Heat Vol. 4 (Heat: Master Chefs #4) Read Online Free PDF

the prestige of owning them, but
hated the barnyard scent.  That’s why he had the stables moved back here.  Out
of sight and out of smell, but you could still have your horse riding lessons.”
    I
looked into the horse’s eyes, big round orbs of love and trust adorned with
beautiful long lashes.  “I guess I could give it a try.”
    Rial
opened the stall door and led Evan out.  “Looks like she’s already adopted
you.  Come on.  I’ll give you a hand up.”
    The
leather of the small riding saddle cracked under my weight and brought with it
a brief flash of memory; a sense of joy quickly followed by despair.
    Rial
got on Roger and led the way out.  For a quarter of a mile we walked side by
side with only the sound of hooves clapping on the dirt path.
    “Ready
for a little trot?”
    “I
can try.”
    He
nudged his horse on and mine followed.  It was a pleasant pace, but both horses
visibly wanted more.  Despite a small reservation, I, too, wanted more. 
Without warning, I leaned forward, nudged my heel into Evan’s side and gave a
light slap of the reins against her neck and she took off.
    “Hey,”
Rial called.
    “Catch
me if you can,” I called back with a laugh.
    Her
hooves pounded the narrow path that cut through the sun drenched meadow of
green.  The breeze, filled with the scents of the countryside, brushed my face,
filled my lungs and brought me back to a simpler time.  I wanted to gallop
forever, my body keeping in rhythm with Evan’s every step.
    Rial
caught up with me and steered Roger down a knoll.  I followed him down until
we’d reached the bottom of the valley and stopped at a creek of cool, clear
water.
    “You
sure caught on fast,” he said.  “I thought we’d trot another twenty minutes
before asking you to gallop.”
    I
smiled.  “I can’t remember the last time I felt so free, such abandon, such
exhilaration.”
    “Good.” 
He got off his horse and helped me down.  “We’ll let them cool off and get a
drink.”
    “Are
we still on the chateau’s property?”
    He
nodded.  “Newly acquired property.  Your father never owned this parcel of
land.  He tried to buy it, but the owners back then didn’t particularly like
your father, so they consistently refused his offers.”
    “How
far does it go still?”
    “Another
mile or so.  After a quick rest, we’ll ride out to the edge of the property.”
    I
turned to him.  “This is great, Rial.  I’m so happy you brought me out.”
    “And
I’m happy to see that desolate frown leave your brow.  Your father tried to
pull you out of your depression by bringing you out on horseback, but no matter
what he did, your depression persisted.”
    “Depression? 
When was I depressed?”
    He
turned to me.  “Let’s head out.  I’m eager to ride again.  You're beautiful on
horseback, you know that?”
    “Rial.”
    He
shook his head.  “I’m sorry I brought it up.  I want to keep the day light and
pleasant.  Let’s not bog it down by recalling darker times.”
    As
intrigued as I was by his comment, I knew he was right.  It was too beautiful a
day to ruin with talk of our dismal pasts.  We rode until well past noon and we
were famished by the time we returned to the chateau, but not nearly as
famished as Rial was once we’d finished lunch.
    His
sweet demeanor turned hungry once he brought me up to his bedroom.  “I’ve been
following that sweet ass of yours all morning and now I’d like to see something
other than a horse sitting under it.”  He rubbed his crotch, his hard shaft
bulging through his jeans.  “Come on.  Let’s get you in the shower and lathered
up.  You smell like a ranch hand.”
    “I
do not,” I scoffed as he grabbed my hand and pulled me into the bathroom.
    Tearing
off my clothes, he backed me into the blue beige marble and glass-tiled
shower.  I turned on the spray of water and was rewarded with seven jets of hot
water that warmed and massaged my skin.
    “Let’s
get that barnyard