Page 46 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

That question was gold coming from a man who kept so many thoughts to himself.

“The last time we kissed...” I wasn’t sure how to word my observation without making it sound like I was disappointed. I wasn’t. “I guess I’m trying to say that today you are softer. I don’t mean squishy or anything bad.” I patted his chest again. “You know what? Just forget I opened my mouth.”

Laughing, he rolled me onto my back and hovered over me. “I was wearing body armor. And you pierced right through it.”

“Oh. Well, for the record”—I ran a hand down the front of his shirt—“I prefer this.”

He kissed me again, and I forgot all about sandwiches, oak trees, and horses.

Long before I was ready to end our perfect little picnic, he stood. “We should get going. I want to be back before dark.”

He had everything packed up in a matter of minutes. Then, in a not-so-graceful way, I managed to get back up on my horse.

And instead of walking over to Cream, Eli looked up at me. “It won’t even be dark by the time we get back. And I’m really enjoying myself.”

“Me too.”

“I was thinking maybe dessert and dancing... if you like that idea.”

I leaned down, intending to kiss him in answer to his question, but my plan went awry. I slid right out of the saddle, but my left foot stayed in the stirrup.

“Whoa!” Eli caught me around the waist.

I couldn’t stop laughing long enough to respond. And I didn’t even want to think about how ridiculous I looked hanging off the side of a horse. If I wanted to impress him with gracefulness, this was not the way to do it.

“Work your foot loose.” Eli acted like it wasn’t any big deal to hold me off the ground while I wriggled my boot free.

Once my feet landed in the dirt, I dropped my head to his chest. “I did not mean for that to happen. I’m glad you’re so strong.”

He wrapped his arms around me. “What did you want to happen?”

“This.” I inched up and brushed my lips on his. “I’m not ready for the date to be over.”

“Then let’s get you back up onto that horse so we can go.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “It would be too easy to lose track of time if I start kissing you again.”

The man oozed charm, and I was smitten.

Following his instructions, I hopped back into the saddle. Hopped made it sound smooth and effortless. In reality, it was difficult and clunky.

He patted my leg. “I have a small surprise for dessert. We’ll pick it up and eat at my place.”

His surprises were going to spoil me.

“Can’t wait.”

Sugar followed Cream all the way back to the barn, and when we arrived, he helped me down, keeping his arms around me after my feet were on the ground. “I hadn’t planned the dancing part. That was a spur of the moment suggestion. You’ll have to be a little patient with me. I haven’t been dancing in a while.”

“I’m just happy to get more time with you.” I meant every word.

He could step on my feet all night, and I wouldn’t care as long as he kept sweet-talking me like this.

We loaded into his truck, and once we hit the main road, Eli reached across the cab and clasped my hand. “Thanks for being patient with me. Texting and talking on the phone and getting to know you helped me be much less nervous today.”

“It’s been amazing. I can’t believe you pulled all this together.”

He shrugged. “When the car plan fell apart, I figured I’d share something else I enjoy with you.”

“I loved it. Tell your granddad that it was a pleasure meeting him. And Mario.”

---