Page 118 of Over the Line

“For… What?”

“Fall tours of the aspen—on quads or horseback. We can bring in Santa in the winter and have hot chocolate on a sleigh ride. Fill a pond and offer ice skating.”

“You want to start a business on the ranch?”

“I know it’s a lot.”

Her ideas had insurance liability, but they could potentially bring in a lot of revenue, and they might entice her to spend more time with him.

“Weddings in the barn.”

He shook his head at the ridiculous notion. “Who gets married in a damn barn?”

She regarded him. “Plenty of couples. Of course, we’ll remodel it or build a second one for that purpose. Arbors, maybe, with a view of the mountain range in the distance. It would be a photographer’s dream.”

“Slow down, darlin’.” Though he protested, he couldn’t have been happier with her enthusiasm.

“We could even consider dude ranching. No reason we can’t think of ideas to turn a profit on the areas that are fallow. Maybe get Chewie a companion.”

“I’m willing to consider anything you propose.” As long as you’re beneath my lash with my dick inside you. “Can you stay for a while? Maybe join me for a glass of wine?” A spanking? “Or the sunset?”

“Yes.” Slowly, she nodded.

His blood surging, he extended his hand toward her. “Welcome home.”

She smiled, lighting his whole world on fire.

“You had me at penguins, Sir.”

Chapter Thirteen

Home.

Until now—until Master Michael—that hadn’t been something Sydney had really understood.

Her parents had moved so often that she’d never had a place to return to for visits or holidays.

Suddenly, he closed the physical and metaphoric distance between them, and she was enveloped in his strong arms, comfortable as well as cared for, and a realization rocked her.

Home wasn’t necessarily a place—it was a feeling. Of safety, of security. One like she had when she was with him.

The Eagle’s Bend Ranch offered her a sense of belonging.

“I’m going to kiss you.”

He didn’t ask permission, he took.

Gently at first, he staked his claim, coaxing her response, asking for only what she wanted to give, exploring her as if for the first time.

When he sought more, she responded, moaning, wrapping her arms around his neck, holding on tight, yielding completely, offering everything she had to give as he devoured her.

He tasted of invitation, of promise.

Of forever.

The thought no longer terrified her.

Everything she’d needed to hear when she arrived, he’d said.