A Forever Kind of Love (Kinds of Love 1)

Mia smiled at the now familiar voice. She had so hoped Carter would show up today. Her stomach did a single, excited flip as she turned around.

It was as if he had planned her being in that exact spot to look at him. He stood before her in soft jeans that hugged his frame and a t-shirt that showed just how broad and strong his shoulders were. The sun haloed his golden hair and made him look like some sort of god from a Greek story.

“As far as punishment goes, they are enjoying this far too much,” she replied. Her heart fluttered as he came and stood next to her, close enough for her to almost be able to touch him.

He shook his head and grinned. “Sadists.”

Mia laughed. How was it that her day suddenly seemed so amazing? Up until this point, it had been a normal day, but if someone had asked, it was now a great day.

“Would you like to finish our tour?” he asked. His lips went to a sexy half-smile as he waited for her response.

She glanced over at the kids, but they had completely forgotten about everything but the horses. Grayson was standing off to the side as the other two started grooming a horse under Laura's watchful eyes. He still looked unsure about being near the big animals, so Mia was glad Laura wasn't pushing him. He yawned, but then went to fetch a brush for his older siblings.

She knew they'd be fine. She chuckled to herself. As if they'd do anything to jeopardize their time here. The ranch and the horses were all they talked about.

“I'd love to,” Mia told Carter. “I want to see the rest.”

Carter's face split into a grin, and he looked around, figuring out where they left off last time. “You've seen the stables and the arena...”

“And I met Hopeful Dreamer,” Mia added.

“Then you need to see the garage. And the house.” He paused and looked at her. “Which one would you like first?”

“I'll take the garage, Mr. Williamson,” Mia replied, feeling a little bit smug. He raised his eyebrows at her, and she confidently crossed her arms and raised her chin.

“You figured out who I am.”

“I did.”

“You seem rather calm about it,” he said with a knowing smile.

“I had the drive over to stop screaming.”

Carter chuckled. It was still hard to believe the man was a billionaire. He seemed so normal. He was still easy to talk to, and that smile of his was still just as disarming.

“So, what's it like owning W Motors?” she asked. “Do you really make as many cars as they say you do?”

He motioned to the path, and they started walking. Together they walked with easy steps along the carefully maintained rock path toward the big garage. It was located on the opposite side of the house from the barn, but it was so beautiful outside that Mia enjoyed the short walk.

“It's a lot of work,” Carter said, answering her earlier question. “My father started out making cars and taught me everything I know. Eventually, I started making my own car designs, and that led to building my own company. Cars are in my blood. I love them.”

“And here I thought horses were in your blood,” Mia replied, motioning to the beautiful horse ranch behind them.

“Horses, horsepower- they're not that different,” he explained. His voice warmed with excitement about the topic, and it made her smile. “Cars are what I make. Horses are what I take care of. Both get me where I want to go. I am allowed to enjoy multiple things.”

He gently pushed her shoulder in a friendly teasing manner. At his touch, her stomach filled with butterflies again. She secretly hoped he'd do it again, but they were already at the garage.

The garage looked more like a second barn than a traditional garage. The building was huge and made of weathered gray wood, but Mia could see security cameras tucked in the eaves. This was far more than just a regular garage.

“Everything you see in here falls under the non-disclosure agreement you signed the other day,” Carter said as they approached the door. “You can't tell people what I'm working on in here.”

“Of course,” Mia replied. “Besides, who would I tell? Who would even believe me?”

Carter chuckled and went to the door leading inside, but he paused before opening it. “I'm actually working on something, and I'd love your opinion on it. If you're interested.”

“On a car?” Mia shrugged. “I'm not exactly a car expert. I'm not sure how much of an opinion I'll have.”

“We'll see.” He opened the door, and they stepped inside.