Page 32 of She Belongs to Me
“My fault. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
“It’s okay. Did you need something?”
“I’m just taking a walk. Don’t let me stop you. It must be about quitting time.”
Romeo nodded. “Yes, I make certain all the horses had food and water for the night, just to tide them over. Then I turn on music for them to sleep by.”
“That’s amazing.”
An awkward moment settled between us. I could tell he had no idea what to say to me or if he should say anything after Nico’s tirade.
“Well, I must get back to my chores,” he said, more politely than before. The fact he gave me a onceover wasn’t lost, nor was the sentiment.
“I understand. I just wanted to apologize for Nico’s behavior. I have no idea why he reacted that way.”
“He’s very… how do you say… protective of those he cares about.”
“I don’t know if he cares about me. He’s never acted like it before. Granted, he got me out of a horrible pinch, but I mean nothing to him.”
He wagged his finger and tsked at the same time. “Not true. You can always tell by a man’s eyes their thoughts and desires.”
Which is why Nico had reacted that way.
“Well, I was mortified. It was ridiculous.”
Romeo smiled. “He is a good man, just lonely. And I’ve spoken out of turn.”
“Your secret is safe with me. Any idea why?”
He shook his head, but I had a feeling he did know. “He’s very private.”
That he was. “How long have you worked here?”
“I grew up here,” he said and was quite happy about it. “My father was a trainer for his father. I learned to ride a horse when I was a tiny baby boy.”
“Where did you live?”
“Here.” He acted confused. “There are two lovely streets designed with a few dozen acres, houses built for the employees. Once you’ve hit five years, you can purchase the home for not much money. I think I’m saying it right.”
“You are and that’s wonderful.”
“As I said, he and his father are very generous.”
Another awkward moment settled in. “Well, I should get going, I guess. Maybe one day I’ll be allowed to sit on a horse. Nothing more.”
I backed away, even waving to him. Was I tempting fate? Maybe but I couldn’t help myself. I was already so overwhelmed by my surroundings I needed something to soothe my mind and the ache in my heart.
He kicked his boot into the gravel, exhaling a few times. “I tell you what. I’ll saddle a really sweet horse and allow you to get on. I’ll even guide you around the corral, but only for a few minutes. Since you have not ridden a horse, it will be tough on your…”
“Bottom?” I finished for him.
The way he flushed with embarrassment was adorable. “Yes.”
“I’ll be okay. I’d love that and promise I won’t take advantage. I’m sure you want to get home.”
His laugh was boisterous, more so than the fake banter it seemed Nico was capable of. “I have little to go home to. My mother and father retired in the South of France. At least they left me the house.” His grin was boyish and sexy, alluring to the point I was having impure thoughts.
Sadly, I knew it was more about whiplash with Nico at this point. It was stupid of course since not only had I not dated the man, I also didn’t know him. But it was there, hanging around my neck like a noose.