Page 39 of Unbridled

After grabbing a beer for both Heath and himself, as well as a glass of red wine supplied by a local winery for Cara, they settled in some over-stuffed chairs circling a low table.

The lounge and lobby were the only two sex-free, clothing-required guest areas on the whole resort. Anywhere else on the ranch? Anything went. However, it was highly suggested to dress appropriately for outdoor activities like horseback and ATV riding, as well as hikes.

The lounge was meant for simply that…lounging. Having intimate conversations. Relaxing. Reading. Playing billiards. Enjoying a nightcap. Even though it included a bar, it was more quiet and laid back.

Dayne turned to Cara. “So, Cara, tell me… Are you glad you stayed?”

She finished taking a sip of her Cabernet Sauvignon. “Yes, thanks to you two. I’m feeling more comfortable with both this place and my sexuality.”

“You’ve only been here a little over a day, just wait until the end of the week,” Dayne promised.

“You might be sad to leave.”

It sounded like Heath wasn’t looking forward to checking out, either, despite this only being his first day.

She ran a finger around the rim of her wine glass. “If I am, I’ll have to save up for another stay.”

Dayne’s eyebrows pinched together. “Save up?”

Cara nodded. “I’m a librarian. Our salary doesn’t quite correlate with the small fortune we have to spend on education to become one.”

Heath frowned. “Then, why did you become one?”

She shrugged and sat back, balancing her wine glass on her thigh. “My love of books and knowledge. A library is a wealth of information and the programs we offer our patrons, whether in person or online, are priceless. Well, priceless to them. There’s a cost to the library, of course, but they’re worth every dime. I don’t think people realize how many free resources are available through their local public library.”

“No doubt, because I forget about the library,” Dayne admitted, tipping the pint glass full of his favorite ale to his lips.

She tipped her head toward the bookcases in one corner of the lounge. “You have a small one in here.”

“We do, but I had nothing to do with it.”

“I noticed it’s a mix of fiction and non-fiction. I’d be happy to go through what you have and make suggestions.”

“A lot of guests leave books behind after they’re done reading them. They usually take a book and leave a book in exchange.”

“People have time to read while they’re here?”

Dayne wasn’t sure if Heath’s surprise was real or if he was only teasing. “I often see guests reading by the pool, in the lounge, or in the lobby.”

Cara nodded. “People who love to read will find a way to do so.”

“Reading was what spurred you to book your stay here, right?” Heath asked her.

“Yes,” she answered. “Some of the books I read opened the door to this whole new world for me.”

Heath’s brow dropped low. “But were they fiction or how-tos?”

“Very spicy romance novels.” She rolled her lips under. “It turned into an addiction.”

“Since you only read fiction, we’ll be happy to guide you through this whole newreality,” Heath offered.

“Well, the novels piqued my interest enough for me to read some articles online, too. By the way, you’re already doing a bang-upjob ofguidingme.”

Dayne grinned. “We haven’t even begun tobangyet. Speaking of…do we want to meet up later?”

“All three of us?” Cara asked.

“Sure.”

---