Page 46 of Honoring Freedom

“Am I?” The doubt was clear in his eyes.

“Of course. You’re an expert at taking care of the horses.” She winked and went to the wall mirror to glance at her reflection. “I really should go.”

He swiped up his crumpled jeans and slid into them, followed by a clean T-shirt. Dressed, one would think she could deny the urge to touch him, but she wanted to push him back onto the bed and ride him.

“Marry me, Freedom.”

She looked at him through the mirror, smiling until she realized he didn’t show any signs that he was joking. “What?”

“You heard me. Marry me.”

“Keller…” She spun around, feeling a bit weak. “No.”

“Wrong answer,” he growled.

“Were you expecting a yes?”

“You marrying some other guy won’t happen.” His jaw was steel-like.

“Keller, this is a long story and we don’t have the time—”

“Marry me,” he blurted again.

“Will you keep asking until you get the answer you want?”

“No.”

“Are you sick?”

“I do find you appealing so I can’t be all here, I reckon.” He chuckled.

With a roll of her eyes, she slipped her feet into her sandals and headed for the door but his gentle hand on her arm paused her. She turned back to him. “You clearly haven’t thought this through.”

“You need to marry, right?”

She nodded. “Daddy won’t change his mind. He never does.”

“There’s no way I can allow another man to touch you.” A storm brewed in his gaze.

“Allow? You really are losing your marbles. Walk me to the door, Doc.” She offered him a smile which belied the emotional havoc she was currently experiencing inside.

He took her hand and together they made their way through the living room. He pulled her against him, giving her a kiss that left her breathless and wobbly-kneed.

She gave him a little push. “If you’re not busy later, maybe you and I could meet out at the lake.” She licked her lips to push home what she was asking.

“You’re a tease.” He smacked her on the bottom as she sashayed toward the door.

“Are you sure about that? A tease doesn’t do what I just did for you.” She wagged her brows and swung open the door. She made a choking sound. Standing on the doorstep were three big, burly men, each bigger than the last.

“Looks like someone else beat us getting here.” The tallest of the trio said with a chuckle.

*****

Keller would have laughed if Freedom didn’t look like she’d just swallowed staples.

She worked well under pressure, and she quickly recovered. She offered each of the men a sweet smile.

Keller felt a blow to his chest when his buddies smiled back in admiration.