Page 74 of Impossible Love

Joe arrives with Leroy, putting an end to the moment. I watch in awe as Cal seems to fly up into the saddle and gently take control. It occurs to me that Leroy doesn’t terrify me the way he once did. He’s big and strong, but I also know a little something about his personality now. He’s a calm horse. He’s reliable. And he would do anything Cal asked of him.

The team of Cal and Leroy saved my life. I just hope to hell they don’t have to do it a second time.

“Take your reins,” Cal tells me, all business. “Hold them with a light touch, like this.” He does something complicated with his fingers and I’m already lost. “Watch again. Hold the reins overhand, with your index finger between the split, then wrap the rest of your fingers all the way around.”

Index finger between the split. I think my panties are wet. Why did he have to say that? Is he teasing me? I need to clench my thighs together, but I learned the hard way not to do that unless I want the horse to go faster, which I don’t.

“Uh…” I look up at him. “This isn’t a good idea.”

Cal lowers his chin and smiles at me, bringing Leroy right alongside us. My horse doesn’t even notice. “Bella’s bomb-proof. That’s why we trust her with Jasmine and why I trust her with you. She cannot run. She cannot jump. Just hold the reins loosely and don’t tense your body too much and you’ll be fine.”

I swallow hard. “Okay, I guess.”

“I’ve got you,” he says.

And I think, yes you do.

A few hours later, we barely make it in the front door before we’re ripping off our clothes. We’re both a little sweaty and dusty from our abnormally pleasant afternoon ride, but the sweat and dust don’t dampen our need for each other. Cal’s got me backed up against the front door, kissing the hell out of me.

It’s shocking how quickly my body responds to him, how well I already know his touch, and how any nagging questions disappear from my mind when his skin touches mine.

The clothes go flying. Ripley and Sarah Connor think it’s the best game ever, and when Cal rips off my bra and flings it down the hallway, Sarah fetches it and brings it back, looking proud.

We nearly die laughing.

I stop laughing when Cal picks me up, throws me over his muscled shoulder, and smacks my ass. With my jeans snagged on my borrowed cowboy boots, he slaps his palm on my ass again.

I hear myself moan. We’re heading down the hallway to the master suite.

“You love it when I spank you, huh?”

“I do.” I croak out my answer.

“Perfect. Because I love spanking you.”

We enter his playground of a bathroom. He gently places me on the marble countertop and pulls off my jeans, underwear, socks, and boots. Then he turns on the shower, adjusting the temperature.

Next, I get to watch him rip off every stitch of clothing he no longer has any use for, until he’s standing before me, naked, eyes so very serious. He’s so beautiful it hurts. Hard, rippling muscle. The perfect combination of wide shoulders, narrow waist, firm ass, and bulging thighs.

And bulging cock.

He picks me up and carries me into the shower. He hovers over me as the warm water cascades over both of us. I am shocked when he begins to wash my hair, his fingers so gentle as they separate the wet strands and then rinse them clean. I just close my eyes and fall into the pleasure of the hot water, the scent of my favorite citrus and floral…

Is this my shampoo? I look up at him in wonder. He smiles down at me.

“I moved your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from the guest bathroom.”

I can’t speak.

“I planned on having my way with you after our ride, but I also knew you had standards, and my stuff wouldn’t cut it. I hope you don’t mind.”

All I can do is shake my head. Of course I don’t mind, but I’m confused. Since when does a man notice details like this, or care enough to ensure everything is the way I like it? Cal does this all the damn time. It’s unknown territory for me. It’s jarring. It’s overwhelming.

It’s wonderful.

Tears fill my eyes, and I’m damn glad my tears will get lost in the waterfall and rain showerheads pointing at us from every direction. I reach up and stroke Cal’s rugged cheek, then rise on my tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on his lips. He lifts me again, and I grip my thighs around his hips.

He whispers, “You should know that I’m a maniacal perfectionist.”

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