“Nice. He must really like you to give you one of his most prized horses to compete with. Do I need to be jealous?” he asks in mock seriousness.
I chuckle, the thought of happily married, has no eyes for anyone but his wife of twenty years, Mr. Seymour being into me is preposterous.
“Don’t be silly. He’s happily married and Dad’s age.” I shake my head at the notion. Like someone as hot as Kade would ever need to be jealous of anyone.
“It’s not silly. You’re beautiful, anyone would be lucky to have you. I know I am.” His voice dips lower to the sexy tone that’s always able to turn me on, no matter the situation. “You have a face and body men would have fought wars over back in Roman times, but on top of that you’re also smart, strong, and know what you want. Nothing sexier than when an independent woman like you gives me control of her pleasure whenever I want her to. It’s a gift I’ll cherish for as long as you let me.”
“Kade…” I trail off, unsure of what to say to this. No one’s ever said anything like this to me. Making me feel special, treasured, and like I’m worth the world being exactly who I am.
I realize it’s a gift I’m not willing to lose anytime soon.
This gorgeous man in front of me likes me for who I am. Not the way I look or what I he can gain from being with me.
“Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to hear this,” I whisper, the emotions clogging my throat and preventing me from speaking any louder.
I lean forward and kiss him. Not a quick peck on the lips either, but a kiss that’s about to make both of us late.
Just before we reach the point of no return, Kade pulls away. Blood is rushing in my ears while I’m trying to calm my heartbeat. Kade’s hand is still tangled in my hair, like he’s powerless to fully let go of me.
“Fuck, we don’t have time for this. My first client is about to arrive at the clinic.” His voice is rough, the arousal clear. “I’m sure Dakota is waiting for you too.”
I sigh, knowing he’s right. We don’t have time for this. “Shit, I forgot about the training session with Dakota.”
“You should probably get ready. Y’all did agree on an early start.”
“You’re right. I’ve become lazy in the mornings since I got here. I never used to have trouble getting up at five in the morning.”
“Well, clearly, you never had someone keep you up all night.”
“Cocky much?” I smile when I look at him. His eyes dancing in mirth.
Suddenly, I’m struck by the beauty around me. Most of my life has been dipped in darkness, too many ugly things trying to take over. So much so I stopped looking around because all I’d ever see is what I never wanted my life to be.
Stop. Take a breath. Look around you and note all the beautiful things in your life. It’s something I’ve been told on numerous occasions during therapy. I never understood what she meant by this. Sure, my life was great. I had amazing friends and a career I loved.
But life is more than that. And for the first time I understand what she means.
It’s looking at someone you love and knowing down to your soul they understand you. That they won’t judge you for your past mistakes. That they will support you when you need it and even when you don’t.
It’s being with someone and feeling safe.
Safe to be yourself
Safe to make mistakes.
Safe to make a fool of yourself.
All of this is what makes life beautiful. Worth living.
“You okay?” His question drags me from the realization. And I look at him once more, studying his features. I see nothing but adoration, if not love, shining back at me.
A warm feeling starts to spread through my limbs. Something I have never felt before. For once, I don’t have to try and figure out this feeling. I love him; this amazing man in front of me with the capacity to drive me insane, the ability to admit his mistakes, and the skill to make me climax like no other.
“I—” love you. I catch myself just in time. It’s too soon to blurt that out. We barely know each other. And he might not feel the same. I might feel safe with him, but I’m not sure the vulnerability of saying ‘I love you’ is something I can handle at this point.
“I’m fine,” I say instead. “Just bummed we can’t continue this.”
He doesn’t say anything right away, instead his eyes scan my features. Like he’s trying to read my mind. I’m not sure he finds what he’s looking for, but he finally says, “Me too, Princess,” before he kisses my nose and moves off the bed. “I have to go to work, but I’ll call you later. There’s a key on the kitchen counter. Just lock up when you leave.”
I watch his ass walk away, like I always do, and mumble, “Okay.”
I hear him chuckle all the way out the door as I flop back onto the comfortable mattress.
For a moment I let myself marvel at the drastic but exciting turn my life has taken. If I’m honest with myself, I never thought I’d find happiness like I’ve experienced the past four days. I never thought I’d find someone who would make me feel like Kade does, or who was worthy of my time.
And I’m terrified it’s all going to be taken away.
Nothing this perfect can last. Not for me.
Chapter Twenty-Three
I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the arena. That mix of wood and
