Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 569(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 569(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
“I remember he never got knee surgery after that bad fall from a horse back in high school.”
“It’s getting worse.”
His limp was definitely prevalent when I saw him. “We shouldn’t bother him. Let’s wait a few minutes to see if it lets up.” Pulling out my phone, I check the weather app. Welp. There goes that plan.
When I show her the radar, her eyes flash to mine. “Five hours? It’s not stopping for five hours?”
“And getting worse in the next hour.” I tuck it away. “I think we need to head out. We’ll get wet, but at least we’ll be safe.”
“Yeah, standing next to a metal building during a lightning storm probably isn’t the wisest.” She looks ahead at the makeshift gravel road that bends around a cabbage field. “It’s only rain.”
“It’s only rain.”
As if the words and a shared glance were enough of a plan, she takes off running.
This view—her running in her dress, hair wet and already sticking to her body—This view is all I ever want, and that smile she gives when she turns back to make sure I’m with her is all I need to dash after her.
Not just for fun or to hear her laughter, which I do, but because it feels like my heart is already with her, beating in her chest instead of mine. Oh shit. This isn’t just a visit. I want to be with her more than a friend I kiss sometimes. I want her.
“Pris?”
Glancing over, she contorts her forehead in confusion. “What is it?”
I understand the emotion. I feel that way, too. I can’t explain what’s happening because it’s so fast and out of the blue. I try to remind myself that she’s the forbidden fruit and I should tread carefully. But I don’t want to be careful anymore.
I want her.
Closing the gap between us, I take her hand and bring it to my mouth. I kiss the top and then her palm before setting one hand on her ribs and holding the other in my hand. If she asks me what I’m doing, I have no answer. Running for cover? Slow dancing in the rain? I don’t know what’s happening to me other than I’m a fool for this woman.
Lightning strikes too close for comfort, but what does it matter? I’m already a goner for her.
Capturing her face in my hands, I kiss her. And when our lips stop, I confess, “I’m falling for you, babe.”
CHAPTER 20
Christine
I gave up caring about my appearance around half a mile back.
What was the point?
My hair is drenched, my dress soaked, and water has slid into my boots, but Tagger Grange kissed me in the rain and told me he’s falling for me. I have not one complaint. And I practically floated into the barn, providing shelter from the storm.
We gravitate like the universe just yanked us together. His lips find mine while my hands graze over his back and grip his shoulders. He lifts me from behind, my skirt pushed up high on my thighs as I cross my ankles behind his back.
I could have never guessed that Tagger would become my haven. But now, I can’t imagine it otherwise. I’m protected by his strong arms, adored when I look into his eyes, and victorious when I coax a smile from him.
Our tongues twist together as my body craves more—more of this and so much more of him. Breathless as I am, he asks, “Where can we go?”
No beating around the bush. I approve.
But it’s at that moment I realize it’s quiet, too quiet for a busy barn during a storm. The rain pummels the tin roof, and it’s still thundering in the vicinity, but otherwise, a few chickens cluck, and I hear shuffling in one of the stalls.
I look right to see Nightfall safe inside, Bluebelly to the right of him, and her colt, Skyward, is tucked in his, but the stall to the left of Nightfall is empty. I lower my legs, but with Tagger holding me so tight, I can’t reach the ground. “Set me down,” I say, trying to sound calm, but I don’t feel it inside.
“What is it?”
“Sunrise is missing.”
He looks at the horses. “What do you mean missing?”
“She’s skittish during storms. Most animals are, but she’s been known to break out and run for cover elsewhere.” I start for the utility truck, but he catches my arm.
“You can’t go out in this. There’s still lightning in the area.”
I pull away. “I’m not leaving her out there. She got close to a cliff once. I’m not taking that chance again.”
“She could be anywhere, Pris. It’s not smart to go chasing her when you have no clue where she’s gone.”
“I guess we see things differently.” I dash for the truck, tucking into the seat, and start the engine.
He comes after me, standing beside my seat as if he’s going to block me. “The storm will pass, and I’ll help you find her. We just need to wait.”