Page 55 of Mister Stark

The secrets continue.

I gave a small smile and straightened my stride over towards a fireplace in one bedroom. I could hear his curious footsteps behind me on the dark hardwood as he followed my lead and my gaze. The flames flicked and licked the glass. A red, orange and yellow glow.

“Why not right here?” I instructed as I pointed towards the fire and admired its beauty.

“It’s cozy, comforting and a great way to show us getting along.”

Daxon gave a brief nod and fell beside me. “Smile like you mean it.”

I flung my arm over his shoulder in a friendly daughter-in-law stance and hoped for the best. I smiled up towards the camera as Daxon held the cellphone high and snapped a selfie to send. The photograph was cute and straight to the point. It showed us having a blast, even though the flames grew out of control between us.

I pulled away from Daxon as soon as it was over and gained some space. “So, I guess I’ll take this room.”

I dropped my carryon on the comforter and walked towards the window. The drawn curtains showed a gorgeous view, and it was breathtaking. Some snow dropped from the branches and fell to the earth below. It revealed green pine trees underneath and bare tree branches. I breathed in the woodsy smell and wished I was anywhere else but here. Only because his dark eyes drank me in from behind me.

I heard a zipper and spun around. Daxon laid out a long sleeve dress shirt on the bed. It was white, and I bet it smelled just like him.

“You can wear this for bed until your clothes arrive tomorrow morning.” He instructed as he pointed at the neatly pressed shirt and looked at me.

“Okay...” I whispered with ease at his order. “Whatever daddy wants, daddy gets.”

His eyes looked me over and my body melted under his stare. He didn’t dare come any closer, and I was thankful he didn’t because I couldn’t take it. I knew he pictured me with only his dress shirt on. The coolness of it touched my skin as it flowed just past my tight ass and displayed my clean-shaven legs.

He cleared his throat and tore his eyes away from me. “I’ll... Um... Take the next room beside yours, then?”

“Sounds like a plan.” I smiled briefly, but pondered. “So, what happens next?”

Daxon looked down at his phone and asked me. “Do you like horses?”

“They are beautiful creatures.” I answered his question.

“That’s an excellent answer, because Dylan has horseback riding planned in the snow.” Daxon explained as he tucked his phone away and turned his back to me.

“What?” I asked with disbelief.

I followed behind him to the next room and my nerves kicked back into high gear. Everything about this getaway has turned out to be an anxious wreck and my anxiety was at an all-time high. I had just about enough of Dylan’s plans and was ready to forget the whole mess.

“You heard me right.” Daxon said firmly as he laid his luggage on the floor beside the bed and turned to look at me. “Dylan wants us to go horseback riding together, princess.”

“I’m not getting on a horse.” I said stubbornly and crossed my arms in front of me. “This is absurd.”

“So, you’re telling me you’ve never been on a horse before?” Daxon said as he came closer and raised an eyebrow. “I figured my princess would’ve ridden before?”

I knew a challenge when I saw one and Daxon was setting one up. His demeanor oozed confidence, and he wanted to win the battle. But I would not let him have his way.

“Oh, get off your high horse and show me where these damn horses are.” I snapped as I waved him through and followed him through the cabin.

We entered a foyer, and there were racks with extra winter coats. I took one since they lost mine with my luggage and grabbed a pair of riding gloves. I was sure I would need these, and they were very warm inside.

Daxon zipped up his coat, and we headed out the side door with the fancy barn within our sight. I pushed through the ankle-deep snow and hoped it didn’t tumble into my boots. I tried to follow in his footsteps in the snow, but his strides were much larger than mine. His long legs swiftly made it through the snow and he pulled the locked latch open. The barn doors opened wide and two horses were inside their warm stalls. Straw hay laid at their feet and their stalls appeared to be spotless. The owner must’ve been here before our stay to ensure everything was ready for our arrival, and it impressed me.

“I expected to see shit in their stalls, if I’m being honest.” I admitted as I watched Daxon work at getting the saddles ready and getting everything we needed.

Daxon laughed. “So, did I. Here, grab one.”

I went to take the saddle, but retreated. “I don’t know the first thing about riding a horse.”

“Well, I guess you’ll have to get on with me then.” Daxon admitted as he opened one stall and hooked up a saddle to a white horse.

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