One to Leave (One to Hold 5)

The green in his eyes shone against the light tan of his skin. Straight, white teeth peeked behind his full lips, and a light shadow was on his cheeks. My fingers curled wanting to slide over that scratchy face, jaw to chin. I’d follow it with my tongue.

“Isn’t there anything I can do for you?” I asked.

He studied me a moment longer, and I almost

believed he pictured the same thing as me—our bodies entwined together. But he pulled away, going around to the other side of the horse. My breath slowly returned along with severe frustration.

“You could bring me something to eat. I didn’t have breakfast.”

“Okay!” I stepped around the horse’s head. “Any special requests?”

“Whatever Winona made is fine.”

I did a little wave, intending to say I’d bring him anything when my sweater flared out in the breeze and the horse made a whinny sound. Her head flew back and shook side to side as she pawed the ground.

“Oh!” I cried, throwing up my hands, which seemed to startle her more.

She did a little jump, and Stuart was quickly in front of me, pulling my body close against his back.

“Ho, girl.” His voice soothed, and he held a hand out, palm down toward her. “Easy now.”

I clutched his sides, burying my face in his soap and cedar back as the horse pawed the ground a few more times. His arm rose with each movement, and he continued speaking in that dulcet tone until Freckles was at a tentative calm.

I trembled all over when he turned. His arms were still around my waist, and I was acutely aware of his palm against the skin of my back. It did not help me catch my breath.

“You okay?” He searched my eyes, speaking in the same tone he’d used with the startled horse.

“I think so.” I blinked up. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare her.”

He glanced briefly at my mouth. One dip, and our lips would touch. He stepped away.

“It’s okay. I’m glad you weren’t hurt.” His voice didn’t change, but his mouth was now sadly too far from mine. My hands were on his forearms, and I wanted to hold onto him. I never wanted him to let me go.

“Did something happen to make her act that way?”

Our eyes mixed and mingled as I watched him think about what I’d asked. Maybe he was thinking about himself?

“I don’t know.” One hand went into his pocket, and the other only held my elbow. Stupid distance. “You can take a break if you need to.”

Moving my arm so our hands met, I shook my head. “No, way—I owe you breakfast.”

“Are you sure?” Concern filled his eyes, and I was certain I’d never seen anything sexier in my life than this man right now protecting me.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

He gave me a little smile, and I headed toward the barn entrance. His continued talking to the horse, and I glanced again to see him moving towards Freckles, a definite limp in his step. A new idea drifted through my mind, a way in.

* * *

Stuart sat on a bench against the back wall of the barn to eat his breakfast of scrambled eggs and ground sausage wrapped in a tortilla, while I stood nearby sipping coffee. I watched him make short work of his meal.

“Winona was more than happy to make you two of those.”

He’d just taken a big bite, so he nodded. The muscle in his jaw moved as he finished before speaking. Swoon.

“She’s been stuffing us since we were kids.” He winked and finished the last bite, quickly wiping his mouth with the napkin. I seriously was ready to kiss that mouth, but I had to play it cool.

“You must’ve loved being able to come here growing up. It’s like your own personal summer camp.”