Page 11 of Declan (Men of Clifton, Montana #53)

Declan dropped lightly from his horse; boots thudding on the straw and dropped the reins. “Okay, hold on.” He reached up so his hands hovered at her waist. “Swing your right leg over and keep your hand on the saddle horn. I won’t let you fall. I’ve got you.”

She blinked and exhaled, the tension trembling in her chest. Obediently, she did as he instructed. Her fingertips clutched the horn like a lifeline. He watched her every movement, ready to catch her if she slipped.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. “I promise.” He slid his arms around her waist. “Come on, Elise. I’ve got you.”

Her breath shuddered out as her foot finally found the barn floor. She turned to grab onto his shoulders and his arms tightened around her. She sagged, the muscles in her legs giving out, until Declan guided her to sink onto a nearby bale of hay.

“Sit here a second while I move Marigold,” he said.

Elise nodded and leaned back. Declan took the reins and led the mare toward her stall, the animal’s tail flicking in tired dismissal. Then he returned, squatting before Elise.

“You okay?” he asked, resting his forearms on his thighs.

She swallowed. “I think so.” She gave him a small, embarrassed smile. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“I thought I’d be more prepared.” She dropped her gaze to the straw-strewn floor and sighed; the sound almost lost in the barn’s hush.

Declan chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. “It’s fine. You just haven’t ridden in a while. You’ll be back in the saddle soon.”

“My knees feel like jelly.”

“I’ll cool the horses down.” He stood. “Just relax.”

“I can help.”

“Next time,” he agreed, meeting her eyes. “If you want to go again.”

She managed a genuine grin. “I’d love to.”

He leaned closer, the smell of damp earth and horse lingering between them. He wanted to kiss her, to taste the warmth of her lips, but then the question of Johnston crossed his mind, and he stepped back.

After cooling both horses, he gave them fresh oats and water, then returned to help Elise up. Side by side, they made their way down the barn’s aisle toward the house, with Declan keeping his arm around her waist. The afternoon sun spilled across a field of swaying grass.

“I haven’t felt like this since I was studying ballet,” Elise said.

“Bringing back memories?” he teased.

“Yes, and not all good ones.” She laughed softly. “My body’s going to hate me tomorrow.”

“I’ll get the salve for you to take home. And you should soak in a hot bath.” He opened the door. “I’ll drive you home whenever you’re ready.”

“I need a jacuzzi right now.” She laughed, then entered the house with him behind her.

They stepped into a kitchen, its cabinets and countertops gleaming.

Elise gasped as she looked around, her eyes wide.

The fronts of the fridge and dishwasher matched the cabinets, and the floor was made up of wide mahogany planks.

An island with stools sat centered with copper pots and pans hanging above it.

“This kitchen is incredible.” She turned when she heard a sound and widened her eyes when she saw a large Rottweiler padding into view. His powerful shoulders rippled under a thick coat as he advanced, his hackles rising.

“Easy, boy. Sit.” Declan’s tone was calm, authoritative. Tank sat obediently but didn’t take his eyes off her.

“He looks like he wants me for dinner,” Elise whispered, inching back.

“He won’t hurt you.” Declan laughed, stepping forward. “Come here, boy.”

Tank rose and padded over, nose twitching as he sniffed Elise’s outstretched hand. She reached down to stroke his broad head, and he responded with a gentle shake that made his whole backend wiggle as he wagged his docked nub of a tail.

“He’s so sweet,” she said, her voice warm.

“Shh—he’s a K-9. Don’t ruin his tough reputation.” Declan grinned.

Elise laughed, crouching to rub behind Tank’s ears. “You’re gorgeous. And huge.”

She straightened, glancing at Declan. “Um, could I use your bathroom?”

“Of course.” He glanced at Tank. “Stay.” Then he led her down a hallway lined with photos of cowboys and horses to a door on the right. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” She slipped inside and closed the door.

Declan stood in the hallway for a moment, listening until the latch clicked. Then he turned and walked back to the living room to wait.

****

After securing the door with a soft click, Elise let her eyes wander around the bathroom.

It was a stunning space, with interior walls painted a dazzling, crisp white that seemed to amplify the light.

The fixtures, a sleek tub, an elegant sink, and a modern toilet, stood out in stark, glossy black, creating a striking contrast. The floor was a checkerboard of enormous black and white tiles, each one polished to a reflective sheen.

The only window was an impressive octagon design, framed by rustic logs on the exterior wall that added a touch of nature’s artistry to the room.

Once Elise washed her hands, the cool water flowing over her fingers, she dried them, then swung open the gleaming mahogany door and stepped into the expansive hallway.

Sunlight poured generously through a large stained-glass window at the corridor’s end, casting warm prisms that danced and shimmered across the deep red runner beneath her feet, creating a path of light and shadow.

On either side of her, smooth, polished paneled doors stood open, each with its own subtle grain and pattern, seemed to beckon silently.

Driven by curiosity, she felt a pull toward the first door on the left.

As she slipped inside, a faint, sweet aroma of cedar enveloped her senses, inviting and comforting.

The spare bedroom was immaculate; a queen-size bed, framed by sturdy log posts, stood proudly against one wall.

Its headboard and footboard were artfully rough-hewn, showcasing the wood’s natural beauty and craftsmanship.

At the foot of the bed rested a matching cedar chest, its lid polished to a smooth, satiny finish from years of loving care.

Nearby, a low dresser and a tall chest of drawers echoed the rich, warm wood grain, their surfaces gleaming softly in the light.

Brown plantation blinds, tilted open, allowed shafts of sunlight to filter through, splashing across the plush carpet and lending the room a cozy, inviting glow, as if nature herself had painted the scene with gentle strokes of light.

She lingered for a moment, tracing her fingers along the cool, polished wood of the dresser.

She would explore every corner of this house, but Declan was waiting, and she couldn’t keep him long.

Still, she made a mental note to have him guide her through each room.

It was a breathtaking home, and she, for one, was all too curious how he could afford such a place.

But as she’d told Stephen, the details of how Declan could afford it were no one’s business.

Crossing the threshold into the living room, Elise halted and stared in awe at the expanse before her.

Pillars of golden sunlight cascaded through the expansive floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows, casting a warm glow that danced across the room.

The plush sofas soft fabrics looked inviting and luxurious.

A carved stone fireplace dominated one entire wall, its mantel adorned with photos and a large TV sitting above it.

Looking upward, she noticed the ceiling soared to a graceful point in the center, while robust wooden beams crisscrossed below, resembling an elegant lattice of trestles.

A finely crafted wood railing stretched across the top of the room, adding to the rustic charm.

At the far end, by the glass wall, stood Declan, his broad shoulders relaxed and at ease.

His hands were casually tucked into the pockets of his well-worn jeans, as he gazed thoughtfully out at the picturesque grounds.

“This house is amazing, Declan.”

He turned, and a slow smile curved his lips, and Elise felt her breath catch.

“Thanks,” he replied. “It took me ages to find exactly what I wanted.”

“What’s in the loft?”

“It’s a small space I use if I want to read. It has a few bookshelves and a nice comfortable chair. The way to it is a loft ladder.” He nodded to a ladder leaning against an open part of the railing.

“How long have you lived here?”

“Five years. I started out in a smaller place, only ten acres, and I wanted more land so my horses could roam.”

She nodded, her eyes tracing the woods beyond the windows and a sparkling swimming pool framed by flagstones. “It’s so pretty.”

She drifted toward the glass doors and peered out. The pool water shimmered like liquid crystal. “Do you use the pool a lot in the summer?”

He grinned. “All year long. It’s heated.”

“Of course, it is” she murmured.

“What?”

“Nothing. It must feel wonderful after a hot day.”

“Or a cold one.” He took her hand. “Come sit.”

They settled onto a cream-colored sofa arranged around a low coffee table. Declan leaned back, studying her face. His gaze was steady, warm. “Elise, I like you. But if you’re still seeing Johnston—”

She shook her head, lips pressing together. “I’m not. Twice was enough punishment. There’s… something about him.” She exhaled as if releasing a burden.

“Oh, there’s something about him, all right,” Declan muttered.

“Tell me.”

He hesitated, then shook his head. “Not now. I want to get to know you better first.”

“I’d like that.” She paused, brow furrowing. “Who was the woman you were with at The Hartland?”

“Denise,” he said.

“Are you dating her? You asked about Stephen.”

He shrugged, lips quirking. “We go out now and then. It’s casual.”

Elise studied him. “For sex, you mean?”

“Sometimes. It’s not serious. She’s not interested in a relationship with me any more than I am with her.”

“You don’t want a relationship?” Her heart skipped a beat.

“Not with her.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh.” He grinned. “I’d like to take you to dinner.”