Chapter 24 #2
“That’s right. You made fun of me.”
“Not of you. Just the way you were sitting on the mare.”
No one had taken the time to show me how to ride. Axe had forced me to allow him to teach me, which had ended up in us riding together on the same horse. A memory I’d almost forgotten about.
Laughing, I glanced at the loft. “I like it here. There’s internet and electricity, running water. Even a tiny kitchen. I can work in peace.”
“With a horse.”
“Isn’t she beautiful?” I moved closer to him, studying his face.
“She is.” While he continued stroking the horse, he only had eyes for me.
The tingling sensations were electrified, so much so I heard a quaver when I asked the question. In turn, his voice was solid.
Just like the muscular rock of his hard body.
“Very much so.” He crowded my space, peering down at me, his jaw more clenched the before. “What are you going to name her?”
“I don’t know yet. She deserves to have something special.”
“So do you,” he breathed, inching closer.
Being lightheaded seemed to be a constant around him. I placed one hand on his chest, fiddling with his shirt. “So you were going stir crazy and just happened to stop by?”
He took a deep breath, making a face as he did. “Something like that.”
The moment that passed was oppressive, rendering me incapable of breathing normally. “Weren’t you afraid you’d run into my father?”
His laugh was subtle as he lowered his head.
“I’m not afraid of your father, Palomino Girl.
Besides, he’ll owe me since I managed to convince fifteen of some of the hottest former and current rodeo champions to sign up for the charity event.
And it damn well had better be a charity event or your bottom is getting blistered. ”
“You did not?” I was floored, even pushing my hand against his chest playfully.
“I did so, but you’re going to need to pay for their lodging and other essentials.”
I was shocked, uncertain how to thank him.
Surprising even myself, I jumped into his arms, wrapping my legs around his and hooking my feet together.
“You are amazing. Thank you. Thank you so much for helping me and you bet there’s a charity event.
I already contacted several and they’re very excited. ”
“Well, glad I could be of help. How about the rodeo associations?”
“I had brief conversations. They were… mildly interested. I suggested they pay us a visit on August first.”
“Oh, boy. Did they agree?”
“I kind of twisted their arms. I admit I tossed your name out.” Cringing on purpose, I waited for him to explode, sliding onto my feet as a round of embarrassment hit. I backed away, angry with myself.
Axe just shook his head. “You are truly one bad girl. That’s fine. As long as I’m not riding.”
“Nope. Just the sexy cowboy hanging around for photo ops.”
“At your service, ma’am.” He pretended as if he was tipping his hat. “So, what did you find with your dad?”
Exhaling, I thought about what to tell him. “There’s something odd going on.”
“How so?”
“I think the stadium’s approval is being held over my father’s head. What I can’t figure out is why. But I do know he’ll lose it all if he goes under. And possibly to an auction.”
“Keep going. I can see that pretty head of yours turning.”
“You mentioned the arson around the old mill. Right?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“Well, it’s close to a land development mecca. Do you know if the old mill is for sale?”
His laugh was followed by a snort. “Until it burned down it wasn’t.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning the property was listed as a historical site.”
I chewed on my bottom lip, pacing the area. “So if it burned, the building wouldn’t need to be rebuilt the way it was.”
“I don’t know that for certain, but you’re probably right. What are you thinking?”
“I don’t have a map, but I’ll bet you a million bucks that if you looked at the location of the old mill, the stadium, and my father’s ranch, the proximity to the existing new development would be startling.”
“You’re thinking insurance fraud.” He lifted his eyebrows.
“Possibly. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions though. I’d need to see if there’s any proposed plans submitted to the zoning department.”
“I doubt you’d find anything. Not until the land was for sale or had changed hands. I know a couple guys in planning and zoning I could talk to. They might have heard something.”
“Mmm… You’d do that for me?” I grabbed his shirt, leaning in. I’d also see if I could find out how much insurance the owners of the old mill received. And if there was any connection to the other players.
Sadly, including my father.
“Maybe. If you’re a good girl.”
“Never.” My smile faded.
His eyes narrowed. “You’re worried your dad is involved.”
“I don’t want to think that way, but he’s on the verge of losing it all. But there’s a lot more pieces to be put together.” The mare nudged me, a tiny reminder both she and my guest were waiting.
“She has your personality,” Axe said, grinning when he did.
“How so?”
“Pushy.”
He spun me around, both of us laughed. Meanwhile, the gorgeous mare was studying us, even whinnying to my silly cries.
“You owe me, Palomino Girl.”
“I do, huh?” I was already breathless.
He stopped moving, other than a slight shift with his hips. “Yeah, you do. You better have something in mind.”
With his lips dangerously close, I was already breathless, daring to drag the tip of my tongue across my bottom lip.
“I might have something in mind.” Tilting my head, our lips were almost touching.
I crawled one hand over his shoulder, tangling my fingers in his hair.
When he slipped his hands under my bottom, lifting me off my feet, I was forced to wrap my legs around him for a second time.
This time, I wasn’t letting go.
“Then why don’t you give me a preview?” His voice was husky, dripping with innuendoes.
“A preview, huh?” We remained where we were, his lips brushing across mine.
“Yeah. So I know if the payment is worthwhile.”
When I darted my tongue across his lips, we both knew we couldn’t take any additional teasing.
And as I’d hoped, he captured my mouth.