Read Online Love Somebody Like You by Susan Fox - Free Book Online Page A

time to use, with a shower at one end. Loads of room for a big man. A big, muscled, naked man. Even for a big man and a slender woman.
    Oh, Lord, what was she thinking? Where had these wild imaginings come from?
    â€œI’d offer you a cup of coffee,” he said, “but I’m guessing that’s what’s in the thermos.”
    â€œGood guess. How’s your shoulder this morning?” She gazed more closely at his left arm and grimaced at the deep purple bruise that extended below his shirtsleeve. “Ouch.”
    â€œLooks like I’ve been rolling in blackberries, doesn’t it?”
    And now she was thinking of him rolling naked in blackberries. The image should have been ridiculous, but instead was so wildly sensual that it sent hot tingles of arousal through her.
    Sensual? In the past years, her only experiences of sensuality came from stroking a sun-warmed horse, cuddling her hens, or crunching into a freshly picked carrot. Generic sensuality, not feminine—much less sexual—sensuality. A cold shudder chased the warm tingles away.
    Pete’s strong hand bruised her wrists as he forced her hands above her head, holding her captive as he pounded into her so hard that she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out in agony. If she cried, he’d backhand her across the face and—
    â€œIt’s not that bad.” Ben’s voice broke into the memory.
    Yes, it was. It was horrible. He was supposed to love me—he swore he loved me—and that’s how he treated me once I was his wife.
    â€œReally.” Ben peered at her and gave a one-shouldered shrug. “It’s coming along fine.”
    She stared at him blankly. What? Oh, his shoulder, of course. She breathed out slowly, and managed to say, “That’s great.”
    He wasn’t supposed to drive. If she sent him packing and he went home to Alberta, he’d be driving for hours. That could be dangerous, and certainly wouldn’t help his shoulder.
    Not that barn chores would be good for his shoulder either. And that reminded her . . . “I need to get to work. Have you had breakfast? I can give you some eggs.”
    â€œThanks. I’ve already eaten, but a fresh egg omelet for lunch sounds mighty good.”
    It did. That was fancier than her usual quick meal. But then he had to keep that professional athlete’s body in shape.
    She’d bet he was in fantastic shape. Ben with his clothes off would be a sight to behold.
    No! There she went again. Shaking her head at her own foolishness, she strode away. She’d give him a few eggs as a thank-you and send him on his way. If he had any sense, he wouldn’t drive far today, but what he chose to do was his business, not her responsibility.
    Decision made, she checked on Sunshine Song. The pregnant palomino still seemed relaxed, not restless or sweating. From the looks of it, she wouldn’t foal today. Sally then went to visit her hens. As always, the mere sight of the neatly laid-out coop made her smile.
    Her family’d had chickens when she was growing up, and she’d loved them. When she’d suggested to Pete that they get some, he’d said no; they were messy and involved too much work. Last year, she’d bought an insulated storage shed and fitted it out with nesting boxes, roosts, and a workbench. With Dave’s help, she had added a large run extending out from the shed, fenced on the sides and on the top to protect from predators. She’d chosen the location so that the run included a few shrubs for shade. Once the coop was complete, she’d found online ads for rescue chickens, and installed her flock.
    Her dozen hens were all that she’d hoped for: cheerful and bustling, entertaining, and good company. They were her family, her friends. These early-morning visits with them were always a nice start to her workday.
    Her ladies were not meat chickens. Even when they were past laying age, she