Page 18 of Bedroom Rodeo

Sylvee’s smile was a soothing balm over his soul, though he still felt the throb of tension in his knuckles from clenching his fists.

“Did you get the horses?” She lifted the mug to her lips and sealed them around the rim. Christ, he’d never wanted to be a porcelain mug so damn much in his life.

“Unfortunately, no. The good ones are taken.”

Ash groaned. “Let me guess—all that’s left are the swayback ones that we rescued from that kill pen.”

Sylvee gasped. “Kill pen? Will the horses be okay?”

“In time they will. We’ll fatten them up, but it will be a few more months before they’re fit for riding.” Piers rubbed his palms together, creating a chafing noise from his calluses. “That means we’re giving you the tour on foot. If you’re up for it, that is.”

She uncoiled her legs from the sofa and stood. She was of average height but as regal as a queen. Even as an awkward adolescent, she carried herself like royalty.

“I’ve been dying to see the ranch. I’ll just go set this mug in the sink.”

Ash was already on his feet, reaching for the cup. “I’ll take it.”

A spark of electricity shot between their gazes. As he took the mug from her hand, Ash brushed his fingers over hers.

Piers stared at one and then the other.

While he was gone, something happened between them.

His cock surged against his fly at the very thought of Ash’s hands on Sylvee.

“Thanks, Ash.” The throaty edge to her voice wasn’t lost on Piers.

His lips quirked. “Sure, Peachy.” Ash moved off to the kitchen. They both watched him go for a moment before locking gazes with each other.

Her full breasts rose and fell as if her breaths were coming faster.

His lips quirked at one corner.

She shook her head slightly. “I missed the hell out of that cocky grin of yours.”

“I missed you period. You have decent walking shoes?”

“Of course. I was raised in Washington. I wouldn’t come to a ranch in flip-flops.” She hurried forward, and on the way to the entryway where she’d left her shoes, she reached out and trailed her fingers over his arm.

Her touch warmed his skin. Her expression, his heart.

Once they were all outside, they fell into step three abreast.

Sylvee released a happy sigh. “This is just like old times. Well, besides the whole sex ranch thing.”

Piers chuckled. “You always knew we had healthy sex drives.”

“Yes, but a sex ranch? How did you guys even find a job like this?”

“Same way you get any job—we applied.”

She blinked at him. “And did you have to…perform…for the interview?”

Her question brought a laugh to his lips. “No. But we did provide references.”

She stopped in her tracks, both palms raised. “Hold up. Are you telling me that the people who hired you called references to check how good you are in bed?”

“Something like that.” Ash’s lips twisted in amusement.

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