“Clothes aren’t the main things Caytie sells. She designs handbags to go with custom-made boots designed by her partners, Tate and Mabel Johnson.”
“I remember that now. Aunt Tillie wants to buy me a new pair of boots.” She lifted one of her legs. “She thinks my boots are boring.”
They came to an open area where Kellen usually loosened the reins and let Lucky run until they reached the river’s edge. He held Lucky back, but Ivy glanced over at him and grinned. “Wanna race?”
“Oh, yeah.”
They flew across the field, the horses fairly evenly matched. From the corner of his eye he watched Ivy hunch over and whisper in Magnolia’s ear. The horse shot out in front and Kellen urged Lucky to follow, but Magnolia was faster.
If Kellen wasn’t already in love, he was now. There was nothing sexier than a girl who could handle a horse like that. As they reined in their mounts, his mind kept racing with ideas of having Ivy by his side to run a horse therapy program for the disabled. She was a natural on a horse. Had a gift, really. Lucky didn’t take to just anyone like that. It had taken Jace several months to gain the horse’s affection.
“That was incredible,” Ivy said with a laugh.
“Yeah it was.” Kellen realized at that moment that he had a fantasy of his own. He wanted to take a hold of Magnolia’s reins, and pull Ivy close enough to kiss her breathless.
They spent the next ten minutes cooling the horses down by walking along the bank of the river. It did nothing to cool down Kellen’s thoughts.
Leaning down, he rubbed Lucky’s chest to see if it was dry so they could dismount. Ivy automatically did the same thing to Magnolia.
“Wanna stretch your legs?” he asked.
“Yeah.” She pulled gently back on the reins. “Good girl,” she said, leaning down to talk in the horse’s ear.
They dismounted, letting the horses graze on the grass. Ivy took off her hat and hooked it onto the horn of the saddle. “I can’t believe you have a river so close to your property,” she said, running her fingers through her long, dark curls.
Kellen pointed to a rope hanging from a large tree trunk as they walked leisurely along the grassy bank. “Jace and I spent many hours here, especially during the summer.”
“Wasn’t the water too cold to get in?”
“Not after working in the hot sun all day.” They walked a few more paces when Kellen took a chance and reached for her hand. His muscles tensed as he tried to get a feel of what she thought about his touch. A smile tugged at his lips when she slipped her fingers between his.
“Do you like to fish?” she asked, glancing up at him.
“Yeah.”
“Lures or flies?”
He stopped and looked down at her. “You know the difference?”
“Hello, I grew up with boys. Of course I know the difference.” Her eyes sparkled with laughter. “And personally I like fly fishing. There’s nothing better than standing out in the middle of the river, and watching a fish track your fly.”
Kellen had never wanted to kiss a girl more than he did right then. Although this scenario wasn’t exactly how he’d planned their first kiss to go, right now he didn’t care.
“Hmm, I can think of few things that are better.”
Her pink lips parted slightly. “Like what?”
Letting go of her hand, he moved it to her hip and pulled her in front of him. “Chocolate chip cookies made with milk chocolate for one.”
“Those are pretty good.” The tone of her voice came out low and husky.
Kellen’s hand slipped to the curve of her lower back, and Ivy moved closer so they were almost flush.
“What else?” she asked softly.
Her brown eyes swirled with a desire that nearly consumed him. “I’m pretty sure kissing would beat them all,” he said as he lowered his head. He paused, and felt her breath mingle with his. If she didn’t want this, he was giving her time to pull back. But when Ivy let out an impatient whimper it was all the encouragement he needed.
Kellen had planned this moment out a dozen times in his head, but nothing could have prepared him for the sense of perfection as he pressed his mouth to hers. Her lips were soft, and she immediately responded, but there was also an air of innocence to Ivy’s kiss, like she was experiencing it for the first time.
The thought made him want to loosen the reins like he’d done with his horse and run wildly across the field. He held back though, but found it increasingly difficult as Ivy’s response begged him for more. Her innocent urgency sent a low hum buzzing through his veins, and he had to slow down before his control diminished.
“Yeah,” he said easing back. “I think kissing is by far the best.”
“Mmm, I definitely agree.”
Her warm breath against his mouth tempted him to resume their passionate exchange. He tried to pull away, but Ivy rose up until their lips touched, and Kellen gave into the long, slow kiss that followed.
His pulse quickened when she wound her arms around his neck, and her fingers slid through the hair touching his collar, but he checked his desire and gradually ended the kiss.
“Fly fishing will never be the same,” Ivy said, edging back just enough to look into his eyes.
Kellen smiled. “Or chocolate chip cookies.”
“Shocking, but I agree.”
He laughed, and Ivy stepped back and bent down to pick up Kellen’s hat. He hadn’t realized it had fallen off.
“I believe this is yours.”
“Right.” He placed it on his head and then took her hand, automatically threading their fingers together.
He wasn’t the kind of touchy-feely guy that liked discussing his emotions, but as they walked back toward the two horses, Kellen wondered if Ivy felt the same kind of fulfillment he did. The kiss might have been set in motion by a piece of paper he’d found, but it had turned into something more. Something he couldn’t define yet.
“Oh, wow,” Ivy said, pausing to gaze at the setting sun. “That is so beautiful.”
The pink and orange painted clouds created a spectacular scene, but Ivy’s lovely face alight from the fading sun was what held him captivated. “Very beautiful.”
They watched for a moment longer, before Ivy turned to look at him. “So, I guess we should get back.”
“Are you still up for hanging out with Jace and Caytie?” He hoped she was okay with it because he didn’t want their time together cut short like it had been last night.
“Sure. I’m dying to see the inside of their house.”
“I should warn you though, lately Caytie can’t stay awake past eight. I think we might need a backup plan.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before letting it go so they could mount their horses. “My grandma is with George at the big house, so we could stop by to say hi, and stay and watch a movie in his home theatre.”
“Or we could bake more cookies.” Ivy climbed up onto Magnolia’s back and took a hold of the reins. “You know, just to prove that they really are second best.”
Kellen was so tempted to ride over and pull her from the horse and onto his lap so he could kiss her again, but she leaned against Magnolia’s neck and loosened the reins, giving the horse the signal to break out into a run.
They shot off across the field, but Lucky was ready and took off as soon as Kellen loosened the reins. He wanted to catch her, and when he did he never wanted to let her go.
Chapter 13
By the time they rode into the McAllister’s yard, the thin stripe of deep orange darkening the horizon disappeared completely. Jace greeted them by the barn door.
“How was it?”
Ivy looked to Kellen to answer for them. All she could think about was their kiss, and how much she wanted another one. Honestly, she’d been hoping Kellen would kiss her once he caught up to her after she’d raced across the field, but the sun had almost completely disappeared and the horses were restless to get back home.
“Didn’t want to come back,” Kellen said
with a smile. “Until Ivy mentioned something about baking cookies.”
Ivy caught the innuendo and it made her feel as warm and gooey as a cookie right out of the oven.
“I’d like to say we have freshly baked cookies waiting for you, but Caytie fell asleep on the couch not long after we got back inside the house.” Jace held onto Magnolia as Ivy slid down from the horse’s back. “But you all are welcome to watch a movie or bake cookies at our house.”
“We don’t want to wake Caytie.” Kellen dismounted his horse. “I think we’ll go to the big house to bake cookies. Grandma is over there anyway, and wants to meet Ivy.”
Ivy was bummed about not seeing the McAllister’s house, but needed to use the bathroom. “Do you mind if I use your restroom?” she asked Jace.
“Of course not.” He told her where to find it and then nodded toward Magnolia. “I can brush down Mags for you so go on inside now.”
“Thank you.” She rubbed a hand over the horse’s shoulder. “Good night, pretty girl.”
She walked toward the farmhouse, and heard Jace ask Kellen where they’d ridden. She strained to hear his answer, but the men had moved the horses inside the barn and she couldn’t make out any of his words.
Ivy thought about the kiss Kellen had given her, and knew she would never be the same. It was like her newfound colorful world went from standard definition to high definition. Even the sunset had been more glorious than one she’d ever witnessed before.
Thoughts of Corbin and her colorless life with him tried to creep in and mar her happiness, but she refused to think about him. She was living in the moment. She didn’t even want to think about when tonight would come to an end.
Soft lights illuminated the wide porch as Ivy climbed the steps. Not wanting to disturb Caytie, she didn’t knock or ring the doorbell. After wiping her boots on the outdoor carpet, she opened the door and stepped inside the large entryway.
The house was breathtaking, and Ivy loved the distressed wide plank wood flooring. She wouldn’t have a clue how to make a home look so immaculate, yet comfortable and homey. If Caytie had done all the decorating then she was very talented.
Ivy moved across the floor as quietly as possible wearing boots. She probably should’ve taken them off, but it was too late now. She easily found the bathroom. It was just as beautiful as the rest of the house. The vanity looked like an old fashioned dresser with an oil-rubbed bronze sink inlaid in it.
As she washed her hands, she checked her appearance in the mirror. It still surprised her how just a small amount of makeup could enhance her natural features so much. Her hair still looked fairly decent, so she didn’t bother removing her hat to comb through it with her fingers.
Coming out of the bathroom, she glanced over at the kitchen and decided to check it out. Ivy fingered the six-burner gas range, and wished she could get a chance to use it. She found herself wondering what kind of house she’d have. Despite her best efforts to keep him out of her thoughts, Corbin snuck in as if to remind her that she’d be living in his house. She hated his house. It was so cold, and sterile and she knew he’d never let her have a say in how to decorate it.
Instinctively she knew that whomever Kellen Thomas married, they would work together to make the house comfortable for both of them. She knew that’s what Caytie had done. The décor was girly, yet she’d added elements of her masculine husband to balance it all out.
A niggling of guilt crept into her thoughts, but it wasn’t about Corbin. It was about Kellen. How fair was it to be all in for the next few weeks, knowing that when she left it would be for good? Did she need to clarify that there couldn’t be any thing long term? But then he knew about Corbin, and he’d still asked her out and he was the one who’d kissed her.
But she’d kissed him back.
She lifted her fingers to her mouth and closed her eyes, reliving the kiss once more. She hadn’t known it could be like that. When she’d made her kissing wish list, she’d only thought about the location or the setting. But, to be honest, she knew if Corbin had kissed her on the bank of a river with the sun setting, it wouldn’t have been the same.
Hearing the sound of boots on the porch, Ivy hurried to the door. Jace came in just as she reached for the knob.
“Hey,” he said. “Find the bathroom all right?”
“Yes, I was just coveting your kitchen.”
“Covet away. My gorgeous wife lacks any talent with the culinary arts, but she’s so amazing at other things I don’t mind doing most of the cooking.”
“I might be able to cook,” Ivy said. “But I could never decorate a house to feel so homey and yet be so beautiful.”
“Yeah, Caytie did all of this by herself. Well, she also had a big team of people under her.” He took off his hat and grinned. “She’s dying to find out what we’re having so we can get the nursery ready.”
“I’ll bet.” It was sweet, because Jace sounded just as excited as his wife.
All at once the kitchen wasn’t the only thing Ivy coveted. She wanted the impossible—a marriage like Jace and Caytie’s, filled with love and laughter and happiness.
Her throat felt tight and she swallowed back the sudden rush of grief filling her chest. The colorful picture she’d created in her mind faded, like someone had spilled a glass of water over the paints so they weren’t as vibrant.
Kellen walked in and met her gaze. “Hey, you ready to go?”
“Yeah.” Her voice sounded strained, so she gently cleared her throat and looked at Jace. “Thank you again for allowing me to ride Magnolia. She’s a beautiful horse.”
“Any time.”
Ivy moved next to Kellen. They weren’t touching, yet the close proximity warmed her, chasing away some of the emptiness. It awakened a hunger in her, and she craved his touch. Not brave enough to take his hand, she hooked her pinky finger with his.
“See you tomorrow morning,” Kellen said as he slipped his fingers through hers. The heat of his hand wrapped around her like a warm hug, allaying her need of his touch.
Jace’s eyes dipped down to their hands, and his lips twisted in a wry smile. “Bright and early.”
With Ivy’s hand in his, Kellen led her out the door, and answered his cell phone.
“Hey, Grandma. We’re coming over right now.” He paused and then said, “No, Caytie is asleep so I think we’ll hang out with you and George.”
Kellen let go of her hand, and dug the keys out of his pocket. He dangled them triumphantly in front of Ivy.
Warmth flooded her as she remembered the last time he hadn’t been as successful. That almost kiss in the rain had been the most romantic thing to ever happen to her until today.
“I don’t know. I’ll ask her.” Kellen opened her door. “Okay, love you too.”
“Ask me what?” she asked as he helped her into her seat.
“If you’ve seen the movie Inside Out yet.”
He kept a hold of her hand, circling his thumb over her palm. It made it difficult to concentrate on his question. It took her a second to recall that she’d wanted to see the animated movie, but never had the time. Besides that, Corbin only liked hardcore action movies.
“No, but I’d like to… that is if you want to,” she quickly added.
His thumb stilled as he studied her for a second. “As long as you promise to make cookies another day then I’m in.”
She probably shouldn’t say yes, but couldn’t help herself. “Deal.”
One corner of his mouth lifted into a crooked smile, and he slowly drew his hand back until their fingertips were the only thing touching. “Okay.”
Finally he closed her door and rounded the front of the truck. Ivy noticed her cell phone lying next to her as she clicked on her seatbelt. Pressing the home button, she saw she had three missed calls from Corbin.
She’d had a feeling he would try to call, which was the reason she’d left her phone behind in the first place. Although he’d tried to reach her multiple times, she was relieved he hadn’t
left a voice mail or texted her.
She pushed a button to darken the screen and made his name disappear as if not seeing it there would make her forget about him—at least for tonight. Tomorrow would come soon enough, and the memories of this day would be all she had.
But what if she could have more? What if she found another solution to save the ranch? She had no idea what that would be, but this new part of her wanted to try.
Chapter 14
Kellen glanced at his watch, anxious for church to be over. Not that the message from the pastor hadn’t been good, but he wanted to talk to Ivy. He could tell something was different about her the minute he’d picked her up this morning. She denied it, but he knew something had happened in the past twelve hours to make her so subdued.
Yesterday had been fun, and they’d spent most of the day together. First baking cookies at his grandma’s and then witnessing the birth of a new foal together when Jace’s horse, Serenity, went into labor.
The colt’s birth took up most of their Saturday, making them miss the chance to go fishing at Lance’s house, but their alternate plans had turned out perfect. Kellen took her to his property where they’d had a late night picnic. After the sun went down, they’d climbed into the back of his truck to watch the stars.
Ivy shifted in her seat, and just when he thought she was going to pull her hand from his, her grip tightened. She met his gaze, and her eyes had that hollow look in them again.
“You okay?” he mouthed.
She quickly nodded her head and turned away. Her hair brushed against his shoulder and he caught the light floral scent of her perfume.
It triggered the desire to hold her like he had last night as they’d danced to a slow song under the stars. He’d felt mildly guilty after they’d shared another earthshattering kiss, and Ivy confessed that she’d always wanted to be kissed while dancing under the stars.
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