by Jill Sanders
“Every morning we try and work with him after he’s had a good night’s rest,” Corey said, as he sat on the horse’s bare back. “I figured a hike might wear him down to where he wouldn’t…” Just then, Hellion took off and flew past the barn. Corey hugged the horse’s back, laughing.
She watched him disappear in her field and wondered if she should try and follow them. Looking down at the dogs, who just sat there looking bored, she sighed.
“That man is going to get himself killed.” She sighed and started walking in the direction they’d gone.
She’d just rounded the edge of the barn when the pair came back towards her. Corey looked in charge this time. He had a huge smile on and his shoulders were arched back with pride.
“Well, I’ll be damned. Looks like I won this round.”
He pulled on the reins and Hellion stopped just shy of her. For a moment, she was afraid that he wouldn’t obey Corey. Then she saw it in the horse’s eyes. He was tired, but she could tell that he absolutely loved acting up.
“He’s a troublemaker.” She walked towards him, her hand held out with one of the carrots she’d just picked. The horse sniffed it and then snatched it from her open palm. “I bet he gets a kick out of seeing you fly off him.”
“And then he bites me to top it all off.” He glanced down at his wrist and she noticed the bruise, which appeared to be fading.
“So, the question is… Will you have to wear him out tomorrow as well?” She reached up and scratched the dark horse between his ears. He leaned into her hand and rubbed his face against her shoulder. She chuckled as she almost fell over.
“We’ll just have to see.” He slid from the horse’s back smoothly. When he stood next to her, she shielded her eyes from the sun.
“What do Ryan and Reece think?” she asked, pulling out another small carrot from her pocket.
He shrugged. “They’re probably still at the hospital.”
“What?” She turned to him, almost dropping the carrot.
“Oh, forgot to tell you. Missy’s in labor.” He took the carrot from her and gave it to Hellion.
“How wonderful.” She smiled. “I’d heard a couple people taking bets on when the baby would be here and what sex it would be.”
“Watch, it’ll be a boy.” He started walking back towards the barn. “Looks like you’ve made a dent in the garden.” He nodded towards the small patch of dirt her aunt had planted everything from tomatoes to watermelons in.
When they got back to the barn, he put Hellion in a stall. “How about some lunch?” he asked, turning to her and pulling her closer. “I’m dying for something, seeing as I just walked over seven miles.” He leaned down and placed his lips over hers. “There, that’s what I needed.” He brushed his lips over hers again. “I’ve missed being with you the last few nights.”
“With everything being delivered, it’s been busy around here.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She’d taken a whole day and had rearranged the living room with the new furniture. She’d even run down to the little hardware store and grabbed a few buckets of paint to touch up the walls. Then, she’d decided to repaint the kitchen a honey color. It really added warmth to the place. She was beginning to feel like the home was truly hers.
She’d even had a few more visitors. Several women, friends of Alex’s, had stopped by, including her sisters, Haley and Lauren. They had all come without their kids, just for an adult visit, which had been wonderful.
Her fridge was still stocked with desserts they had brought. She planned on having some of them when Savannah and Billy arrived later that night.
“You’ll be here and ready around six?” she asked him a while later as they ate lunch. They were sitting on the front porch, enjoying the cool breeze that was coming through the trees as they drank ice tea. The dogs were lying at their feet, too tired and hot to race around the yard anymore.
“You can count on it. I’ll bring the beer.” He leaned over and kissed her. His arm was around her shoulders as they sat on the porch swing. “I’d better get Hellion back home.” He stood and stretched. “Maybe he’ll let me ride him part of the way back.”
She followed him out to the barn and stood back as she watched the duo together. “That horse has something to prove to you.” She chuckled when Hellion jerked on the reins. “He wants to lead.” She walked over and reached up to the horse, who immediately calmed down and sniffed her hands.
“What he wants is another carrot.”
“I’ve got plenty.” She walked over to the bucket near the garden and pulled out a handful of them. When she walked back, Hellion’s eyes were glued to her the entire time. “I think these are his weakness.” She held another one out for him. He quickly snatched it from her hand.
“You may be right,” Corey said. “You keep him occupied, and I’ll jump on his back.”
She was about to stop him, but he moved too quickly and was on the horse’s back before she could say anything. She watched Hellion’s eyes heat, but then she held up another carrot and he focused on it, instead of Corey.
“That’s it. Focus on the carrots instead.” She reached up and rubbed his ears as she gave him a few more. “Here.” She handed Corey a handful of carrots. He shoved them in his front pocket and then she stood back as he nudged Hellion’s flanks. The horse jolted but settled down by the end of her driveway. The dogs had followed them that far but turned back towards her just as Corey glanced back and yelled over his shoulder. “See you tonight.”
He waved and then quickly turned his attention back to the horse when Hellion started taking off again as she laughed.
Chapter Eleven
Corey showed up an hour earlier than Billy and Savannah were due to arrive at Bella’s. He had even brought along Dutch, who’d been acting like he was dying to get out of the house for a while.
He had a case of beer tucked under his arm as he let himself into the house with the extra key she’d given him. He could hear the shower running upstairs and smelled something wonderful coming from her new stove.
Dutch had been so happy to see the other dogs that he’d let the three of them out so they wouldn’t go too nuts in the house. Putting the beer in the fridge, he decided to head upstairs to check on Bella.
When he opened the bathroom door, he called out to her, but didn’t get a response.
Walking over, he opened the glass door, only to have her spin and scream. “Easy.” He chuckled. “It’s just me. I called out, but your head must have been under the water.”
“Oh my god!” She reached over and slapped at his shoulder. “You just took several years off of my life.” She stood there, gloriously naked as warm water dripped over her. Her hand was to her chest as she held herself up against the shower wall.
“Looks like you’re clean enough.” He flipped off the water and grabbed a towel then reached in and took hold of her hips, pulling her closer.
“I was just getting out,” she said as he started running the towel over her body slowly. He enjoyed seeing her wet and took his time drying every inch of her.
When he backed her up to the counter, she leaned back as he ran his hands over her warm skin.
“Corey,” she squealed. “We don’t have time…” She sighed when his fingers brushed over the soft skin between her legs. “They’re going to be here soon.”
“Savannah is always late,” he said, trailing kisses down her neck. “Besides, how do you expect me to stay away after seeing you like this?” His eyes ran over her again. “Wet, soft, and warm.” His mouth found her peaked nipple and rolled his tongue around it, causing her to moan and grab his hair. He loved the way she responded to him. He nudged her back until she was half leaning and half sitting on the countertop. Spreading her legs, he knelt between them and used his mouth on her.
“The sweetest honey I’ve ever had,” he murmured against her wet skin. “It’s addictive.” He gently pushed a finger into her heat, causing her to groan with pleasure. “Yes, that’s it,
come for me, Bella,” he croaked, trying to keep his own needs at bay.
But then she tossed her head back and arched her back as he felt her pool around him. Standing up, he yanked open his jeans and was inside her as quickly as he could.
The feeling of her wrapping around him sent shivers pulsing through his entire body. How could he have ever known that someone could do this to him? His fingers dug into her soft butt as he pulled her closer. She wrapped those sexy legs around him, holding him tighter as his mouth claimed hers.
His. That was all he could think as he pushed her back up against the wall. Forever.
Bella needed another shower. She felt her pulse slow as a drip of sweat rolled down the middle of her back.
“You’d better be right,” she warned.
“I’m always right. Except when I’m not.” He smiled. “About what?”
“About Savannah being late,” she said, glancing over at the small clock on the wall. There was less than twenty minutes now until her company was due to arrive. She needed to hop in the shower, get ready, and finish making dinner.
“I am.” He pulled back and set her on the ground solidly. “I’ll leave you alone now.” He moved to go, but them came back to her and kissed her one more time. The kiss started out light, but as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, she could feel her body building with desire again.
Pushing him away, she growled. “Go! You’re making it worse.” She moved to get into the shower again.
“Worse? Or better?” he joked.
“Both.” She laughed as she let the cold water cool her heated skin down. “If you want to be helpful, you can set the table.” She glanced at him through her wet hair.
“Anything else?” he asked as he straightened his clothes.
“Not that I can think of yet.” She turned off the water and stepped out again.
“I can help dry you off.” He made a move closer to her. She held up her hands and laughed.
“Not after what just happened. We don’t have time for a repeat of that. Not until later.” She watched his eyes heat. “Go!” She shoved him towards the door.
“Fine, but I’ll hold you to the later bit,” he said as he exited the room.
She got ready in record time, sliding on a long white skirt and topping it off with a burgundy blouse. She pulled on a favorite pair of her aunt’s boots to finish the outfit. She piled her hair up and walked into the bedroom to look for some earrings.
She’d glanced through her aunt’s jewelry box a few times and remembered seeing a pair of garnet earrings. She didn’t know if the jewels were real, but they matched her outfit and looked fabulous on.
When she walked downstairs, she could hear people talking in the kitchen and glanced at her watch. She didn’t know what time they had arrived, but she was running fifteen minutes late herself.
“Hello,” she said as she stepped into the kitchen.
“Sorry we’re late,” Savannah said as she walked over and gave her a hug. “It’s Billy’s fault.” She glared playfully over at her husband.
“Actually, it’s Maggie’s fault. She decided she wanted to wear the green dress instead of the pink one.” He hoisted their daughter up on his hip. “She has a thing for frogs.” He tapped the frog on the front of her dress.
“I like it,” Bella said as she walked over and ran her hand over the little girl’s dark curls.
“It smells wonderful in here. And looks even better,” Savannah said, looking around. “It’s amazing how much you’ve done in such a short time.”
Bella glanced over at Corey and thought the same thing about their relationship. How had it progressed so quickly?
“Thank you,” she said, her eyes still on Corey.
“How about I take them in the living room while you finish up in here?” Corey walked over and rubbed his hand over her back. Then he leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “You look beautiful.”
She watched everyone head into the living room, except Savannah, who hung around. “Can I help out with anything?”
She shook her head. “No, but you can keep me company.” She nodded towards the bar area. Savannah walked over and sat down.
“So, everyone in town is dying to know if you’ve found the big loot yet?”
“Big loot?” She turned and looked at Savannah as she was getting the roast out of the oven.
“Sure, I mean, at least it’s been rumored around town that your aunt hid over a million dollars here.”
“A million?” Bella laughed. “My aunt didn’t have a million dollars.” She turned back to her task, but something kept tugging at the back of her mind. She wouldn’t have thought that her aunt would have fifty thousand dollars in cash either. Yet, she’d found close to that already.
“Well, it’s just a rumor.” Savannah leaned against the counter. “That sure smells good. You’ll have to give me the recipe. I’m branching out with my cooking. You know, trying to learn new things. I made grilled salmon the other day for the first time. It turned out… okay.” She shrugged her shoulders.
“I’d be happy to show you how to do a wonderful grilled salmon. I have this great rub.” She walked over and pulled out the seasoning. “You put this on it and just make sure you don’t burn it, and voila.” She snapped her fingers.
“I’ll have to try it.” Savannah set the spice down. “So…” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Tell me all about you and Corey.”
Bella chuckled and walked over to try and get Savannah’s take on her and Corey’s relationship.
In the past, she’d made easy friends with women because of a boyfriend. But none of the women had been married with children before.
Still, she found herself holding back throughout the evening. She wasn’t sure if Savannah was just being nice to her because her husband was Corey’s best friend or if she really enjoyed spending time with Bella.
As they sat around the table enjoying dinner, Bella asked how Billy and Savannah had gotten together. Half an hour later, after hearing their story, Bella began to believe that Savannah was sincere in her actions. Hearing how far the woman had come in the past year really gave Bella hope that maybe her parents wouldn’t freak out when they heard she was going to stay in Fairplay.
Deciding it was time face the music, she figured on calling them that evening.
After dinner, Maggie started to fuss and the couple decided to call it an early evening.
“Thank you for such a wonderful meal.” Savannah hugged her. “We’ll have to meet at Holly’s one day for a cup of tea. Maggie enjoys reading time there every Tuesday and Thursday.”
“I’d love to meet you there sometime.” She brushed a hand over the little girl’s head. Maggie instantly laid her tired head on her mother’s shoulder. “Thank you for coming.”
She stood on the porch and waved as their car drove down her lane.
“I talked to Ronny the other day,” Corey said, leaning against the railing as she watched the dogs run around the yard.
“Ronny?” she asked.
“Your aunt’s boyfriend.”
“Oh!” She nodded her head. “About?”
“Well, it seems he still had a key to the house.” She felt her heart kick. “He didn’t know you were staying here and had stopped by to get a few of his clothes from the closet.”
“What about the animals?”
“Well, that’s where it gets weird. He swore they were left running around. He knew Chase and I were checking up on them, so he left them alone.”
She turned and leaned against the railing like he was. “So, how did they get locked up then?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Not sure. I told him we changed out the locks and he assured me he has everything he needed. He apologized profusely. He didn’t mean to freak you out. Ronny’s a good guy.”
“Thanks.” She laid her hand on his arm. “For checking into it. It makes me feel better. Maybe the dogs locked themselves in the utility room. Their food is in there.
Maybe they were trying to get to it and accidentally shut themselves in.”
She thought about the cats and held in a shiver. There was no way they had locked themselves in the bedroom. Not when she was sure she’d left them roaming the house along with the dogs. But, she decided to keep that thought to herself.
“I’m glad you had them over. Billy’s been working extra hard lately and needed a break. Savannah has really been trying to clean up her wild reputation around town. For the most part, everyone is very accepting, but making new friends who don’t have misgivings about her past helps.”
As he talked, he was running his hands over her shoulders, soothing the stress from them. She could almost hear herself purring as he stroked her skin.
“I enjoyed them both. Maggie is a gem.” She smiled, remembering how cute the little girl was.
“Yeah, she’s the best thing that could have ever happened to them. Funny, a year ago you would have caught me making fun of them for having a kid and wanting to settle down.” She watched him shake his head.
“Oh?” She moved closer, settling her head against his shoulder.
“Yeah, I was determined to live free and wild myself. There was no way I was going to fall into the trap of marriage.” He sighed as his eyes ran over the dogs playing in the yard.
She held her breath, not sure what he was saying. She’d planned too many times to settle down. With all the wrong men.
She didn’t want to fall into that same old pattern. Not when she had every intention of starting fresh here. She’d run away so many times in the past and knew that this is where she wanted to be ten, twenty years from now. This was her new home and she didn’t want to mess it up by once again following her path of destruction and settling down with the first man who comes along.
Corey was a great guy. One of the best she’d ever dated. But she wasn’t ready to think about making their relationship permanent. Not yet anyway.
