Close Your Eyes Read Online Free PDF

I don’t mean taking you to our lair, Meg . Just the little house next to the outer stables. It’s not much, but at least it isn’t raining in there, and I can fix you a cup of tea.’
    She was glad she had taken some basic horseback riding classes as he helped her mount the large animal he had been riding. In an instant, he was behind her, his large frame close enough that she could feel his warmth. He steered the horse to wards the house in the distance . The house was b arely visible through the swirls of fog rising from the cold grass.
    ‘ This is the fastest way.’ His voice was very close, his breath tickling the hair on her neck. ‘ You look like you could use some warming up, Meg .’
    He was right. In minutes, the small house , surprisingly solid despite its previously phantom-like appearance, materialized in the mist. The walls were made of grey stone . T he green window shutters and green slate roof add ed to its old- fashioned appeal. The house perched on the side of the stone wall that divided the paddocks from the large open space meant for the horses ’ exercising grounds . She thought she had seen it before ; Ry an had showed her around a long time ago. The grounds of the stables and training fields were just like everything else the Harper s owned . She had been dazzled by the vast expanse of the land and its level of luxury, which was visible to her even at her naïve, young age.
    Matt seemed oblivious to the beauty of the grounds as he led the horse to the large enclosure, patting its neck before letting it go.
    ‘Have some fun . ’ H e grinned at the animal, which bent its large, heavy head and nuzzled him gently, its intelligent eyes watching its master with uncanny wisdom.
    As Meg an waited for Matt to open the door, the feeling of well- being that had momentarily replaced her misery suddenly faded without the comforting warmth of his large body. She shivered again, suddenly second-guessing her decision to come here in the first place. Ry an would certainly disapprove of her hanging around the property, given the fact he had emphasized the need for distance. True, this part of the extensive grounds was most probably safe from any prying eyes, but she still should have known better. She was tempted to succumb to Matt ’s lead . As he walked towards her, his face broke into a smile.
    At least that smile hasn’t changed much, she thought with relief as she looked for the old Matt in this tall , self-assured stranger . She had known him as long as she ’d known Ry an, and some of Matt’s qualities were totally familiar . Matt’s hair still refused to be slicked down , and she recalled Ryan telling her years ago how his little brother’s less groomed looks remained a source of their grandfather’s disapproval. She remembered Ry an complaining about it at times, and she’d come to admire his big - brother attitude.
    ‘All right, so this is taken care of, Meg .’ His blue eyes watchful, he pushed the door open , and it relented without as much as a squeak , which wasn’t surprising , given how the staff took care of the place . Everything the Harper s owned lived up to the highest standards.
    ‘ Take off that jacket while I make us a fire and something to drink , ’ he ordered after they stepped in side. She stopped and stared in surprise at the cozy , large interior. For a staff’s working house, the place was absolutely perfect with its large main room, adjacent kitchen , and a corridor leading to what she imagined were more rooms. The room was a bit chilly , though . T he staff had moved to the larger, main building near the proper stables. This building was more of an outpost, really, meant for the summertime when some of the horses were kept in the f a rthest pastures.
    Matt kne lt in front of the fireplace and start ed the fire, the fire-ready logs catching light with ease. She wanted to tell him not to bother . S ince they would be heading back in a moment, the warmth of the fire