Page 95 of Saddled in Secrets
He must agree. The noise that rattles from him is the sort of relief a person begs for. I cling onto him until there’s nothing but love between us. We stay wrapped up like that for a minute or two.
When Colton straightens, his gaze shimmers with renewed purpose. Hinges creak as he opens his door to hop out. In a fluid motion, I’m dragged across the seat and scooped into his arms.
“Told you I’d be your first,” he says while clutching me tight.
“Cocky cowboy,” I quip.
But my pulse gives a giddy kick. This man is carrying me toward our happily ever after. Crisp air fills my lungs when Iinhale deeply. The temperature is somewhere in the fifties, but the afternoon sun makes it feel warmer.
Water babbles in a trickle that reminds me of a white noise soundtrack. It’s peaceful and soothing. My body goes lax in Colton’s hold, trusting him to deliver me in one piece wherever we’re going.
I’m too focused on our natural surroundings to notice what’s directly in front of us. My oblivious bubble is popped when he sets me on my feet. A small building appears out of seemingly nowhere. Its rustic style resembles a farmhouse, but scaled way down.
“Is this…?” I stumble forward to peek in the curtained window. “Oh. My. Gosh. It’s a she shed.”
Colton unlocks the door and sweeps an arm inside. “Surprise.”
The girliest squeal escapes me while I rush to enter the tiny space. What I assume started as a basic floor plan has been transformed into a cozy living space. It’s decorated in shades of pink with neutral embellishments. A delicate aroma wafts from an automatic dispenser to welcome me.
This is meant to be a home not too far away from home. Just for a quick reprieve. Colton once again understood the assignment. That knowledge settles a comforting sensation over me.
I shuffle into the room for a closer look. My fingers drift along the sofa that’s arranged to separate the sitting area from the kitchen. A basket of crochet supplies waits for me beside the coffee table that looks to be repurposed wooden crates. Three of the walls are covered in shiplap panels. The fourth—from one end to the other—has several firmly inlaid shelves.
That’s where my attention is lured. On a ledge in the center, there’s a collection of figurines. Even a single glance sparksrecognition. Emotion stings my eyes, crashing over me in a weepy onslaught.
I whirl to where Colton is still standing in the doorway. His tattooed arms are stretched overhead in that effortlessly sexy pose. My mind taps out. There’s a good chance drool is about to dribble down my chin. Damn, I’m a goner.
Humor gleams in his blue eyes. “Need something, baby girl?”
My vagina clenches at the suggestion in his voice. I blindly point at the couch. Colton’s gaze shifts to a spot behind me. That triggers my memory and I gasp.
“You bought these”—my thumb jabs at the little statues—“at the markets in Germany.”
He nods. “Whatever you touched or even showed a passing interest in. To remind you of our first trip together, before it went to shit.”
The significance of that thoughtful gesture buckles my knees. I go down like a properly swooned lady. My fall is softened by the plush rug Colton chose. That reminds me of this entire place he created for me, as if the first wasn’t enough.
Heavy footsteps pound in my ears. I blink at the unshed tears blurring the ceiling. Even that’s pink.
My stare finds Colton’s hovering over me. “I’m beginning to believe I don’t deserve you.”
He grunts and lowers himself to the floor, tugging me onto his lap. “Quit talking crazy.”
“You started it,” I blubber.
“Why are you crying?”
“Romantic orgasm.” I gesture at my mess of feelings.
His lips hitch up on one side. “You love me.”
“In a hopeless sort of sense,” I sigh.
He brushes at a stray tear that escapes. “Welcome to the party.”
My cheek nuzzles his palm. “Is this our date?”
“I had a picnic planned.”
