Page 4 of Maid for Daddy

“Currently, just you and I. There used to be a live-in cook as well, but she married the gardener and moved into his cottage with him.”

“So, it’s just you and me?”

“Does that bother you?”

“No, I just…it’s such a big place. I thought you had a wife and kids.”

“No. No wife, no kids, no girlfriend. I’m as single as they get. This was my parents’ place. My brother and I grew up here. He was living here too, but…well, he’s had to go away for a while.”

“If it’s just you, what do you need a housekeeper for?”

He stops walking and looks at me. “Are you insinuating that I don’t know how to clean up after myself?”

“Oh, no! Please. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

He grins and winks at me. “I know, sweetheart. Relax. I was joking.”

I meet his smile with one of my own, but inside, my heart is racing. I need to be more careful. Sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my common sense.

“How old are you, Samantha?”

“20. 21 in a few months.”

“And what did you want to do with your life?”

“Art. I wanted to go to the arts college.”

“You’ll have to show me your work sometime.”

“Can I ask how old you are?”

“37.”

He’s not much younger than my father, but you won’t know it. His chiseled frame and gorgeous hair make him look like a different species.

We continue on our walk, and I hear the neighing of horses in the distance.

“Are those horses?” I’m incapable of hiding my excitement.

“That’s right. Do you ride?”

“No, but I’ve always wanted to. I love horses.”

“Then we should go have a look. We’re expecting our third foal for the spring.”

“You breed horses?”

“Racehorses. I got into the business five years ago. It provides a nice supplemental income.”

We approach the stables and the horses come into view. They’re tall, stately beasts just like their owner.

“What do you think?”

“Very handsome,” I answer and feel my cheeks get hot. There goes my mouth again.

“Come on, I’ll take you inside so you can see the foals.”

I can barely control my excitement as Stephen leads me to the paddock. Inside, a large roan mare stands beside two miniature versions of herself.

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