Page 15 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

F orty-five minutes later, we’re walking in a single file line across a sloping field.

I have the best damn seat in the land thanks to Bandit’s don’t-give-a-shit disposition.

The gelding allows us to trail behind at our leisure.

Maybe he enjoys ogling the mare’s ass the same way I’m staring straight ahead at Bianca’s curves.

The stretchy shirt she’s wearing accentuates every supple inch in a tight caress. Whoever designed that garment is a genius. I’m lost in the slow sway of her hips when she turns in the saddle.

Bianca smiles, looking pleased to catch me drooling over her. “How you doin’, Cowboy?”

I tip the brim of my Stetson. “Just fine, Princess.”

“How’s the view?” She motions to the rural landscape enveloping us.

But I couldn’t care less about prairie grass or willow trees whipping in the breeze. My focus doesn’t stray from her lush hindquarters. “Won’t hear me complain.”

A blush paints her pretty cheeks. “I’m beginning to think you’re flirting with me.”

“It’s about time.” For me to admit it too.

She laughs and shakes her head, allowing the sun to turn her brown hair into melted chocolate. “Too many secrets. Just like showing off your riding skills. Why didn’t you tell me you learned how?”

I shrug. “Topic never came up.”

If it had, I would’ve missed out on Bianca’s stunned expression when she stumbled to a halt at the hitching post. Her wide eyes couldn’t believe I’d properly tacked both horses while she explored the house.

That shock doubled when I gripped the saddle horn and swung onto Bandit in a fluid motion.

She’s been peeking back at me frequently ever since.

Probably to make sure I’m not full of shit and still astride my mount.

Like now, her eyes narrow on me and my natural seat. “Who taught you?”

“YouTube mostly,” I admit.

Her laughter increases in volume. “No way.”

“Any professional horse person worth their credentials has a channel. Damn good tips on there.”

She sobers, nibbling on her bottom lip. “Have you watched any of mine?”

I nod automatically. “Been a subscriber for five years.”

Her eyes bulge again. “That’s basically when I started posting.”

My chest puffs up a bit. “I was your first follower.”

“How is that possible? I had a flood of hits the minute my account went live. To be the first, you would’ve needed to be watching the second I activated it.”

“I’m well aware.” In more ways than one.

Her gasp electrifies the distance separating us. “That’s… stalkerish.”

Our gazes clash in a heated exchange. “Does it bother you?”

“Maybe.” But there’s a telltale grin curving her lips, revealing the truth.

Bianca likes the idea of my obsession. I wonder if she realizes how far that fixation goes.

A house stocked with her favorite things should be a big fucking hint.

There was no missing how her gaze stuck to the flowerbeds packed with daisies.

Her serene smile in that moment was a precious gift.

If only she looked at me with the same fondness.

Maybe she’ll learn to appreciate my protective habits and forgive me for the deceptions along the way.

Right now, the sparkle in her features is piqued in interest. “Why didn’t you just ask me for lessons?”

“That wasn’t an option.”

She assesses me in silence, staring deep until I can practically hear her pulling at my protective layers. “Is that why you didn’t talk to me for all those years?”

My chin dips in acknowledgment. “There wasn’t much to say.”

Not while Brody’s warning constantly taunted me.

“You don’t seem to be at a loss for words anymore,” Bianca muses.

“Our change in circumstance helps.”

Her exhale drowns out the trickle from the creek we’re passing. “That’s one way to describe my brother hiring you to guard me.”

“Just for Europe.”

“Which expanded into a promotion of lockdown proportions thanks to your dad.” She rolls her eyes, not appreciating the position I’m in.

That’s why I find myself admitting, “You’re not a job to me, Princess.”

“Yeah, yeah. My safety is most important. You’d probably volunteer to protect me just to stay on Brody’s good side.”

My molars grind under the force of her assumption. I don’t think she’s ready—and I’ve said as much—but she’ll discover the depths of my infatuation eventually. Might as well rip off the damn blinders.

It starts with a chuckle, which startles Bianca. I stare at her, not afraid to expose what she does to me. Her lips part while mine slant into a smirk. She’s the only one who gets to witness such jovial expressions from me.

“You think it started when your brother hired me? Nah, that was him granting me easy access. Not that I need it. I’ve been watching you for five years, Princess.

” My voice is a blade that slices through the divide separating us.

“And I’m not just talking about online. You’ve been under my protection since I got permission to enter Benson Farmstead.

This job promotion—if that’s what you insist on calling it—makes stalking you much more convenient.

I’ll never quit either. Consider my position permanent. ”

Dumping that off my chest releases the shackles, but waiting for her reaction still suspends me. I glance at the faded elastic band on my wrist. The urge to snap it hasn’t plagued me since she got buckled into my truck. Those restless nerves are at rest. Maybe I will be too. Soon.

Her lashes flutter as she recovers from my truth bomb. I expect disgust to curl her upper lip next. But rather than cringing or appearing disturbed, she bursts into loud laughter.

“Oooooh, are you trying to scare me again?” Another shrill giggle bursts free.

Now my jaw drops. Most would view this situation as a concern. Meanwhile, Bianca is treating it like a joke.

“I’m serious.” But my stern retaliation doesn’t hold an edge over her humor.

“Oh, I believe you. It makes total sense.”

Disbelief renders me speechless for several moments. “You’re not upset?”

“Been there. Done that. Didn’t change the outcome.” She shrugs, gathering her composure with a deep inhale. “If I’m going to have a stalker, it might as well be you.”

I damn near fall off my horse. “Why?”

“You’re not a threat to me, Cowboy.” And then she clears her throat, dropping her voice to mimic a lower octave like mine. “I need to keep you safe. This isn’t just a job for me. You have no idea what I’ll do to protect you, Princess.”

My nostrils flare as I listen to her impersonation. I don’t want her to fear me, but this response is something else entirely. “Are you mocking me?”

She shakes her head, biting her bottom lip. “I wouldn’t dare.”

But her theatrical performance strongly suggests otherwise.

“Try again,” I grunt.

“Oh, Colton. You’re my hero. How can I repay you for chasing away the bad guys?” Her breathy tone strokes me from root to tip.

I’m half hard in the saddle while she’s putting on a show. “Such a fucking brat,” I growl.

She bats her dark lashes. “What’re you gonna do about it?”

And now she’s taunting me. I tighten my hand on the reins, imagining her will bending to mine. The surrender would be very sweet—and fleeting. She might agree for a night, but I want forever.

“You couldn’t handle it,” I warn.

“Other way around, Stalker,” she coos.

“Say it again,” I blurt. What I’m specifically demanding must show on my face.

“Stalker,” Bianca exhales automatically. “Do you want me to be submissive?”

I barely manage to trap a groan. Fuck, this woman drives me to the brink of madness. Visions of her begging for relief assault me. She’s on her hands and knees, bare ass thrust in the air. Whimpered pleas drip from her pouty lips as I prepare to slam into her from behind.

Harder. Faster. Please.

Bianca’s amused hum cuts into the fantasy. “Mhmm, I think you’d like to dominate me. Does that involve teaching me a lesson when I’m naughty? Maybe a spanking? I’ve always been curious how that would feel in the heat of the moment.”

A quake rocks my equilibrium as her temptation hits me. The semi-polite restraint keeping us apart just snapped. It’s as if her fingers are dancing along my spine while my cock plunges deep into her cunt. She’d be slick and warm, like melted honey dripping on my tongue.

This afternoon has taken a promising turn and I’m along for the ride. Bianca is right there with me, squirming in her saddle. Our conversation just kicked open a door we’ve barely cracked before. There’s no going back once we cross the threshold.

I’ve given her space, whether she believes it or not. The distance I’ve kept didn’t get me anywhere for years, but now we’re sharing a home for the foreseeable future. This could be the beginning of us if I can convince her to take a chance on forever with me.

Bandit snorts and I jolt from those wishful thoughts. Bianca is studying me too closely again. Her lips curl seductively once she has my full attention.

“Wanna play a game?”

My mouth goes dry. “Probably not.”

She pouts. “I could make your life much more exciting.”

“Ditto, baby girl.”

Her eyes flash, the challenge sparking into flames. “We should race. Whoever wins gets to choose a prize.”

I snort. “The odds are heavily in your favor.”

“Are you gonna let that stop you?”

“I don’t make a habit of fighting to lose.”

“That’s a shame. I thought you’d never quit following me.” She’s pulling the strings and I’m all too aware.

“Go on then.” I lift my chin. “Take the lead.”

She tosses her long hair. “Finally gonna eat my dust, Cowboy.”

“Just the way I like it.” Although, I’d prefer if she stuck to the Stalker endearment.

When she turns to face forward, my gut clenches in preparation.

Luna begins to prance and I imagine Bianca gave her some sort of cue.

In the next instant, they take off at a fast pace.

She doesn’t glance backward to see if we’re catching up.

That gives me ample opportunity to plan an attack of my own.

“You can run and try to hide, Princess,” I call to her quickly retreating form. “But I’ll always find you.”