Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Reaching up, Emeline brushed her lips against mine. “I feel the same way.”
Running my thumb over her bottom lip, I asked, “When can I see you again?”
She grinned. “Well, after the last week and our adventures last night, I have a feeling I’m going to be sleeping for the next few days.”
I laughed. “I’m sorry about that.”
Her hands came up to my forearms. “No, don’t be sorry. I wouldn’t trade the last few days for anything.” Looking away briefly, she focused back on me. “What are you and Rhett doing this Sunday for dinner?”
“Nothing that I know of, why?”
“Sunday dinner with the Wildes?” she asked with a shy smile.
I tossed my head back and laughed. “Man, I sure loved Sunday dinners at your place. Rhett and I would love to join you all, if you don’t think your mom and dad would mind?”
“Are you kidding me? My mother thinks of you as her other son, and I know she and my father would love to get to know Rhett more.”
I brushed a piece of hair behind her ear. “We’d love to join you guys for dinner. What are you doing tomorrow, besides sleeping?”
“Chores in the morning, then doing a tour of the cabins and common areas. I know Charlotte will have everything cleaned up and ready for the next session, but I like to do a once-over. After that, I have a meeting with someone about breeding one of his mares.”
“Really? Someone local?”
She shook her head. “No. He’s from Montana. He heard about Apollo, one of our stallions. He’s from some pretty good lineage, and this breeder is interested. He wanted to buy, and I’ve told him numerous times he’s not for sale. So now he’s saying he wants to breed one of his top mares with him.”
“You don’t sound convinced.”
Emeline shook her head. “I’m not. It’s been pretty clear he doesn’t like dealing with me, even though I’ve told him more than once that I run the equine side of the ranch. He’s asked to talk to my father numerous times, and even reached out to Caden—who told him that I was the one to talk to.”
“Will your father or brother be there when you meet with this guy?”
“No. They’re clearing out the south pastures and moving the last of the cattle up into the mountains this weekend. Gatlin offered to stay behind, but I know they need all the guys they can get. I’ve got it, though. It’s not the first man I’ve had to deal with who doesn’t think women should be in charge.”
“I’m free tomorrow. Rhett is going over to his new friend’s house for a birthday party. I’m sure my mom or dad can pick him up for me, if need be.”
Emeline placed her hand on my chest. “I appreciate that, but I can handle him.”
“I don’t have a doubt in my mind that you can handle him, but it wouldn’t hurt to have some backup.”
She chewed on her bottom lip before letting it go. “Only if you’re free. And you’re sure you don’t mind.”
My hands went to her hips and drew her body up against mine. “If it means getting to see you again, then I’m all over it.”
Even in the moonlight, I could see her cheeks turn red.
“He’s getting to the ranch at two.”
“I’ll come over after I drop Rhett off at the party.”
“You’re sure?”
Leaning down, I kissed her softly. “I’m sure. You’d better leave before I decide to go home with you.”
Emeline turned and opened her car door. I held it open as she slid inside. Once she started the car, I shut the door and she rolled the window down.
“You don’t have to come, you know.”
Leaning in, I tapped her nose with my finger. “I know. I want to. I have a feeling once my father pulls me into the vet clinic full time, I’m not going to have a whole lot of extra hours, so if we can spend any together now, I’d like to do that.”
She smiled, then let out a sigh. “I guess this is goodnight, then.”
“Goodnight, Em.”
She looked at her steering wheel, then back at me, and laughed. “I feel like a schoolgirl who doesn’t want to leave her new boyfriend.”
I let out a groan. “Monday I’m going to start looking for a place to move into.”
“Even still, I’m not sure how comfortable I’d feel staying at your place with Rhett there.”
I frowned. I hadn’t even thought about that. “That’s true. I don’t want to confuse him.”
“Is he okay with this?” she asked.
Laughing, I said, “Trust me, he’s okay. He asked me when we’re going to get married. I had to explain to him that wasn’t how it worked.”
Emeline covered her mouth with a hand as she laughed. “Poor guy. He’s been through a lot, and I don’t want to add any stress to his life.”