Page 41 of A Simple Love

Davis spoke again. “Well, I think we have what we need.”

I shook my head, grinning widely. “I think we need another take. Or even two.”

Kassie glared at me. “Then do it with someone else.” And she stormed from the barn.

Davis glanced at me with a wry grin. “I think I have a shot now.”

I pushed past him. “Not a chance.”

I rushed after Kassie, catching sight of her turning the corner of another stable. I caught up to her, stopping her furious footsteps and grabbing her arm. “Wait.”

She spun around, eyes flashing, color high. “What was that back there?” she demanded. “You set all that up just for what? A laugh? To prove something?”

“No,” I replied. “I have no idea what came over me, except suddenly you weren’t Sierra, and I wasn’t Colton. It was us. It was our story, and I did the only thing I could think of to stop you leaving me.”

Her eyes widened. I reached over and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “And I’d do it again.”

She launched herself at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I caught her against me, our mouths fused together. I stepped into the dimness of the stable, pressing her against the wall. She wrapped her legs around my hips, and I ground myself against her. I could feel her heat through the thin fabric of her pretty skirt. Feel the way her breasts pressed into my chest, her nipples stiff and rubbing against me. I kissed her deeply. Pouring all my emotions into that kiss. The years I missed her, the longing that never really went away. The sensation of coming alive again under her touch. It was all there.

It was all her.

Until the clearing of a throat behind us broke us apart.

Kassie buried her head in my chest as I glanced behind me. Sadie was there, dressed for riding, looking amused and knowing. “The boys are on their way back from chores,” she said with a small smirk. “You might want to, ah, take that somewhere more private, unless, of course, you want an audience.”

It was my turn to clear my throat. “Right. Good idea. Thanks, Sadie.”

“Uh-huh.”

She turned and led her horse out of the stable, leaving us alone. I slipped my fingers under Kassie’s chin, lifting her face up. “Busted,” I murmured.

She met my eyes. I wasn’t sure what I expected. More anger. Demands to put her down. But instead, she grinned, then started to giggle. “Oh God.”

“Kinda glad that wasn’t Brent. Not sure he would have been so polite.”

She began to laugh, and I had to join her. Carefully, I set her down on her feet, keeping an arm around her waist. I cupped her face and kissed her softly. “I’m sorry, lovely girl. I got carried away.”

She sighed and opened her mouth to speak, but a sudden grimace crossed her face and she inhaled sharply. I felt the spasm in her lower back, and I held her close. “Jesus, did I hurt you?”

“No,” she murmured, her voice filled with pain as she gripped my arm. “It happens.”

“How often?”

“On occasion. Don’t worry about it, Oliver.”

“I damn well will worry. How did you get hurt?” I asked, my voice tight.

She shook her head.

“How did you get hurt, Kassie?” I repeated through tight lips. “It wasn’t an accident, was it?”

“Um…”

“Someone did this to you?” I demanded, rage building in my chest at the thought of someone hurting her.

“Not here,” she pleaded.

“Then I’m taking you home, and we’re going to talk. I want the truth. And I want to hear it from you.”