Page 27 of Jonathan

“So am I. Why are you not already here?”

“Did you hear the part about me being busy?”

Leaning back against the thick trunk of an oak tree, he uncapped his thermos and took a long swig of the cool water. “Get unbusy and get your sexy butt over here. I want to take you riding.”

“Aren’t you working?”

“I happen to be the boss. Which means I can take a break whenever I feel like it.”

“I have not said I am coming.”

“You would not disappoint me.” At least, he hoped not. He wanted to show her off, wanted to let his men as well as anyone else knows that she was with him.

“Later.”

“How about now?”

“If you keep pushing, I might not show up. Now leave me alone and let me get back to what I was doing.”

“I cannot wait to see you.”

He grinned as she remained silent.

“Goodbye, Jonathan.”

“See you later.” Hanging up the phone, he stared off over the rising hills, the lush greenness of the grass and trees blowing in the breeze. He felt light, as if he was floating on air.

Just talking to her just now brought back the image of her in bed. He knew every intimate inch of her body, having making a thorough examination of such. The tattoo, (he had given into the urge and asked her about it.)

“A dare from one of my girlfriends,” she had told him. “All three of us went drinking one night at a club and on our way home, we stopped at the tattoo place. The guy offered us a package deal.”

He had been absurdly happy that it was just a business arrangement and nothing more. He knew she was comfortable in her sexuality and had probably been with several men. He had wanted to ask, but resisted the temptation to, realizinginstinctively that it was not a conversation he wanted to have with her.

She had mentioned her mother, but he had been reading articles on her and knew the mother was some five-star chef of a fancy restaurant. He had also read that she had been paired with some celebrities.

A reality TV chef, well-known for his acerbic wit and stinging criticisms on his show. He wanted to ask her about that as well and what had happened. But he did not dare.

She had clearly stated that it was just a holiday romance they were having, and he was desperately hoping to change her mind. They were damned good together. He was hoping to make her see that. He would not leave the ranch. But could he say goodbye to her if it comes to that?

His heart shuddered to a stop as he contemplated the answer. No, he thought grimly. If she left, he was going to follow her and drag her back here with him. Closing his eyes, he prayed that it would not come to that.

*****

“I am going to this shindig at the ranch.” She glanced at herself in the mirror and decided against the gold hoops, choosing silver instead.

“Shindig?” Her friends chorused.

Kamilah grinned at the phone as she brushed foundation on her cheeks. “I think that’s the proper name for it. Some sort of barn dance coupled with other activities.”

“You’re beginning to sound like a local.”

“Heaven forbid.” She muttered. Next came the tube of glossy orange lipstick to go with her plaid orange and red shirt. She had found it in a quaint little store in the middle of town.

“And the cowboy?” Salome wanted to know. “We have not heard anything about him. Don’t tell me he’s involved?”

“As far as I know, no, he’s not.” Pressing her lips together, she studied the result.

“Then what the hell are you waiting for?” Lauren demanded.

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