“I can’t believe a man who was determined to fight a family of skunks would feel that way.”
“If I remember correctly, I didn’t win that battle. It wasn’t until you had a professional come out that we got rid of the skunk family.”
“But you gave it your best shot.”
“All I can say is I hope they’re enjoying their new home miles from us.”
“Skunks are so cute looking. It’s a shame people feel that way about them being around.”
“You have to admit they have a wonderful defense.”
“It sure makes me pause going near one.” Again she looked back toward Slade. “But you on the other hand went toe-to-toe with the mama.”
“Hey, I had a hose in my hand and yards and yards of ground between me and her.”
“Did you know a skunk’s spray can reach across yards and yards?”
He rolled his eyes. “Now you tell me.”
Tory left the trees behind. The glittering water beckoned. She nudged her mare a little faster, relishing the bright sunlight that bathed her face. It was a beautiful day, not a care to disturb her thoughts. When she neared the edge of the pond, she halted Buttercup and swung off her.
Slade came to a stop next to Tory. “I thought you weren’t going to go faster than a walk.”
“I couldn’t resist.” She smiled up at him and the world came to a grinding halt.
The sparkle in his eyes and the grin on his face sent her heart beating at a rapid pace. This man was important to her. He was offering her a second chance at the things she wanted in life. His patience with Mindy and her was unbelievable. Could she trust him with her heart, enough to be a wife in every sense?
His gaze left hers for a few seconds as he dismounted. When he reestablished eye contact, his reins fell toward the ground. He reached out and brushed her loose hair behind her ear, then cradled her cheek.
“You’re beautiful, Tory.”
She wanted to say something, but her throat seemed to close. He moved nearer. The feel of his palm against her skin, the blue gleam in his eyes, meant only for her, riveted her to the ground.
“I want you.”
The husky words didn’t send her into a panic. Instead, they caused her stomach to flip-flop. Was she ready to put the past completely behind her? To forget about her fears and surrender totally and willingly to another? When he touched her, she didn’t feel dirty, used.
His other hand came up to frame her face. He inched forward and leaned toward her. When his mouth grazed hers, the last thing she wanted to do was push away. She went completely into his embrace while his lips settled over hers. This felt so right. He wouldn’t hurt her. He wouldn’t force her to give more than she wanted.
She stood locked in his arms, her head lying on his chest, for a long time. The quick tempo of his heartbeat matched hers. The warmth of his embrace went beyond comforting. She cuddled closer, enjoying the protective ring of his arms.
“I’m perfectly content to stay here all afternoon,” Slade murmured against the top of her head. “But we need to pick Mindy up in an hour from Laurie’s.”
“Yes, and we still have the slow ride back to the barn and you’ll have to cool down two horses.” She leaned back.
“I protest that bet.” His brow furrowed.
She smoothed the lines away. “Tell you what. I’ll take care of Buttercup while you take care of Black Charger.”
“And I’ll take you and Mindy out to eat tonight. We’ll celebrate.”
“What?”
He waved his hand in the air. “Oh, I don’t know. How about what a beautiful day this is?”
“Sounds good to me. Race you to the barn?” She started toward her mare.
He halted her progress with a hand on her arm. “No way, Mrs. Donaldson. Remember, slow and easy. I’m a beginner. Maybe one day we can race back. But this isn’t the day.”
“Chicken.”
“And proud of it. I know my limits.”
Tory waited until Slade mounted his gelding before getting up onto Buttercup. “I’m impressed. It only took two attempts to mount him.”
“I’m a quick learner.”
The ride back was done in silence. Tory savored the quiet, letting her thoughts wander to what happened at the pond. He had told her she would decide, set the pace, and he’d been true to his word. Maybe this evening they could explore more of their relationship.
After taking care of the horses, Tory headed toward the house with Slade beside her. “I need a shower before we pick up Mindy.”
“I could use one, too.”
His words, spoken casually, doubled her heartbeat. She slanted a look at him and realized his remark was an innocent one.
“I get dibs first.”
“Of course, beauty before brains.”
“I’m not even gonna touch that line.”
His laughter echoed through the house as Tory hurried toward her bedroom, grabbed her robe and disappeared into the bathroom. For four years she’d gotten used to being by herself. Now she couldn’t imagine this house without others in it. But Slade was right. This place was too small, especially if their family ever grew. That thought brought a smile to her mouth as she stepped into the shower and quickly washed the smell of horse and sweat off her body.
After toweling dry, Tory slipped on her terry-cloth robe and belted it. She ran a brush through her long hair, remembering Slade once telling her he liked it down about her shoulders. Was that why she was wearing it like that more? The realization she wanted to please Slade gave her pause. She was falling in love. When had that sneaked up on her? If she was truthful with herself, it had started from the very beginning with his concern and passion for his daughter.
A knock at the door startled her out of her musing. “Yes?”
“There’s a phone call for you from Judy.”
“Tell her I’ll call her back in a few minutes.”
“You’d better answer it now.”
His tone of voice warned
