Page 94 of Carnal: The Beast Who Loved Me

CHAPTER TWELVE

As Rosie was finishing up the next afternoon, Dandy said, “You’ve been extra chirpy today.”

“Chirpy?” She laughed. “Really?”

“Uh-huh. And extra fast getting through your checklist.”

“My. You’re observant.”

“Yes. I am. Does it have anything to do with the spectacle that I hear occurred yesterday?”

“What spectacle?”

“Carnal carrying you down the main way like a bride?Thatspectacle.”

Rosie threw her apron in the bin, smoothed back her hair, and smiled at Dandelion. “I don’t know what you mean,” she said as she practically danced away.

“Be careful, Roses.”

“Not a child, Dandy,” she said as she went through the door, wondering if that was the truth or not.

Carnal didn’t disappoint her. He was waiting, just as she’d expected. As he ambled over, she said, “What’s the plan?”

He grinned. “It’s a surprise.”

“A good surprise?”

“Would I be likely to persuade you to stay if I sprungbadsurprises on you?”

“Good point. Okay. I’m in.”

“On.”

“On?”

“You’re on the back of my bike. You’ll need the riding clothes I gave you. How long will it take you to change?”

“Um. Ten minutes. Give or take.”

While she was changing, he’d pulled the bike to the front of the house and sat waiting while it quietly vibrated underneath him. She climbed on and put her arms around his waist. He took her hands and changed their position so that she was holding on tighter.

“No touching without permission. Deal violation,” she said.

“When we’re on my bike, there’s no deal and there’s no negotiating. I rule absolutely.”

She didn’t have to see his face to know that he was wearing an arrogant grin. She smiled, resting her cheek against his back, and left that proclamation without rebuttal as the machine lunged forward toward Farsuitwail.

They didn’t enter the city proper, but swung to the south when they reached the outskirts. On mainly dirt roads they sped past flat fields newly planted and flat fields ready to be harvested. The day was cool, but not unpleasant. Both Carnal and Rosie were completely content in the moment, enjoying the ride and scenery, wanting nothing more than to be in each other’s company.

In time the flat land began to roll. Low growing crops became vineyards and orchards. Intermixed were green fields where livestock grazed. The patchwork was exquisite enough to be an oil painting.

Carnal pulled to the side of the dirt road and stopped.

“Where are we?” Rosie asked.

“Cider break.”

“Good choice,” she said, looking around. “It’s beautiful here.”