Page 43 of The Moonstone Hero
Since she and Imogen were never going to be able to keep up with him, they rode along at their own pace and watched in awe as he tore back and forth across the countryside. Avenger seemed to fly over those flower-dotted fields, his hooves softly pounding the earth as they ate up the ground.
As for Caden, after all those months of being trapped in bed, Ella understood how desperately he needed to feel the wind on his face and the raw power of that beast beneath his thighs.
She had worried that his leg might not hold up or that he would aggravate his bruised ribs, but he did not seem to be bothered by any of it. Perhaps riding was easier than walking, since he did not have to put weight on his leg, although he did have to guide his horse using some of his powerful muscles.
Well, Caden was a big man and had no shortage of magnificent muscles.
There were nights Ella had quietly lain awake in her bed thinking of his body and how splendid it would feel pressed atop hers. Even now, the very idea brought a blush to her cheeks. She pretended to fuss with her stirrups and forced herself to think of something other than Caden.
By the time she and Imogen reached the meadow overlooking the beach and pirate cave, Caden was already there, standing by the stream that ran alongside the gentle slope of grass. He was tending to a lathered Avenger, making certain the beast lapped up enough cool water to slake his thirst.
Mr. Hawke drew his wagon into the shade, climbed down, and also saw that his trusted mare had a drink from the stream and sufficient gorse to munch on. Ella and Imogen alighted on their own, since they were quite capable of that, and then handed over their horses to Mr. Hawke’s care.
Ella and Imogen were about to lift the picnic basket out of the wagon when Caden strode over. “Let me get that for you?”
“No!” Ella cried out. “The doctor said you should not be lifting anything heavy!”
“That was at least ten days ago. Anyway, too late. Besides, it isn’t heavy at all.” He plucked it out as though it weighed no more than a feather.
Imogen poked her in the ribs and then grinned. “You must admit, he has gorgeous muscles. Stop gawking at him before he notices.”
“Imogen, be quiet,” Ella said in a frantic whisper.
She grabbed a blanket from the wagon and spread it out beneath a shady spot. Then Caden placed the picnic basket on it. Ella opened up the basket and peered inside to see what the caretaker’s wife had given them. It was filled to the brim with cold meats, cheeses, fruit, and bread. Also packed inside were bottles of lemonade and ale, as well as cutlery and linens. “Mr. Hawke, will you join us?”
“No, m’lady. My wife packed a little basket for me.” He excused himself to settle under a shady elm to eat and then take a nap.
While Ella carefully laid everything out, Caden escorted Imogen back to Honeysuckle and untied the pouch that held her art supplies. “What are you going to draw, Imogen?”
“The meadow. The water. Perhaps Mr. Hawke sleeping,” she said with a grin. “You. Ella. The horses.”
He laughed. “Well, that will keep you busy for the afternoon. Are you going to explore the pirate cave with us?”
She shook her head. “I’ve seen it many times. I would rather stay here and draw our surroundings.”
He arched an eyebrow. “So, it is just to be me and Ella?”
“Yes,” Imogen said, “but you must give me your word of honor that you will behave when you are in the cave with her.”
“Of course—you have my word.”
Imogen nodded. “Thank you, Caden. I knew I could trust you.”
He cast her a wry smile and then turned his gaze to Ella.
Dear heaven.
She felt his dark eyes burn into her soul.
“Looks like it’s to be just you and me,” he said, his grin a little wicked.
“Do you mind, Caden?”
“Not at all.”
Since the tide was out, Ella suggested they explore the cave before they settled down to eat. “We won’t be able to explore once the tide comes in.”
“Then there’s no time to lose. Let’s go.” He held out his hand, and she entwined her fingers in his without a second thought. It was the most natural thing in the world for her, but in the next moment she realized what she had done and tried to pull out of his grasp.
