Page 121 of Impossible Love

The chef shows us where several days’ worth of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are stored in a solar-powered refrigerator, ready when we need it. I spy homemade pumpkin spice granola, yogurt, fresh fruits and cheeses, salads, and sandwich makings. Eggs and bacon and several loaves of fresh bread.

“What’s on the menu tonight?” Cal asks.

“Braised sirloin tips with mushrooms, mashed potatoes with chives and butter, roasted apples and pears, and green beans out of the garden. Of course, there’s also salad, rolls, and for dessert, crème brûlée.”

Next, the chef shows us where we’ll find water, juices, soda, wine, and beer.

“Perfect. You’ve done a spectacular job,” Cal says.

“Thank you, Mr. MacLaine.”

My eyes bug out. I will have to be airlifted out of here if I eat even a small portion of this food. Maybe Cal’s thought of that too. I giggle to myself.

We watch as the chef and his team pack up the SUVs and pull away. Several pickup trucks, including one with a horse trailer, follow. Soon, everyone has departed Sulfur Springs but us.

And Declan. “Well, you two love birds enjoy yourself,” he says, smiling sweetly at me. “Really glad to have you back, Victoria.”

“Thank you again for everything.”

Declan pulls Cal aside. I turn away and pretend I’m not eavesdropping.

“Everything as we discussed?” Cal asks.

“Every-fucking-thing.”

“Thank you, man. But please, do not just show up here without notice. That applies to every soul on the ranch.”

Declan chuckles. “You got it, chief.” He lowers his voice, but I can still hear him. “Good luck, Cal.” Declan returns to the helicopter. We watch him do his checks and lift off, heading back to the airpark.

As the sound of rotors fades, it becomes shockingly quiet. I hear the water, the soft breeze in the trees, and Cal as he walks up behind me. He brings his arms around me and tucks me into his body, lowering his head to kiss the side of my neck.

I snuggle into him, closing my eyes at the pleasure of this. I’m with Cal, safe and secure in his arms. Nothing will ever be better than this.

“Are you hungry, baby?”

“I’m starving.”

“Did you see anything you like?”

“I did.” I spin in his embrace to face him, rising on my tiptoes to place a soft kiss on his lips.

“May I escort the lady to her feast?”

“I—”

I’m off the ground and suddenly thrown over his shoulder. I feel a large, firm hand come down on my ass. Hard. I laugh, but that spank shoots hot lightning lust through my entire body. My laugh softens into the groan of a woman who’s barely survived the last month without this.

Within moments we’re at one of the hot springs. He sets me back on the ground and takes my hand, leading me to another surprise. He’s created a little sensual sanctuary out here. A bench is stacked with towels. Two fluffy spa robes are draped over the back. A fire ring is all set up, plenty of extra wood stacked nearby. A small deck now juts over the bubbling water, with steps leading down. Two reclining camping chairs are arranged on the deck.

I have a million questions. Like how the hell he managed…I stop thinking. His hands are on the buttons of my little top. Then my jeans. He leads me to the bench and sits me down, then peels off my jeans, shoes, and bra.

“Your turn.”

I stand and he sits on the bench. I feel sun and a breeze on my bare skin as I unbutton Cal’s shirt, untuck it from his jeans, and pull the denim down over his arms. I let my fingertips linger on his flesh, rock-hard, rippling with power. I’ve missed the sight of him, the feel of him.

His hands now free, he flicks at my hard nipples. “You’re too beautiful, Victoria. I…I look at you and my chest aches. I want you so bad. I love you so much. Thank you for coming back with me.”

I lean in to kiss him as my hands unbuckle his belt and unzip his jeans. I tell him to raise up so that I can pull them down his legs. His huge cock springs free, and I give it a quick little flick of my tongue before I finish the job at hand, removing his boots and socks.

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