Stella considered his answer before peppering him with more questions about his life, the ranch. Anybody else and he might have resented this. But with Stella… hell, he’d tell her anything at this point.
By the time they finished their sandwiches, they had talked themselves quiet.
Stella stared into his eyes across the table, resting her chin on her hands, and sighed. “Everything about this place. The history, the seasons. Depending on the land. You’re living a legacy. I don’t even know who my father is.”
This surprised him. They knew so little about one another. Suddenly he wanted to know everything about her. What she did for fun– her favorite foods. He wanted to know what things had hurt her and why. He wanted to know her dreams.
Knowing all this would take more than one night.
He took one of her hands, lifted it to his mouth and deliberately kissed her knuckles. With his favorite song crooning over the sound system, he pulled her to stand against him and began swaying to the romantic tune… She moved perfectly against his body, the same as she had earlier that night.
Moving into the open space by the living room, he guided her into a simple two step. She landed on his bare feet a few times but picked up the rhythm quickly. When she seemed more confident, he twirled her in a dizzying spin and then pulled her close again. This singer in the song wanted to get to know a woman– no pressure, no expectations. He just wanted a shot with her in the hopes they’d both want more. Could Stella hear the words he couldn’t say? Maybe she would just know.
He wished he were better at stuff like this.
Scratch that.
Stella’s small warm hand in his, leading him upstairs, said all that needed saying.
CHAPTER TEN
“Morning sleepy head.”
Stella stretched and then smiled at the warmth of his body next to hers and the memories of last night. When she opened her eyes, Peyton lay propped up on one elbow, his blue eyes smiling down at her. The new dawn’s sunlight filtered through the white linen curtains.
Peyton dipped his head and kissed her gently. She pushed niggling thoughts of guilt away– thoughts of Corinne, thoughts of Misty. She would dwell on what lay ahead later.
For now, she wrapped her arms around him and deepened the kiss. “Mmm…” She wasn’t ready to face the day yet. He crawled on top of her and settled himself between her legs. Apparently, he wasn’t ready either.
This morning they made love slowly, savoring each moment as dawn turned into daylight. And afterwards they just held one another. Listening to the quiet. Avoiding…
Until the sound of an approaching vehicle set Red off barking. Peyton furrowed his brows, kissed her quickly on the lips, and dragged himself out of bed. Stella lay in bed lazily until she heard a car door slam and then distant voices.
Curious, she tiptoed into her own room and dressed quickly. By the time she descended the stairs, brewing coffee scented the air.
Heading for the kitchen to meet Peyton’s visitor, a sense of dread washed over her when she heard a cooing, female voice.
“You should have called me. Of course, I would have come out to help, baby.”
The woman stood beside Peyton, practically on top of him. He handed her the cup of coffee he’d just brewed and then, glancing up, caught sight of Stella.
This had to be Valerie.
Seeming to sense that she and Peyton were no longer alone, the youthful looking blonde peered over her shoulder.
She slid one arm around Peyton and sent Stella a cold smile.
Peyton hadn’t taken the time to put his shirt on so when Valerie tilted her head to stake her claim, she nuzzled naked skin.
Stella froze inside.
“You must be Corinne’s old friend.” Emphasis on old. “I’m so glad she and Misty don’t have to go through all of this alone.”
Looking not quite as uncomfortable as he should, Peyton grabbed another coffee cup and inserted it beneath the machine. “Latte again, Stella?”
“You city girls drink your coffee all fancy, I imagine. Out here we pretty much just take it hot and black.” Valerie took a sip of her cup as though to illustrate her point. “I’ll bet you can’t wait to get back to all of your… conveniences.”
Stella didn’t have the heart for this today. “Latte’s fine.” Trying not to feel like a third wheel, she made her way to the refrigerator and pulled out a container of yogurt. As she did so, she caught a glimpse of the empty wine bottle and plates left over from last night. Stella had no doubt Miss Valerie had seen them as well.
