Page 67 of When the Smoke Clears

I consider what she’s said. “I’m going to guess you didn’t let her have the last word.”

Her cheeks redden, but her eyes have a wicked gleam and a smirk tugs at her lips. “Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t.”

I squeeze her thigh. “Damn. Wish I could’ve been a fly on the wall.” A sheepish giggle escapes her, and I’m proud of the small victory.

Her head falls backward onto the arm of the couch. “How’s everything going here?”

“Buttery smooth.”

Her cool fingers slip into mine on her leg. “That good, huh?”

“Yep. In fact, I have some time this afternoon. If you’re up for it, I want to give you a lay of the land here. It’ll be helpful if you start to get a feel for what’s around, especially with the expansion coming up.”

She wipes her face blank for a split second before dropping her feet onto the floor and sitting forward in a swift motion. “Sure. Let me put my boots on.”

Her sudden mood change has me on alert.

“Do you ride?”

A coy smile greets me over her shoulder.

“I walked right into that one.” Along with shoving everything under a rug, I suspect she’d use sex to avoid all the emotions whipping around inside her these last few days, even ignoring her injury, if I gave her the opportunity. “Have you ridden horses?”

She pretends to study her socks intently as she puts them on, avoiding eye contact. “Not in a while. Izzy’s family has horses, and I rode with her a few times when we were younger.”

“Are you nervous?”

She meets my gaze. “I’m a little rusty, but I’m not nervous about the horses. I understand bits and pieces about animals and ranches. I just want to make sure I soak it all in.” She heads for the hallway where all the boots are.

I snake one arm out and pull her flush against my body. Damn, she feels good like that.

“No one is judging you here. Not about ranch life or anything else.” She softens in my arms, and I dust her face and mouth with gentle, chaste kisses. “Even if you decide you don’t want to participate in what goes on here, I won’t be upset with you.”

Her eyes well and she nods with a sad smile.

“Come on. I have someone I want you to meet.”

“Ok, let me just grab my camera.”

Maci’s quiet while we drive the Defender to the stables. Her lips purse thoughtfully and she gives me a curious look. “Did you forget I know Johnny Walker?”

I shake my head, smiling. “Not Johnny Walker.”

I round the front and open her door. “Look at you being a good girl and waiting patiently.” Her pupils expand and a gorgeous blush rushes into her neck and face.

Fuck.

Keeping my hands off of her has only been manageable because the prospect of hurting her is unfathomable. Knowing she’s healing well causes my desire to crest.

“I’m always a good girl.” She holds my gaze boldly.

Tucking my head into her hair, I nuzzle her neck before placing a long kiss below her jaw. “Yes, you are.”

Her sharp inhale makes my cock jump, and I smirk against her skin. She smells like my body wash, causing a primal pleasure at her being somehow marked as mine, but I also miss her spicy cinnamon scent.

Tangling my fingers with hers, I lead her into the stables. The last stall houses the horse I want her to meet. “This is Veda.”

Awestruck eyes fly to me and back to the painted horse. Veda’s coat is a mix of the darkest walnut and pure white, crafted artfully over her strong body.

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