Page 24 of Beauden & Yelena

“I did. It rang twice on my end. It must be your connection. How’s it going? Are you surviving in the wild?”

“It’s not the wild but I’ve been attacked twice now.”

“Attacked!” she screeches with too much concern. “By what?”

“Not really attacked. A goat ran into my room and my cow kicked over my milk bucket but I had fun riding a horse.”

“Thank God.” She sighs. “You can’t scare me like that. I was about to grab your father and rush to the airport,” she says dramatically but I know if I needed her, she would hop on a plane.

“Where is Daddy?”

“Where else? In the den, watching football. That’s why I wish you were here for Christmas. Y’all really need to change those damn retreats, at least for Jesus’s birthday. It’s bad enough you work every other holiday.”

“I know, Momma.”

“Got me making popcorn balls and drinking wine alone.” She sighs and I do too. Every Christmas, she and I used to make popcorn balls. However, since I’ve been with the firm, the tradition has stopped.

“What kind are you making this year?”

“White chocolate.”

“I wish I was there. Save me one.”

“You know I’ll save you more than one. You be careful on that ranch.”

“It’s safe, Momma. I promise. Well, kiss Daddy for me since he’s wrapped up in his game. I love you.”

“I love you too. Call me on Christmas.”

“You know I will.”

As soon as I end my call with my mom, I look at the time then realize I have no formal way of contacting Beauden. We didn’t exchange numbers. I was so caught up in him yesterday the thought didn’t even cross my entranced mind. He said he would scoop me for dinner but I didn’t know what time.I’m such an idiot.

Right after taking a long hot bath, I got fully dressed for dinner. I have to admit that I’m probably more excited than I should be but I can’t help it. Beauden excites me in every way.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

Knocks on the glass door cause me to look up. It’s him. I smile in pure adoration and he takes that as the cue to enter. After he opens the door, his addicting scent reaches me before he does. “Are you ready for me?” he asks as he steps toward me.

All the time.

ChapterTen

When we exit the truck and walk to the front of my home, Yelena lingers on the porch. “Let’s get you inside; it’s getting colder out here,” I tell her.

“I love this porch; it’s so beautiful and peaceful out here on all of this land. The cold doesn’t even bother me.”

“It will once the sun sets. It’s going to snow again tonight.”

I open my front door then step aside to allow her to enter. “My God!” She gasps when she steps into my great foyer. It leads to the open kitchen. “This is all you?”

After closing the door, I answer. “Yes. Just me.”

She walks straight into my kitchen then runs her hands across the massive peninsula. “I love this built-in sink and breakfast bar. This kitchen is a cook’s dream.”

“You cook?”

“To relieve stress, yes. Usually during the week, I eat at work. With my hours, I have lunch and dinner in the office most days. But on the weekends, I cook and try new recipes. It’s really relaxing.” She walks over to the breakfast nook and opens the door. While looking out at the barbecue porch, she says, “You have a grill and fireplace out here. Do you grill a lot?”

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