Page 27 of Country Winds
Her sigh of pleasure flowed through her limbs as a hum of desire rose in her throat. He slipped his tongue into her mouth, and she answered, returning his kiss with intensity, tasting him as he tasted her.
Everything about him intoxicated her. She’d read somewhere that a woman had to be attracted by a man’s scent, which was so true with Tucker. She couldn’t get enough of him. He filled her up.
They kissed for what seemed like hours, but it must have been minutes.
Tucker parted from her, leaving her breathless as he stared into her eyes. “You are the most intelligent, funny, interesting, beautiful, and sexy woman I’ve ever met.”
His words sent warmth spiraling through her belly. The first thing he’d mentioned was her intelligence. The last was “sexy.” The man kept winning her over with everything he did and said.
“You know just the right words to say to me.” She smiled as she rested her palms on his chest, his heat melting her. “It’s nice to be appreciated for more than my looks.”
“Honey, there is so much to you. That list doesn’t begin to say it all.” He skimmed his knuckles along her cheekbone. “The more I get to know you, the more I appreciate you. You are one surprise after another.”
“Just you wait, darlin’.” She spoke like a Southern Belle and batted her eyelashes.
He chuckled. “I’d better go, or we’ll be kissing all night on your doorstep. What would your neighbors say?”
“Who cares?” She smiled. “Kissing me all night out here doesn’t sound bad at all. It sounds wonderful.”
His lips curved into a grin. “You are my kind of woman.” He straightened and rested his hands on her upper arms. “Are you available next Sunday for a horse ride and a picnic? I can take you up to see the petroglyphs.”
“I need to fly to L.A. the next two weekends for voicework on a new project, and then it will be complete.” She placed her hand on one of his hands that lightly gripped her arm. “Are you available later in the week after next? I can arrange my schedule and have that Wednesday afternoon free.”
“I can make that work.” He gave a slow nod. “We’ll talk on the phone in between now and then.
She smiled. “Great.”
He let his hands slide down her arms as he released her. “Get on into your house now. I’m not leaving until you are safely tucked inside.”
She laughed. “Thank you for a lovely day.” She took her keyring out of her purse and gripped the door key as she looked up at him.
He stole her breath again as he lightly kissed her. He took the key from her and opened the door, then handed the set to her. “Good night, Ellie.”
“Good night.” She gave him another smile before she slipped inside her home and closed the door behind her.
7
Ellie was up early to take care of some business she didn’t get to do since she’d been in L.A. from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, not to mention the previous weekend.
She and Tucker had talked regularly on the phone since the day of the Arabian show. It was always great to hear his voice and talk about their days and what each of them had going on.
Around nine in the morning, she said goodbye to Hailee and headed to Tucker’s home. She made two calls during the drive and ended up chatting with Leeann most of the way.
Ellie’s skin tingled as she parked next to Tucker’s black dually. The Border collies, Piper and Penny, bounded up to greet her as she climbed out of her SUV. She rubbed them behind their ears and gave each of them a hug.
When she got to her feet, she smiled at Tucker, who stood just a few feet away. “Hey there.”
He stepped closer, looking like he wanted to take her into his arms, but was holding himself back. He held her gaze as he settled his hand on her shoulder. His voice was a low rumble when he spoke. “I’m glad you made it.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers.
She sighed with pleasure. “Wouldn’t miss our picnic for the world.”
“The horses are saddled, and we’re ready to go.” He nodded to her vehicle. “Do you have all you need?”
“Let me grab my bag.” She retrieved a small canvas bag with a long strap from the passenger seat and slung it over her shoulder. “I brought my camera to take pictures of the scenery and the petroglyphs.”
“You take a lot of pictures.” He started toward the barn, and she fell into step beside him.
“That’s true.” She smiled up at him. “Have you been checking out your social media pages?”
