Swept Away in Wilde (Wilde, Nevada Beginnings 1)

He nodded. “I’ve always been attracted to all things Japanese.” He dismounted and helped her off of Rosie. “Let me get these two to the barn and then I’ll give you the tour.”

“I would like to see the barn, too. The more I immerse myself in your world, the better my article will be.”

“Immerse away, sweetheart.” They led Captain and Rosie into his barn. “It’s small but functional enough for me.”

“It’s incredibly organized. I’m surprised. I thought you were the crazy one of the Wilde brothers.”

“I am,” he said, grabbing her hand and squeezing. He saw her cheeks turn a sweet shade of pink. “But I do like things in their place. Dan and Dillon are the same. We’re products of our parents. We were making our own beds before we were five.”

“So was I, but I imagine it was for different reasons.” The regret in her voice returned.

What kind of childhood had she experienced? He wanted to ask but knew it was too early to push her.

“Should we take off their saddles?” she asked.

“No, but I will give them some water.” He put the hose in the trough and began filling it up. “I’m thirsty. How about you?”

“Very,” she answered.

Chapter Nine

Standing in Craig’s barn, Mary couldn’t get over how comfortable she was being with him. She couldn’t get over his muscled body. That had to be a product of working in his family’s businesses—the mine and the ranch. Hard work but the results were a chiseled frame, nice biceps, and a butt that filled out his jeans so nicely.

“I’ve got beer, wine, or pop.” He led her into his house.

The living room was stunning. The floors were dark solid wood. A large red carpet anchored the black sofa and two chairs together. The floor-to-ceiling windows looked out onto a garden that was just as meticulous as everything else she’d seen of Craig’s, including the barn. Two Asian paintings on silk flanked the fireplace, which was clad in gray stone.

“Wow. This is impressive.”

“Let me show you the rest of it.” He led her into the kitchen, which was sleek and modern. It had an island with barstools. There were no upper cabinets due to the windows that gave a spectacular view to the mountains off in the distance.

“Do you cook?” she asked.

“I do. In fact, I was planning on preparing something for your lunch. Are you hungry?”

She’d never had any man make her a meal. There was something quite attractive about a man who knew his way around a stove. “A little.”

What kind of pop do you like?”

“Just a cola. Any brand. Doesn’t matter to me.”

“Coming right up.” He opened his refrigerator and got out two cans of pop.

She took a sip. “Perfect. Can we finish the tour before lunch? Would you mind if I took some pictures?”

“For your article?” He grinned. “Knock yourself out.”

The house was compact but very efficient—one bedroom and one bath, neat as every other space in the home.

He opened the closet. “I’m really proud of this.”

It was a walk-in with windows. “Craig, this is very organized. I’ve never seen anyone color-coordinate their shirts before.” It was obvious that no woman lived here with him. Though she shouldn’t have cared, knowing he lived alone pleased her.

“That’s the entire tour. Well? What do you think of my place?”

“If you ever want to change careers from mining and ranching, I know some people back in Missouri that would hire you on the spot to design their homes and businesses. This is gorgeous. You sure you didn’t have any help?”

“Not with the furnishings, just the building like I said. Dan and Dillon hammered a lot of nails for me, just like I did for them. But their tastes run different directions from mine.” He smiled. “I’m really glad you like my house. Let’s head into the kitchen and I’ll get our lunch started.”