He still couldn’t believe that she was standing there in front of him at the show. All the worry about whether or not he’d see her tonight was a waste of time. She was here right now, and there was plenty of time to see how things went. He hoped.
“Don’t you have work?”
She coughed. “I’m sick.”
“Oh, don’t give it to me.” He took a step back.
She giggled. Then it dawned on him. She was faking it.
“Hang on, you don’t look sick.”
“Shhh.” She put her finger on her lip and winked at him. “I fell asleep after you left, and I couldn’t brave going into work after the crap week I’ve had. So, I did the only thing I could, I pulled a sickie.”
Ben was bloody glad she had. “Well, that’s a relief you’re not sick.”
“Where are your alpacas?”
“Down here. You really want to see them?”
“Yes.”
Her answer sent a warm, fuzzy feeling coursing through his body. Besides, she looked completely fuckable in her tight jeans, trendy top, and sneakers. He’d not seen her like this before. Casual. Yet, she looked as hot as when she wore her sexy dresses.
“Come on, then.”
She paused. Then he realized the rope. It was good to know it was doing its job keeping the public out.
“Here, let me help you.” He pushed down on the rope making it lower. “Is that enough so you can get your leg over?”
“I think so.” She lifted her leg and wobbled.
“Careful. Use me to keep your balance.” He bent down so she could reach his shoulders.
“Okay.”
Raven put her hands on his shoulders. The heat from her touch seeped down into his skin reminding him of the connection that he was noticing between them. She stepped over, one leg either side of the rope. She glanced up at him. Her dark eyes drew him closer. He leaned forward placing his lips on hers, kissing her slow and soft until he felt her shiver. There was something sweeter about how she tasted today, and while he wanted more of this gentler pace, he kept his propriety and hers and pulled away. There was time for this later.
Raven lifted her other leg, swinging it easily over the rope still keeping her hands on his shoulders. He let go of the rope and gazed into her eyes. She let her hands slip down off his shoulders. The soft, smooth touch sent a burst of desire through his body.
His breath caught in his throat as he felt his body begin to respond. For a moment, he was sure she was going to cave into the thrill building between them and kiss him, but she stepped away. A mix of disappointment and relief washed over him. Not the time and place. Now, he definitely wanted to explore this new sensation between them.
“Are these your alpacas?” She walked down the row a few paces. All he could do was to watch how her body gracefully moved, how her hips swung, and her tight arse that his hands suddenly wanted to squeeze. There was so much more exploring to do with her.
He took a deep breath.Later. “Come and meet the crew.”
Ben pointed. “These are my guys, the pens just on this side. I’ve moved them away from Evie while she’s in labor.”
Raven nodded. “You’ve won a few prizes. The ribbons are yours?”
“Did all right. Dad would’ve been happy. Now that he’s gone, it’s now all on my shoulders, and next year will be harder.”
“Your dad passed?”
Ben paused. He hadn’t realized how casually he’d managed to talk about his dad just now. That was just it. He felt too at ease with Raven by his side. And by being at the show the last few days, his grief had lessened so much, he wasn’t quite used to being without the burden.
“Last year. He took the tractor out when it was really wet, and it slipped down the hill.”
He felt her hand on his arm, compassion radiating from her. “I’m sorry.”
