Page 14 of Beauden & Yelena

“I hope the cows are as friendly as him when we milk them,” I say, nodding at the horse. “They better not try and eat me.”

Beauden steps to me then latches his arm around me. I don’t push away and my body melts into his. The top of my head lands perfectly under his chin.I fit.After inhaling his manly scent, I exhale. He runs a hand along the side of my face then he lifts my head. When our eyes meet, I’m sure my cheeks turn red because it seems like everything that he does makes me blush.

He leans in then rests his forehead on mine. “All the animals on this ranch are herbivores. The only carnivore that wants to eat you is staring into your beautiful eyes,” he admits.

Stunned. Did he really just say that?

I let out a sensual ass gasp. Before I can close my mouth, his lips crash into mine. Making his intentions very clear, he needily devours my mouth as our tongues acquaint themselves. His large hand caresses my back as he pulls me closer. I don’t want this kiss to end; I can kiss him all day.

The loud clearing of someone’s throat is the only thing that interrupts us.

Did I just kiss this man? This fine ass, sexy ass man, real man.

I did and shit! It was everything and I want to do it again.

Our heads swivel to the interruption and I spot the man from earlier with the horse.

“Sorry, boss,” he apologizes. “There’s an issue in the barn.”

“Give me a minute,” Beauden says and the man doesn’t move.

“It’s kind of important,” he adds apologetically. He clearly feels bad for interrupting.

“Go,” I insist. “I can walk back.”

“No, you can’t. It’s too far and too cold,” he says. “Travis will take you.” He looks at me intently then says, “I’ll get up with you later.” He pecks my forehead then looks back at the man.

As soon as we break, I inhale then exhale deeply. Poor Travis looks sorry enough for interrupting, I don’t want to make him feel uncomfortable because I’m flustered.

* * *

My stomach grumbles as soonas I exit the ATV, so I rush to my room to remove my coat and wash up. Then, I head to the kitchen to order a late lunch. When I bend the corner for the kitchen, something sweet and delicious-smelling hits my nose. As soon as I enter, I see the culprit. The counter is filled with sheets of cookies, holiday themed and chocolate chip.

“Oh, good afternoon, Miss Stone,” one of the two cooks greets me. As the only sista in the leadership group, my name has been easily learned by the staff. I’m trying to learn theirs as well. I know Raquel and I think this one’s name is Laneek.

Taking a chance, I say, “Hi, Laneek.” When she smiles in return, I know I’m right. “What’s all this?”

“Cookies for the carolers.”

“Like old fashioned Christmas caroling?” I ask, totally surprised. I didn’t think people still did things like that.

“Yes. The children from a few trail ride groups come around to each of the ranches singing soulful Christmas songs. The whole trail ride scene is huge around here. There are actually several clubs in town. I’m a member of the Sassy Chicks, an all-female club.”

“We always bake cookies for the babies,” Raquel adds.

“That’s nice but a trail ride club? Is that like a sorority or MC?” I ask for clarity and Raquel laughs.

“Both actually and I never even considered that,” she says with a smile. “If you put the dynamics of sororities and fraternities with a motorcycle club, you’ll get a trail ride group. Besides riding, we commune together and participate in the community. I’m in a mixed group, the Rough Ryderz. We are sponsoring the ice-skating rink at Jubilee. You are coming to that on Christmas Eve, right?”

Jubilee! That’s where he’s taking me Sunday.

“I am.”

“Good because it’s fun. The whole town comes out. There will be local goods for sale, plenty of food, games, rides, and arts and crafts. It ends with the lighting of the big tree.”

“You had me at plenty of food,” I say with a laugh. With my growling stomach and these cookies smelling all good, I can’t think of anything but food.

“You will have a blast,” Raquel says. “But did you need something to eat?”

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