“Me neither,” she said softly.
“I’ve always thought if you have to force someone to be in your life, to love you, what’s the point?”
She nodded slowly. “You’re right. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t always easy not having a mother figure around. But my dad did a great job.” She toyed with the handle on her mug, a wistful look passing over her pretty face. It was as though he could see the happy memories flickering through her mind. “Just like I’m sure you did with Emma.”
“I’d like to think so. She did turn out pretty fantastic.” Pride in his daughter made his chest swell with love, and he grinned as he bit into a piece of bacon. He could still picture Emma dancing around the kitchen in her tutu, singing silly songs like it happened only yesterday.
“So, what do you do, Sabrina? Besides dance around and play your music too loud?” He had hoped to come off teasing, a little charming, but her unexpected reaction confused him. Her golden-brown eyes shut down and her gaze dropped to the tabletop.
Yeah, her walls definitely just went up, and he had no idea why.
“I work from home. Nothing too exciting.” She ran her fingers along the edge of the table. “Where did you buy this table? The craftsmanship is beautiful.”
He didn’t miss the quick subject change, but since she was complimenting his work, he let it slide. “I made it.”
“You built this? Wow. It’s gorgeous.” She trailed her finger over the side, and he wanted to know how her touch would feel on his skin. Imagined those fingertips lightly running over his body. Gliding over his shoulders, caressing his back, sliding down to grip his ass. Better yet, he pictured her spread out on the table as he thrust into her slickness, her thighs wrapped around his hips as she gripped his biceps.
Dammit.His cock sprang to life and he shifted in his seat. Time to cool off. His attention focused on the freezer, but he didn’t think there was enough ice in there to do the job. Hell, there might not be enough ice in Antarctica to cool off his raging libido.
Clearing his throat, he accepted the praise with a humble, “Thanks.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It started as a side business and grew. It keeps me busy.”
“Tell me more.” Leaning forward, she placed her elbow on the table and dropped her chin in her palm.
Damn, she was pretty.
He forced himself to speak. Digging the words out of his throat when all he wanted to do was slam his mouth against hers and touch her everywhere. “Choosing the right materials is key.I pick wood that’s durable and aesthetically-pleasing, but also functional and sturdy. Each piece is guaranteed to put up with whatever real-life situation the owner throws at it.”
She gave him an encouraging nod.
“I’ve always enjoyed using my hands. Building things.” He flattened his palms on the tabletop, telling himself to relax. To get his body under control before he really embarrassed himself. “I’m very precise.”
“Oh?” Her honeyed gaze seemed to darken. “A good skill to have…for someone who builds furniture. I’d imagine you’re incredibly patient, too.”
The way she stared so intently sent a spike of desire straight through him. And his damn unruly cock raged back to life.
“Not like you built this in a day,” she clarified, running her fingertips in slow, small circles on the polished wood.
“I pride myself on my patienceandprecision.” He locked eyes with her. “Longevity is important, too.”
She smirked. “I’d have to agree.”
What the hell are we talking about?He had a funny feeling it wasn’t furniture.
When she suddenly cleared her throat and pulled back, looking a little flustered, he let out a breath. The innuendos in that conversion had left him more than a little hot and bothered. He needed some fresh air. Or sex. But he didn’t think spreading Sabrina’s lovely legs and burying himself balls deep in her sweet pussy was an option.
Not yet, anyway.
“I, ah, need to tend to the horses. They’re probably wondering where their morning apples are and why I haven’t cleaned out their stalls yet.”
“Oh, okay. Why don’t I clean up in here?”
“I can help—”
“No, you cooked. I insist.” When he hesitated, she shooed him off. “Go do your thing with the horses while I do the dishes.”
With a nod, he stood up. Most people were overly eager to meet the horses, but she seemed awfully set on getting rid of him all of a sudden.Strange.“Do you want to come out? Maybe go for a ride?”
“Um, sure. I’ll clean up here, run home and change, then meet you in the barn in a little bit.”
