Page 31 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

P rickles skip along my crooked spine. It’s not the colorful leaves rustling in the trees that’s awakening this sensation.

The noticeable drop in temperature now that we’re exposed to the autumn elements isn’t responsible either.

If anything, the windy chill that chases us on our ride across the open field keeps me from burning up.

I turn in the saddle to glance behind me, already knowing what I’ll find. Colton is staring at me. No, that’s too basic. The look he’s giving me is much deeper than that simple term. It’s burrowing beneath layers until I feel him promising my body filthy pleasure.

“Good grief,” Paisley sighs from astride her own horse next to mine. “What did you do to that man?”

“Nothing yet.” But then I study him and his unwavering intensity again. “Well, that’s not entirely true.”

“Duh, Bee. His smolder is hungry and you’re his meal of choice. Spill.”

“We’ve been alone for… two days.” That gives me pause as my hips sway to Bandit’s smooth stride. “Gosh, is that all? I’m such a hussy.”

“No judgment.” Her soft smile is for my brother and their fast-acting fuckery, but that’s a different story.

“It’s bound to happen in the forced proximity trope, right? Resisting is pointless, especially when Colton is so thoughtful. And persistent. The man is a romantic ninja. I can’t anticipate his next move. Is he still back there?”

My bestie laughs into an approaching gust.“As if he’d let you out of his sight.”

“I dunno,” I mumble. “When we were on this trail last, he vanished without a trace only to creep up behind me. It scared me until I was pinned protectively beneath him.”

Paisley nods, not disturbed in the slightest. “‘Tis the season.”

My blank stare has her quickly clarifying.

“It’s almost Halloween. Getting chased and tackled in the middle of nowhere seems very appropriate.”

“Interesting.” My mind wanders to how I might return the favor. And then I consider what will happen once I catch him.

“Are you blushing?” Paisley’s voice rises in volume to alert the freaking birds miles away.

I brush my cold fingers along the heated skin. “It’s the breeze stinging my cheeks.”

“You’re serious about him.” It’s not a question.

Which earns her a quirked eyebrow. “Haven’t I mentioned that already?”

There’s awe in Paisley’s slack expression. “This is incredible. I’ve never seen you like this.”

“Okay, let’s take it easy. I’m not a tourist attraction.”

She makes a noise of agreement. “Freak show is more your style.”

“Brat,” I laugh and lightly shove her.

“See? You’re talking to yourself. Totally freaky.”

A wispy breath doesn’t deny it. I’m more than ready to get my freak on with a certain protective grump. We’ll see what tonight brings.

In the meantime, my attention wanders to where Spud is scouting the property ahead of us. It’s only been a day, but he’s claimed this territory as his. I love that he’s ours. Animals have a way of establishing unbreakable bonds.

“How’s Echo?” I reach to pet my mom’s favorite horse.

“She’s great. Don’t change the subject,” Paisley scolds.

But I veer off course again regardless. It just feels like that kind of moment. The buckskin mare belongs to my friend now. That’s what Mom would’ve wanted.

My gaze drifts to the right. Dad is off on his own, appreciating the rural scenery. His stare is unfocused but reflective. I imagine he’s picturing my mom at his side. They loved to hit the trails together. Maybe that’s a ritual I can adopt with Colton.

“He learned how to ride from watching my YouTube channel. Kept it a secret,” I reveal absently.

Paisley’s interest burns into my profile. “I was a bit surprised he even knew how to get on.”

“It turns out he was my first subscriber.”

A noise of outrage fumes from her. “That’s who beat me to it?”

“Guess so,” I laugh. “His truck is named after the color of my eyes.”

“Really?”

My gaze returns to her. “Mhmm, and he had a new bed delivered after the other one hurt my back.”

“That’s… very considerate.”

“You should’ve seen the breakfast spread he cooked for me yesterday morning.”

Either her stomach grumbles or there’s rain on the horizon. “Was it really good?”

“Better than a personal chef.” I smack my lips. “There was a no-strings massage included.”

She hammers the saddle horn. “Those exist?”

“Apparently,” I sigh wistfully. “And his hands are very strong. He got at the tough knots. Loosened me right up.”

“Brody needs to learn a thing or two.” Her eyes narrow on her husband riding beside Colton. “Such a slacker.”

My humor sobers. “When we first arrived at the house, I noticed that he’d planted daisies in the flowerbeds. It’s going to snow soon and they won’t last, but the message was clear. He wanted to make sure a piece of her was here waiting for me.”

“Oh.” Paisley covers her mouth with a shaky palm. “What an incredible tribute.”

“The Shasta type was her favorite. They’re the standard white and yellow. I’m more partial to pink gerberas. Although, blue is starting to grow on me. There’s a whole variety in the gardens.”

“It didn’t even occur to me when I was poking around earlier,” she mumbles.

“And the list goes on. If you need to get in the front door, my birthday is the code.”

Paisley grins. “Jeez, when’s the wedding?”

“That’s not funny. We’d already be hitched if it were up to him.”

“How do you feel?”

“I can’t be in love with him already,” I whine. But it doesn’t sound that far-fetched.

“Just follow your heart. Unless your gut makes a really solid argument against it.”

Which has me asking, “Want to hear something crazy?”

“Always,” she blurts.

“It’s kinda hot that he’s stalked me for years,” I say shamelessly. “Well… only because it’s him and I know he’s safe.”

“Right, of course.”

“The slight abduction to protect me from his creepy father isn’t that bad. I’m not actually his captive. He’s only my jailer because I allow it.” I peek over at her reaction.

My friend has a knowing look on her face. “Are you wanting me to excuse his behavior?”

“Not necessarily,” I mutter.

“Do you want permission to forgive him for it?”

“Will you think badly of me if I do?”

Paisley huffs out a laugh. “Does it matter either way?”

“I guess not.” A heavy exhale whisks away from me. “I’m lowkey obsessed with Colton Keller.”

She holds out a palm for me to slap. “What’re you gonna do about it?”

My shoulders bounce to a casual gait as I turn in the saddle again. “Hey, Stalker. When are you taking me on a date?”

His smolder blazes hotter. “Just say the word, Princess.”

Brody whacks his chest. “Can you not slobber over her like a piece of meat in my presence? That’s my little sister.”

“She’s a big girl and doesn’t appreciate you trying to censor her boyfriend’s desire.” My tone is purposefully sweet to piss off my brother.

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I’m ready to leave when you are, wife.”

“We just got here,” Paisley complains.

“And I’m being visually assaulted by these two.”

“Now you know how it feels.” I wag a finger between them. “Still not comfortable with this.”

“But we’re sisters,” Paisley whines.

“That makes it tolerable.”

Colton stretches to thump Brody on the arm. “Why don’t you feel that way about me, brother ?”

My bestie’s eyes bug out. “Was that a playful comeback?”

“A man of many talents,” I sigh.

She lowers her voice and asks, “Best you’ve ever had?”

“That hasn’t been confirmed. He’s denying me the dicking of my dreams until our love is a two-way street.”

Her brows wiggle. “Oooooh, he wants to lock you down.”

“Big time.”

“And you’re going to let him?”

My head bobs. “There’s no alternative to this kinky ultimatum.”

Paisley sputters. “Excuse you?”

“Ah, you missed that earlier.” I wave off her shock. “Long story short, it doesn’t get better than him.”

“Um, okay. Should I be concerned?”

“Only for Colton and his enormous ego. I’m going to drag it out.” And make him beg. Maybe toss in a spanking or two. Not that my friend needs to hear any of that. A giggle that’s dipped in diabolical intentions escapes me. “But first, I’m taking you somewhere special for lunch.”