Read Online MountainStallion by Kate Hill - Free Book Online

with that.
Do you think we could start over?”
    “Yes.” She smiled. “I’d like that very much.”
    “Good.” He drew her into his arms and bent to kiss her then
stopped and held her at arm’s length. “I’m filthy. I’ll get dirt all over you.”
    “You Horsemen. Always worried about offending a lady,” she
teased, standing on tiptoe and sliding her arms around him.
    He cupped her face and covered her mouth in a tender kiss.
    When it broke, he gently stroked her cheek. “I wish I could
take you somewhere and make love to you right now.”
    “There’s too much work to do,” she said. “I closed my shop
for today. How can I help around here?”
    “You want to help?”
    “Yes. Pace, I didn’t know about the damage up here or I’d
have come sooner.”
    The warmth in his eyes melted into her. For several
heartbeats they stared at each other, then he hugged her close to his warm,
hard chest. It was a bit damp with sweat and the soft, curling hairs dusting it
tickled her cheek. His wonderful scent filled her with every breath. She closed
her eyes and tightened her grip on him, then all too soon they released each
other.
    Work needed to be done but later they would share some time
alone.
    * * * * *
    Gayle spent the rest of the day on the mountain. She and the
wives of several of Pace’s workers helped clear the rubble, tended minor
injuries and saw that everyone had enough food and water while they worked.
    Long after dark Gayle sat with Ardin by the fire in the
great room of his and Pace’s home. Despite its size, the stone house had a
warmth that reflected its masters’ personalities. The wooden furniture was
elegant yet comfortable. She especially liked the soothing, forest-colored
tapestries on the walls. She imagined sitting by the large stone fireplace,
Pace by her side and their children playing on the green and brown rope carpet.
Now that they’d overcome their first argument, she knew all would be well
between them. Not that they wouldn’t argue again. With both their stubborn
natures, she knew they’d lock proverbial horns many times in the future. Yet
after surrendering to their shared dreams and by the way they’d worked together
today, she knew in her heart they were a perfect match.
    The family staying with Pace had already retired to their
room and the master of the mountain had yet to return. Ardin rose from his
chair and stretched. The fire had nearly died down and no doubt he was
exhausted after such a busy day. Though tired as well, Gayle wanted to see Pace
before going to sleep. Ardin had offered her a guest room but she hoped her
dream lover would suggest a different arrangement.
    “I’m going to sleep,” Ardin said. “Would you like me to add
another log to the fire?”
    “No thank you. It’s a warm night.”
    “I’m glad you came, lass. You made Pace very happy.”
    She smiled. “Thank you for what you said this
morning. You made me realize how silly it is to hold a grudge against my dream
lover.”
    Ardin gently patted her shoulder before ascending the stairs
to the upper floor.
    Yawing, Gayle settled more comfortably into the cushioned
chair. Watching the reddish embers in the fireplace, her eyelids drooped.
Before she knew it, she’d fallen asleep.
    She awoke when Pace lifted her in his arms.
    Blinking, she drew a sharp breath then smiled.
    “I thought you’d be more comfortable in bed,” he whispered.
    Clinging to his neck, she asked, “Whose bed?”
    “My bed.”
    Her smile broadened and she closed her eyes, resting her
head against his shoulder. Then she remembered his injured arm.
    Her eyes flew open and she said, “You shouldn’t be carrying
me.”
    “Love, I’ve been carrying rubble all day. Now I’ve got a
chance to carry a treasure and no one’s going to stop me.”
    “But I don’t want you to tear your stitch—” He silenced her
with a kiss that sent her heart beating out of control.
    Refusing to let her go, he carried her effortlessly up