of fresh corn. “Why do you think every animal we ever owned is named after a Disney character?”
“I think that’s so amazing,” Chloe sighed. “It’s like each of them has an identity and a force that lives inside.”
Mia’s mouth fell open. “Did you just wax poetic over cartoons?”
“You don’t know the power until you’ve experienced it,” Harper warned. “Mom was a huge advocate, and every time a DVD was released from the vault, we’d make a celebration out of it.”
“Popcorn, and pillows, and staying up past bedtime,” Ophelia added. “And we all have a favorite movie that comes out in our personalities.”
“Fascinating,” Mia murmured. “Which one is yours?”
“Peter Pan,” Ophelia answered. “Ethan’s been calling me Tink since I was young. Says I look like a fairy.”
Ethan reached over and pulled on one of her red curls. “You do. Plus, when things don’t go your way, you get mad and sulk. You’re a bit of a control freak.”
“I don’t sulk! And I just like things organized. How is that a bad thing?”
Mia jumped to her defense. “It’s not,” she told Ophelia, throwing a stern look in Ethan’s direction. “You couldn’t be successful running this inn if you weren’t organized.”
Ophelia grinned. “Thanks.”
Ethan groaned. “Why am I always surrounded by women who never take my side?”
Harper stuck out her tongue. “’Cause your side is always the wrong one.”
“What’s yours, Harper?” Mia asked, getting into the swing of the game.
“Dumbo,” Harper answered, rolling her eyes. “A fascinating study in being bullied, abused by higher-ups to perform on command, and the eventual growth into power once you find your unique talent.”
“Impressive, Harp,” Ethan said with a grin. “At least you finally reached your goal of ridding all the circuses of show elephants.”
Satisfaction curled in her voice. “Took a damn long time, but we got there.”
Chloe spoke up. “Wanna guess mine?”
Everyone at the table studied her in silence, trying to make up their mind. Mia had heard of a few, of course, but had never personally watched them, so she waited for the consensus. “I can’t decide if you like princesses or not,” Ophelia murmured, tapping her finger against her lip. “Maybe. Is it Brave?”
“Nope. But you’re kind of close.”
“Sleeping Beauty?” Harper tried.
“No. Give up?”
“Elsa from Frozen.” Everyone swiveled their gaze to stare. Ethan shifted in his seat, looking as if he already regretted speaking up. “Elsa isn’t your normal princess. She’s a bit of a badass, trying to find her way and carve out her own path.”
“Yes,” Chloe whispered. Her face flushed in pleasure. “That’s it.”
“Which leaves Ethan,” Mia said. “Now I’m dying of curiosity.”
Ophelia and Harper shared a pointed look. Seemed like they were enjoying torturing their older brother. “It’s time to admit it,” Ophelia prodded. “Don’t be embarrassed.”
“What?” Mia asked. “Tell me!”
“It’s Cinderella!”
His mouth dropped open. “It is not!” he roared, practically shooting out sparks of masculine irritation. “You’re lying!”
The girls burst into giggles at the joke. Ethan still looked pissed off, shooting them a deadly glare, but Chloe was laughing too hard, and eventually Ethan shook his head. “Unbelievable,” he muttered. “And I actually fell for it.”
“It’s The Lion King,” Harper managed to say between giggles.
“What type of movie is it?” Mia asked curiously.
Ophelia swiped at her eyes. “It screams leadership. See, Simba loses his father early on in the movie and believes it’s his fault. He spends the rest of his life trying to run from his guilt until he’s faced with the truth—he had nothing to do with his father’s death. He has to return home and save his home by becoming king.”
Tingles crept down her spine. She made a mental note to rent the movie ASAP. It was the perfect fit for the proud, strong man beside her, who took the world on his shoulders and didn’t give himself a break.
“Hey, can we show Mia her first Disney movie this week?” Chloe asked. “Since Hei Hei adores her, I thought she’d love Moana.”
Ophelia clapped her hands. “Such a perfect choice! Yes, how about tomorrow night?”
Harper nodded with a grin. “I’m in. Been a long time. Mia?”
“I’m game.”
“Ethan?” Ophelia asked.
He let out a long-suffering-male sigh. “Fine. But you need to make that special cheddar-cheese popcorn I like, or I’m out.”
“Deal.”
They helped clean up, and Chloe went to her room early to read and listen to music. Mia went upstairs to get her small overnight bag, trying not to blush when they said good night to Ethan’s sisters and began walking toward the bungalow. “I feel like a teenager sneaking out with her boyfriend,” she confessed, swinging his entwined hand.
“Me too. I catch a glimpse of you, and I’m ready to tumble you in the back seat of my car.”
She snorted. “As if I’d let you mess up my hair.”
He gave her a wicked look. “Already gave you a roll in the hay, princess.”
“Be quiet, horse man.”
He laughed and walked inside the house. Shifting his weight back and forth, she caught the faintest flicker of discomfort cross his features. She dropped her bag on the couch and turned to face him. “Okay, I’ve had enough. Pants off.”
“Damn, you’re insatiable, woman.”
She cocked her head and glared. “You’re in pain. I want to massage your leg and relieve some of the pressure.”
“You don’t have to.” His voice flicked out hard and unyielding. She tamped down a sigh at the pride in this impossible male and how he hated to admit he was hurting. How he hated to show weakness.
“I want to, Ethan. Please let me.”
He studied her face, then kicked off his boots. Keeping his gaze on her, he slowly pulled the belt from the loops and unbuckled it. A snap of the wrist released the button. The tab lowered tooth by tooth to reveal the line of bare skin that told her he was going commando. Then he shucked his jeans off, ripped the T-shirt off his chest, and faced her.
Holy hotness, Batman.
Her entire body was seeped in heat. Nipples straining against her blouse, she practically salivated over the gorgeous sexiness of the man before her. Golden-brown skin dusted with dark-red hair. Lean, solid muscle rippling with power. Legs braced apart, his heavy cock aroused, arrogance shimmered from his aura as he faced her, comfortable in his nakedness. Barely able to swallow, Mia fought to chop through the sudden fog of need that devoured her whole. Then those lips lifted in a hint of a smug grin, and she knew that he knew that she was helpless to resist him.
“Where do you want me?”
She tried to speak but let out a squeak. Then tried again. “On the bed.”
His brow lifted, but he followed her instructions. He stretched out on his navy-blue comforter, bracing his head up with a few pillows. Arms propped behind his head, he regarded her under heavily lidded eyes.
Why did she suddenly feel like his prey?
She kicked off her heels and approached the bed. Sliding tentatively next to him, she extended his leg over her thighs, so his knee rested in her lap and she had access to his full limb. Dragging in a breath to relax her mind, she placed her fingers over his hot skin. His muscles jumped under her touch. Slowly, she began to guide her way downward, learning where his muscles were tight and knotted and where skin had been scraped so raw, there were no longer any nerve endings. “How often does it ache like this?” she asked.
“Depends on the weather and my activity. I’ve been pushing myself a bit, so that’s why it flared up.”
Mia studied the puckered skin and gouges where pins and screws had held bone together so he could walk. She worked her way down, massaging around and under the knee, taking her time. He sprawled back on the bed, eyes half-closed, and she made sure to watch his face for the slightest reaction to her various strokes. “I have to call Jonathan tomorrow and tell him about Chloe.”
“A fair deal. You haven’t seen that ragtag crew around anymore, right?”
“No, maybe they’ve decided to finally leave her alone. Chloe said she hasn’t texted them back.”
“Good. Do you think Lake will force her to go home?”
She frowned, her hands gaining strength as she pressed deeper into the massage. “I don’t know. I’m going to do my best to help Chloe be heard, but the decision is his.” Mia caught the tiniest wince around his eyes. There. She’d found the problematic spot. Her fingers danced around the sore muscle, taking her time. “How many operations did you have?” she asked curiously.
“Change of subject?”
“Yes.”
He stirred. At least he seemed to be enjoying the massage. “Three.”
“You mentioned you were lucky to be able to walk.”
“Almost lost the leg. Shrapnel damaged blood vessels and nerves, so they did an IM surgery. Basically put a bunch of plates and screws in there. Then did it twice more.”
“How many months were you in the hospital?”
“About a month, but then I was moved to rehab, so that was another few weeks. Damn, that feels good.”
Pleasure skated over her—both from his praise and the amazing view of his naked body sprawled out for her enjoyment. “Are you happy you came home?”
“Not at first. I felt as if I returned home a loser.”
Shock hit hard. She paused, staring at him. “How in any possibility imagined could you be a loser?”
He gave a half shrug. “It’s a guilt thing. All mental. An important man died on my watch, and I’d looked him in the eye and promised I’d save him. Felt like a liar. Then my leg was so busted up, I’ll never be able to work again in Special Forces. It was part of my identity—who I was. I had to find a new life for myself, so being back home under those circumstances was hard.”
“And now?”
“Now, I’m glad. I forgot what it’s like being around my sisters again and my childhood home. I forgot what it’s like to live with people who care about important things and not designer dresses and movie premiers and who said what on Page Six.”
“There’s nothing wrong with designer dresses,” she pointed out.
He grinned. “Agreed.”
“You plan to stay here, then?”
“Yes. This is where I belong now. I can concentrate on the simple things in life again. Find some peace.”
The way he spoke held no sympathy for himself, just a basic truth he’d accepted. Her heart slowly broke into pieces because he didn’t seem to know how extraordinary he was.
“Did you ever see the movie Pretty Woman?” she suddenly asked.
He snorted. “Every man is forced to watch it eventually. Do you know how many dates I had who expected me to send her a red evening gown and diamonds and to take her to the fucking opera?”
She laughed. “Fine, I get it. Do you remember the part where she says it’s easier to remember all the bad stuff than the good?”
“Yeah.”
“Ethan, how many people did you save when you served?”
He stiffened. Opened his eyes and caught her with his gaze. She remained steady, refusing to buckle. This was important. She sensed the pain within him. Saw when his eyes got that distant look and sadness emanated from his figure. Even though he was human, he blamed himself for that one loss. It was a part of him she knew words couldn’t change, but God how she wanted to soothe some of the ache.
“Why?”
“Because it matters. Every person that has a life because of you matters. Don’t brush them off or forget because you lost one.”
“I think I could’ve run faster.”
The words bled out of him, and her heart clenched. Raw pain clawed at her insides, but she remained calm. Gently, she moved his leg from her lap and crawled up the bed until she knelt right next to him. She stroked his smooth cheek, traced the line of his lips, and rested her forehead against his. “I know, baby. But maybe you couldn’t. Just don’t cheapen what you did accomplish in the pursuit of perfection that isn’t possible.”
Shock filled his eyes. He jerked back, staring into her face with a desperation that had her leaning forward to kiss him. Sensing he was on the edge, she took the kiss deeper, her tongue ravaging his mouth in the role of aggressor, her nails digging sharply into his shoulders. With a low growl, he answered the call and slammed her back into the mattress, rolling over to pin her thighs wide open. He ripped her clothes from her body and fitted himself with a condom. She sank her teeth into his lower lip with pure greed and thrust up, wrapping her ankles around his hips at the same time she slammed her palms on his ass to force him down.
He drove into her in one violent plunge.
She gasped. His dick filled her, hot and hard and throbbing with demand, taking up all the empty spaces inside.
“Fuck me,” she growled in his ear.
With a low roar, he grasped her hips, slid out, and rammed deeper, ripping a cry from her throat. There was nowhere to hide, and a flicker of fear rose up—the fear he’d swallow her whole—but when she tried to retreat, it was too late.
His naked body loomed over her like an ancient sex god bent on dominance. His fingers thrummed her pulsing clit while his gaze locked on hers, drinking in every one of her moans and gasps as if they belonged to him. And still he hammered inside her, over and over, never letting up the pace while he teased and flicked and stroked the hard nub. Shoved to the edge of climax, he held her there ruthlessly, every slam of his hips and his dick taking her further. She fought wildly, for climax, for retreat, for safety, but he wouldn’t allow her.
“All of it,” he commanded, his thumb pressing down while he angled his hips to thrust deeper, hitting that shimmering, magical spot that drove her mad. “You took us here. Now I’m going to fuck you until you scream my name and give me everything you have.”
“Ethan, please.”
“More. Yes, like that, you’re so wet and hot, take all of me. Now, Mia.”
She gave up, gave in, and gave it all to him.
With one last plunge, he hurled her over the edge and she came. His shout of satisfaction echoed dimly in her ears. Her body released as wave after wave of pleasure broke through her. She sobbed and called his name, clinging to him as her vision faded and she was helpless to do anything but ride out the brutal ecstasy of her unending climax.
They collapsed on the bed, panting, skin damp with sweat. He was still inside her as he rolled to the side, pinning her against him. Arms wrapped around his shoulders, Mia looked into his face.
“I love you.”
He stroked her tangled hair back. “I love you, too.”
She searched his face, found the truth, and snuggled deeper into his embrace. Then slept.