Page 5 of Beauden & Yelena

Steve hasn’t done a day of hard work or manual labor in his life. Although he did earn his degree in accounting, he is a trust fund baby and he inherited SP & Jones from his father, Steven Porterhouse Senior. He walked into the firm as the Chief Financial Officer. This retreat is going to allow him to explore his “untapped rugged side”. His words, definitely not mine.

“Your luggage will be delivered right away,” Liberty says. “Enjoy your stay.”

Following the map of the floor-plan, I journey to my suite. It’s located to the left of a beautiful white and gold grand piano situated in the back of the great room. Once I turn the corner, I head down a long hall. I pass a bathroom, a library, and the dining room before reaching my door with a gold number three attached to it.

I pull my keycard out, press it to the pad above the door, and enter my lavish home away from home for the next six days.

The same beautiful hardwood flooring that’s throughout the lodge also graces this floor. To my immediate right is the ensuite bath with a huge Victorian tub in the middle. To the right is a large sitting area with two high-backed, plush reading chairs and two tree trunk designed tables. There’s a stoned fireplace to the right of the sitting area. Unlike the wood burning one in the great room, this one is electric. It’s decorated with garland and huge gold and glass ornaments.

The middle of the room houses the jewel of it. On top of a beautiful, cowhide-textured, oddly-shaped rug is a magnificent, grand, weathered timber bed. It looks handcrafted. Four massive wood beams tower high above the mattresses and the thick headboard is cushioned with leather. There is also a weathered timber dresser and nightstand, both with marbled tops.

I’m in country heaven.

Just as I step to climb onto the bed, there’s a slight tap on my door. I turn and open it. There’s a short, middle-aged, caramel-toned woman standing next to my luggage.

“Miss Stone?” she asks. I smile and nod. “I’m Martha Jean, your suite servant this week. Where would you like your bags?”

Reaching for them, I say, “Oh, I got them but thanks.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I confirm then grab my bags.

“Would you like me to unpack your things?”

“Oh no. I’m fine but thanks.”

“What time would you like me to turn down your bed?”

They are very attentive here. While I appreciate the hospitality, I’m good with turning down my own bed and unpacking my own clothes. So, with a smile as big as hers, I respond, “That won’t be necessary. I’ll do it but thanks.”

“Just let me know if you need anything. You can press zero on the room phone or leave a note in the pouch on the door. Have a good day.”

“You too.”

When she turns to walk away, I close the door and roll my luggage in. Before I do anything, I need to unpack. I refuse to live out of suitcases for a whole week.

I unpack my toiletries and makeup then carry it all into the beautiful bathroom. It is clear that no detail was overlooked in this lodge.Not one.I actually want this exact sink. Both sides have a round glass vessel sink bowl. The shimmering earth tones are the perfect fusion of elegance and modern design.

Once I leave my items in the bathroom, I hang up my clothes and place my shoes on the racks in the closet. Then, I finally remove my boots and coat. Since I’m not really hungry, I decide to chill and relax a little. I can order lunch in a few hours, after I talk to my mom.

After sliding onto the plush bed, I prop up on my extra pillows then grab my cell off the nightstand. I open my favorites then press my mom’s contact. It shows dialing but the call doesn’t connect. So, I end the call and try again. Unfortunately, it’s the same result. I check my bars and I have none.

Shit!I guess Steve didn’t have Dawn check on the connection here. We are out in the middle of nowhere; he should have at least asked.How are we expected to work with no internet connection?

Frustrated, I climb out of the bed with my cell in hand and trek to the closet. The signal might just be weak in my room or the lodge. I slide my coat on, slip into my UGG booties, then, open the glass door to the wraparound porch with two huge, old fashioned rocking chairs attached to my room.

As soon as I slide the door open, something prances into the room right past me. It happens so damn fast I barely have a second to process. However, the loud baas coming out its mouth jerk me back to reality fast as hell.

The volume of my screeching causes it to turn back in my direction. When my eyes meet his beady ones, fear overtakes my entire soul. My screams get louder, I stupidly drop my cell, and jet to the bed. I don’t know how but I manage to jump on it in one frantic leap.

“Help! Somebody please, help!” I scream, totally terrified. With my cell on the floor, the room phone in the seating area, and this wild goat leering at me, I’m trapped and need to get this beast out of here.

“Billy!” A deep, stern baritone echoes in the room and my eyes leave the goat to find it.

When I look up, I gasp. Standing in the opening of the glass door is the finest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. He is beyond gorgeous. His dark chocolate skin looks smooth as hell. His thick, dark eyebrows and jet-black trimmed beard match perfectly with his handsome face. This beautiful, tall man is attired in a black cowboy hat, black jeans, black boots, and a black vest, making him sexy as hell.

“Shit,” I utter and his thick eyebrows raise. I immediately regret my outburst. Trying to recover, I quickly plead, “Get him, please!” I honestly had forgotten all about the beast that had me terrified just seconds ago.How could I not?This sexy ass cowboy has stolen not only my breath, but also all of my attention.

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