Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 63626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
I jumped at the sound of Banks’ voice. My face flooded with heat as I turned to see he’d come into the kitchen. I wondered if he somehow knew my thoughts. His baseball cap rested on his head just enough to shield the depths of his eyes. Even without trying, he exuded sex appeal and my nipples tightened, pressed against the bodice of my dress.
“And I told you I wasn’t afraid of it.”
I had no idea why he was here at this time of day without his brothers and didn’t know what to say. Suddenly, I had no idea how to even act. I felt like some insecure girl, so aware of his intense masculinity, but terrified he found me not worthy of his time. It was easier to turn my back and return my attention to bread making.
I heard his boots crossing the floor and then felt his presence behind me. Banks placed one of his hands on each of my shoulders, and began to give a gentle massage. “I know how tired you are.” He continued to massage as he spoke, causing me to give a soft moan and revel in the delightful feeling. “I know I haven’t told you, but I couldn’t ask for more. You’ve been amazing these past few weeks. You truly are making this place a home. My brothers and I talk about it all the time. We couldn’t have done this without you.”
I turned to face him, my eyes searching his. They talked about me? Did that include discussions about what I’d done with two of his brothers? Did it truly matter? My question from before, the one asking if the fire between us had extinguished, had been answered. From the moment he’d arrived, spoken, touched me, all I wanted to do was to melt into his body.
Banks took a deep breath and a large step backward. “I want to take you somewhere. Clean up and meet me outside in five minutes.”
“What about supper, your brothers and Kit?”
“My brothers decided to take Kit into town like she’s been begging them to do. They will eat supper there, and I decided to surprise you with a picnic. It’s the least I can do for all your hard work. You and Kit both need a break and our show of thanks.”
I stood there, not sure what to think. “A surprise?” I honestly couldn’t believe he had taken the time to plan it all out.
“Okay, let me put this in the fridge.” I quickly transferred the dough to a bowl.
“I’ve got it. Just go get cleaned up,” Banks said, covering the bowl.
Not wanting to give the man time to change his mind, or me time to overthink, I quickly did as he asked.
When I returned downstairs, I found Banks at the bottom of the stairs. “You clean up nicely.”
All I’d done was wash my face and hands, brush my hair, remove my apron, and yet I could feel myself flush at the compliment. It reminded me of that first day I’d come downstairs, and he’d made me feel pretty. “Thank you.”
He just nodded and with a hand splayed at my lower back, led me outside where a horse the color of midnight was standing, the reins looped over the porch rail.
“We’re riding?” I asked.
“Yes, it’s a rather long hike,” Banks said. “Come on. I’ll help you up.”
“But… he’s huge and…” I didn’t want to appear to be a wuss, and say scary, but this was the biggest horse I’d ever seen.
“Kieran?” Banks said, running his hand down the horse’s neck. “No, I’d say he is the average size for a good stallion,” he countered and then grinned. “And, though his name means ‘Dark One’, it’s because of his color, not because he is evil. He’s as gentle as a lamb. I promise, you’ll be fine.”
Dark was right. The animal was the color of obsidian, a black so deep it had a hint of blue along his flanks. He was truly a magnificent example of horse flesh. Yet, that was part of the problem.
“Um, I’ve never been on a horse before, and I’ve heard they know when their rider is… well, terrified. I’m not really sure if—”
“Well, get ready for your first experience,” he interrupted. “I love taking a woman’s virginity, especially one who is such a pretty witch,” he said.
I could only gape at him. Really? Of all I’d said, the only thing he picked up on was that this would be a first for me. I wasn’t sure how to respond until he grinned and chuckled.
“Ha, Ha, very funny,” I said, reaching out to punch him in his arm. “Nice cheesy pickup line.”
He shook his head as he reached out and pushed my hair over my shoulder, running his fingertip along my collarbone. “Why, Miss Winters, I’m not sure what you are thinking about, but I was simply talking about treating you to your first ride… on a horse, that is.”