Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
DANIELLA
H e was devilishly gorgeous. I had to admit that I was attracted to his type. He had that whole bad boy vibe going for him.
Maybe he didn’t drive like a madman after all.
I hunched down next to him to wet my face with pond water. It was up to seventy degrees today, so the water felt great.
“How old are you, Dani?” he asked as he stood before me, towering.
“Why do you ask?” I raised an eyebrow.
His accent was something different. Some of the words he pronounced made my insides quiver. I’d come across many types of people while rescuing horses, and yes, his too, but he was up close and personal. It was hard to ignore the man.
“If I were to ask you to dinner I would like to know if you’re old enough.”
“Dinner and age… hmm. I'm not sure that's such a good idea.”
“That young, eh?” He chuckled. “Or maybe it's because you have a boyfriend? Kent, is it?”
“He's not my boyfriend. He and I are just friends.” Why was I explaining myself?
Yes, he was hot. Really hot. His demeanor screamed power. I could hardly take my eyes off of him. His chest was wide and strained against his shirt.
But why exactly were we talking about my relationship status?
“So, how old are you? Do I have to ask your father?”
Cocky much?
“I'm the youngest of six. I have five older brothers.” If he tried anything with me, Ian would kill him.
“I really hate repeating myself. I also don't see your brothers or anyone near us.” He waved through the air, making his point. “It's just a question, Angel.” His perfect white teeth sank into his bottom lip as he pinned me with only his stare.
I eyed the man with narrowing brows. He was blunt.
I decided to give him what he wanted. “Twenty in two weeks,” I answered flatly. My heart rate spiked a notch, and I started to button up my shirt. “I think we should be getting back now.”
“Have dinner with me. Tonight.” He said it like it was an order.
Yup, blunt.
And maybe arrogant too.
“No,” I responded blankly. “I have plans. Sorry.” I went to walk over to my horse when Grady grabbed my hand. Nothing forced. “What the hell?” I snapped.
“If I kissed you, what would you do?” He took both my hands, latching them in his. He was closer. All in my personal space. I could feel his breath on my skin, smelled his minty toothpaste. “Would I be the first man to do so?”
“Kent and I...” My voice trailed off. I’d always been told I was stubborn. I remained planted where I was. I pretended he had no effect on me. Yet the man did.
“I asked if I would be the first man. Not a boy, Angel.” His mouth touched my cheek softly.
The nerve of him.
“He is a man,” I hissed.
Why wasn’t I climbing the horse to get my ass away from this guy?
“No, he isn't. He's a boy with a wild streak for sex. All guys at his age are. They don't know what to do with a woman yet.”
I stepped away from him, yanking my hands out of his. I wanted to ask him if he knew what to do with a woman, but I think I already knew the answer. I ascended the horse, then looked down at him, saying nothing.
He grinned at me.
I was fucking stunned. I couldn’t have dinner with him. If I did, then what? We’d end up having sex.
No.
He got on his horse and followed me back to my father and the guys.
I stayed with the horse as Grady spoke with my father. My hair that’d fallen just over my eyes, a contribution of the light breeze blowing. Nonetheless, I could see the men between the golden strands. Grady’s stance confident as he shook Dad’s hand, then turned away.
As Jacob, Grady, and his father were leaving, Jacob ran back over to me with a folded bill in his hand. He placed it in my palm, saying, “Here's a tip for a wonderful day. Thank you. It was fun. Oh, my Uncle’s number is there too.” He smiled wide as he jogged back to the car.
I unfolded the bill, which turned out to be three one hundred-dollar bills. I then looked at his card that read:
“Dinner tonight at seven. Wear jeans.”
Very persistent prick. A handsome prick, nevertheless.