Page 15 of Country Winds (King Creek Cowboys #9)

“How would you like to take a trip south to the Sonoita wine country?” He focused on her. “I’ll take you to a tasting at one of the vineyards.”

“I’d like that.” A pleased smile tipped the corners of her mouth. “Do you have a date in mind?”

He’d already been thinking on it. “How does Saturday after next sound?”

“I’m free that weekend. It’s a date.” She pushed her ponytail over her shoulder. “We can talk about the details on the phone.”

“Great.” He stood and held his hand out to her. “Are you ready to go?”

She took it, and he drew her to her feet. They stood so close that he wanted to take her into his arms and kiss her senseless.

“Do I dare ask what you’re thinking about now?” Her tone was soft, her eyes searching his.

Tucker’s throat worked. “How much I want to kiss you.”

Ellie moved closer, pressed her body against his, and placed her palms on his chest. She tipped her head back. “What’s stopping you?”

A low groan rose in him as he gathered her into his embrace. He lowered his mouth to hers as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He kissed her, her mouth soft and sensuous as she kissed him back. Her scent filled his senses as his world narrowed down to her. Her scent and the feel of her in his arms were intoxicating— she was intoxicating.

She moaned softly, and it served to fuel his desire and need for her. Yes, he desired her more than any woman he’d ever known. And yes, he needed her.

He’d been attracted to her from the first word she said to him at the Renaissance fair. Every moment since then, his attraction had deepened into feelings he wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

She tasted so sweet, her mouth soft beneath his. He felt almost lightheaded.

Who was kissing whom senseless?

Tucker forced himself to break the kiss, even though he didn’t want to. He raised his head and looked at her. Her face was flushed, her eyes glittering. An answering desire was in her gaze.

A soft breeze blew strands of Ellie’s hair across her face, and he brushed them away, skimming his knuckles along her cheekbone. He couldn’t think of a word to say, so he let his hands slide down her arms to her hands and took them in his own.

A long moment of quiet passed between them. He gently squeezed her hands. “Ready to head back?”

She let out a long sigh. “I do have work to catch up on since I’ve been gone so much lately.”

A feeling of reluctance slid through him, and he released her hands. “I have some items I’ve been ignoring in my office. Maddee’s gonna be all over me if I don’t take care of them.”

Ellie laughed. “I can picture her giving you a talking to.”

They chatted as they gathered what they needed and put it all into the saddlebags. When they finished, they mounted their horses and headed back down the trail. Piper and Penny followed, staying closer on the way back.

This time, Tucker led. He glanced over his shoulder. “How was your last trip to L.A.?”

“It went well.” Ellie rocked with the motion of her mare.

“I think I mentioned that I’ve been working on a new project for an animated series that will stream on one of the major providers.

I like my work on dubbing Japanese series, but this one is even more fun.

However, now I’m officially between projects. ”

Tucker glanced at her and saw her happy expression. She truly loved what she did—he could see it in her eyes.

“When does the game come out?” he asked.

“Let me think.” She was quiet a moment, then spoke with surprise in her voice. “Where did the time go? It will be released a week from tomorrow.”

Spirit snorted, and Tucker patted the horse. “Are you going to play the game?”

“Probably.” Ellie paused. “I don’t have time to play games often, but I’d like to try Myth Hunter . Although it will be weird hearing my voice coming from a game.”

“I can’t imagine.” Tucker chuckled. “I’d like to try the game.”

“Do you play?” she asked.

He shrugged. “When my siblings and I were kids, we played. Maddee was better than the rest of us. Like you, I don’t have much time, but I have played a couple of games occasionally.”

He pictured Ellie and himself playing video games with their children, if they were to end up married and having a family together. The more their relationship grew, the stronger his feelings that she was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

They continued talking on their way back to the ranch. Their conversation was always easy and casual.

It was after three in the afternoon when they reached the ranch.

Ellie slid off her horse. “I’ll help with the saddles.”

“Never you mind.” Tucker snapped a lead on Spirit and tied it to a post. “I’ll have Luke take care of everything.”

Ellie stroked Sapphire as Tucker snapped a lead on the mare and tied it to a post. “See you later, girl. Tucker says we can get together and have some fun. We’ll make it a date.”

Tucker found Luke in the barn and then escorted Ellie to her SUV. He wanted another kiss like they’d shared on their picnic but settled for a gentle brush of their lips. The promise of a more passionate kiss the next time they were together was in her eyes, and he knew it was in his, too.

Ellie said goodbye to the Border collies, giving each a hug.

Tucker opened the SUV’s door, and Ellie slid behind the wheel.

She pressed the start button, foot on the brake, then looked at Tucker as the engine came to life. “Thank you for such a terrific day.”

“Get on home now.” He gave her a smile that he hoped wasn’t too suggestive but let her know how much he cared for her. “Be careful driving.”

“I will.” She kissed two fingers and pressed them to his cheek. “We’ll talk soon.”

Tucker closed the door and stepped back, his cheek still tingling from Ellie’s touch. He watched her drive away until he couldn’t see her vehicle anymore.

Ellie couldn’t stop smiling. It had been a wonderful day, and she felt like they’d grown closer during their time together.

Her phone rang, and she answered it via her car.

“Ellie, this is Doug. Doug Eisenhower with Zephyr Game Labs.” The guy sounded like a kid, but he was Zephyr’s Vice President. It surprised her that he hadn’t had her agent call instead of him.

“Hi, Doug.” Ellie put a bright note in her voice. “I’m excited about the upcoming release.”

“So are we.” Doug’s voice altered due to static, but that cleared. “We’d like to ask you to join us at Universal Game Expo in Phoenix, the first weekend in May.”

His request took her off guard. “What would I be doing?”

“You will sign autographs as the voice of Nyx Cox.” He sounded enthusiastic like this was the best idea in the world. “The fans will be crazy to meet you.”

Ellie couldn’t imagine anyone would want her autograph. “The game will only have been out for a week by then.”

“Plenty of time.” No doubt Doug could not be deterred. “Game fans are rabid, and you’ll meet plenty who’ve played Myth Hunter obsessively until they beat it.” He chuckled. “Not many will have done it, but they can try.” He shifted gears again. “There will be plenty of fans who want to meet you.”

Ellie enjoyed new experiences, and this was right up her alley. “I’d love to. It sounds like fun.”

“Great.” Doug’s voice was even more charged up. “We’ll email you the details. My cell number will be in the sig line.” He spoke so fast it was like he was on speed or something. “Call me if you have any questions. Looking forward to meeting you in person, Ellie.”

He clicked off before she could respond.

Ellie smiled as she thought about the possibility of having fans, and a game expo sounded like fun. Yeah, this had been one hell of a great day.