Page 29 of Beauden & Yelena

But how can I?

Am I crazy?

I must be crazy!

I can’t. I just can’t.

I need air. I need a moment to get away from this fine ass, charming ass man so I can think clearly. I need to think.

“What time are we leaving?” It’s Christmas Eve and Jubilee is finally here.

“At ten,” he utters.

“Oh good. I have time to bathe and get ready.”And get from under your spell.

He turns to face me and that half smile I’ve quickly become obsessed with is on his handsome ass face. His strong arm drapes over me then he pulls my naked body into his.

I’m so weak for this man.

“I told you to bring a bag yesterday.”

“And I wouldn’t. It’s bad enough Raquel knows about us. I wasn’t going to be seen leaving the lodge carrying a spend-da-night hoe bag.” I laugh at the thought. “I would have been the talk of the executive team. It’s bad enough that you gave me all that special treatment yesterday with the horses.”

“You deserve special treatment. Fuck them and what they think.”

Everything is just so simple and easy for him. Meanwhile, I’m unraveling on the inside as I try to figure out my life and what the hell I’m going to do about him, about us. He’s not giving up on asking me to stay with him.

“I wish it was that easy. I have to work with these people.”

“Hopefully, not for long,” he utters. “I’ll have Martha Jean bring your stuff and you can get ready with me.”

He’s so damn persistent.

“That’s a no too. I don’t want her going through my stuff. Besides, I don’t even have my phone and I need to call my parents. It’s Christmas Eve.”

He kisses my forehead then rubs his big hand down my back to my ass. After squeezing it, he concedes. “Although I prefer you just like this in my bed, I’ll let you have that. You can go back to the lodge and get ready. I’ll scoop you up at ten.”

“Thanks forletting me,sir,” I sass I reach up and touch his soft beard. I love running my hands through it. “Can I ask a favor?”

“You got it.”

“Let me ask first. You might not be so willing to let me have it.”

“As long as it keeps you around me, you can have whatever.” He’s so confident that me on this ranch, me with him, and us together will work.

How is he so sure about something so crazy?

“I want to drive the Outlander back to the lodge.”

After gracing me with his beautiful full smile, he says, “You driving the ATV? Bet, you can definitely do that. I want you to embrace your inner cowgirl.” After leaning in, he kisses my lips before releasing me and sliding off the bed. “Take the Outlander and go get ready. I need to check on my ranch hands this morning before they leave for the holiday.”

He treks into his bathroom and I hop up too. Quickly, I get dressed. I walk past his bathroom just as he’s stepping into the shower. Our eyes meet but no words are exchanged. Then, I walk out of his room, grab the keys, and leave.

Driving the Outlander through the ranch is exhilarating. The cold wind hitting my face and the freedom of being out on the land are great but it does nothing to clear my confused mind.

Can I leave my life in Orlando and stay here with a man I’ve barely known for a week? I don’t know.

As soon as I enter my room, I strip out of my clothes, start a hot bath, then slide into the water. I call my mom first and wish her and my dad a Merry Christmas Eve then I call Eddie. I need to talk this whole crazy notion of Beauden and me out with someone I trust to always give it to me straight, no chaser.

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