Page 11 of Montana Born

She was taken aback by his insight. “Not that it’s any of your business, but my partner is fully informed of each step I take on this project.”

“He’s called me four times. Still trying to change my mind. He did not mention our meeting today.”

“This is not fair. I don’t know what to say.” She blew out a breath. “I’ve changed my mind. Enjoy your ride.”

Just as she turned away, he moved to block her path. “I’m screwing this all up, aren’t I?”

“No...I mean, you’re being nice. I’m just overwhelmed. I have a lot of work to do.”

He looked down at her, making every nerve in her brain go haywire. “Relax, Elle. Things will work out. Although I may just frazzle you a bit more.”

“How?”

His fingers cupped her chin and he bent down to pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “Like this.” Once again his mouth covered hers and damn it if she didn’t respond by holding his shoulders. The kiss was perfect, not too demanding yet strong in conveying he wanted more if she allowed.

“Ugh,” she pulled away in hopes of restarting her brain. “Aren’t we here to ride horses?”

Not exactly the most intelligent question, but enough to make him take a step back. “This way. I’ve saddled two horses.”

She fell in step beside him when every instinct screamed she run to her car and leave. This was a bad idea. Every moment with him made her wish for more. Elle was woman enough to admit it. Something about the man, his assurance, the easy way he fit in different scenarios, from suited up executive, to rugged biker, he made every thing sexy. Now in worn jeans, boots and a baseball cap, no one would guess him to be a rich businessman.

Yes Sully was the perfect specimen of manhood, however his never being seen with one woman for long gave pause. Elle figured he took full advantage of his social status and had no plans to settle down.

They rode for several minutes, taking a path next to a winding creek. The horses trotted at a steady pace allowing her to take in the surroundings.

No matter how many places she traveled, nothing compared to the open spaces of Montana in her opinion. The land opened up for miles, the mountains a picture perfect backdrop.

“Has it been a long time?” Sully studied her.

“Uh...not that long.” Elle scrambled to figure out how long it had been since she’d been kissed. Forever since a kiss affected her like his. That was for sure.

“You?”

He frowned. “I was just out here last week. I like to ride my horses often.”

“Hmmm, that’s nice that you do.” He asked regarding horseback riding. To hide her flushed face at thinking he spoke of the kiss, she urged her horse forward.

Unfortunately he came up alongside. “I’d like to get to know you better Elle.”

Did he mean for a day or a week? “Why?”

Sully blinked and shrugged. “Because you intrigue me. I find you very attractive and I want to kiss you again.”

“I--Umm, well.” Her brain vacated at that moment. His comment left not room to misunderstand. “I don’t know. Mixing business and pleasure are never a good idea.”

He chuckled and they continued on for another hour keeping the conversation light.

Back at the stables, she helped unsaddle her horse and brush him down. Once the task was completed, Elle was hungry and anxious to get away from Sully. It was hard to think straight when those beautiful blue eyes locked with hers. Not only the butterflies, but also the urge to jump into his arms and wrap her legs around his waist were hard to resist. Just picturing making a fool out of herself made her hurry from the stables.

“Thanks for today. It was amazing. I better scoot.”

“Elle?”

Damn it, he’d closed the distance and was next to her. “Can I call you for dinner?”

“Yes.” Her breathless response much like a lovesick damsel made her cringe. “I mean of course. It would be nice.”

“Good.”