One to Take (One to Hold 8)

I turn my head to the side and smile up at him. “Yes.”

He chuckles, “I almost went to the barn this morning, but I have to be in town with Bill.” My brow lowers, and I pretend frown, which only makes him laugh more. “I’m just saying. It’s not exactly punishment to have you show up pissed and not wearing panties demanding I fuck you senseless.”

Pushing against the bed, I prop on my elbows. Looking at my hands, my hair falls in a wavy chestnut curtain between us. “I guess my hormones are kind of all over the place these days.”

He lifts my hair back and catches my eye. “No complaints here.” He leans forward and kisses my arm before getting up and out of the bed. “Now I’d better shower. I don’t want to be late.”

Watching his ass tighten and flex as he walks away, I can’t resist. “Hot damn! Can I get a fry with t

hat shake?”

He stops, and looks back at me, eyes flashing. My eyebrows shoot up, and I cover my mouth quickly with my hands, trying not to laugh. Just as fast, he dashes back to the bed, catching my ankle and pulling me across the sheets to him as I scream. I’m in his arms, looking right in his eyes. Our chests are touching, and he’s smiling as big as I am.

“I love you,” he says, and my insides melt. I cup his cheeks in both my hands and lean up to kiss him hard.

He leans down, lips chasing mine, and by the time we’re done my mouth, cheeks and neck are scuffed and red from his beard.

His arms loosen, and he steps back. “Now I have to shower and hit the road.”

Nodding, I smile as he takes a few steps back and turns to head into the bathroom. “I love you, too.” I say softly, watching him go.

Amy is waiting at the table when I enter the kitchen. “It’s my last day,” she says with a pout. “Grab a little quiche and let’s do something memorable.”

“Okay!” I step over to the stove where a plate holding three small quiches sits and grab one with the tips of my fingers, sliding it onto a saucer. “I wish you were staying longer.”

Going to the table, I sit, pulling my knee to my chest.

“Me too,” she sighs. “But you can come to Chicago and hang out with me before the baby gets too big. And I’ll visit you in Princeton.”

I smile, as the cheesy goodness of the quiche fills my mouth. The spinach and mushrooms give it a satisfying, savory flavor. “This is so delicious,” I say, holding my hand over my mouth.

“Oh my god, I’m sitting here absolutely struggling against the urge to eat every last one!”

I snort a laugh, and Amy’s eyebrows shoot up. It only makes me laugh more, and she explodes in laughter too.

“Come on,” she stands, reaching for my hand.

I shove the last bite of quiche into my mouth and use the paper napkin I grabbed to wipe my fingertips and mouth.

“Where are we headed?”

“I was thinking we could saddle up a few horses and ride around the place.”

I follow her out the door, nodding and clearing my mouth. “Stuart doesn’t like me to lift the saddles anymore. He says they’re too heavy.” Tossing her pale blonde hair, she narrows her eyes. “I know!” I say, shaking my head. “It’s ridiculous.”

“Still, I don’t want him pissed at me. I’ll put your saddle on for you.” Her tone is exasperated, and I almost feel guilty.

We enter the barn, and four heads appear over stall doors, looking at us curiously. “Oh!” I skip ahead to Jessie’s stall. “Come see my horse!”

“How did you get a horse?” Amy runs up beside me, and I see Jessie scamper to the back of her stall nervously.

“Take it easy,” I say, touching her arm. “She’s still learning we’re friends.”

Amy leans beside me on the door looking inside. “She’s beautiful.”

“I think so, too,” I lean my head on my hand watching my pretty little horse look back at us with cautious interest.

“Is she a wedding present or something?”