Page 18 of Maid for Daddy
“You’re adorable when your cheeks turn red,” he teases.
Samuel comes into the kitchen and pours himself a cup of coffee. The sound of the spoon banging against the cup makes Stephen’s shoulders tense.
“Good morning … uh … what’s your name again?”
“Samantha. Good morning.”
“My brother tells me that you two are a couple. I want you to know that I had no idea about that last night. I’m sorry if you felt disrespected by what I said. I was a little drunk.”
Shocked by his apology, I nod my head. “Thank you.”
He flashes a sinister grin at Stephen. “See, brother? I know how to behave myself.”
Stephen pinches the bridge of his nose. “No, you don’t. If you did, you wouldn’t point it out like being decent was some great accomplishment for you.”
I shove a forkful of pancakes in my mouth and pretend that I’m not paying attention to their exchange. Stephen is tapping his foot. I get the sense that he’s ready to get away from Samuel, so I take one last bite and say, “I’m ready to go when you are.”
He wastes no time taking his cup and my plates to the sink and then escorting me out to the veranda.
“I’m sorry about him. You’d think he was in a coma when my parents taught manners.”
“You don’t have to apologize. You told me he was like that so I kind of expected it.”
“Well, in any case, I set him straight about us this morning so he shouldn’t be acting like a horny fool around you anymore.”
“Good. Thank you for that.”
We arrive at the stables, and Stephen brings Crystal out of her stall.
“Hold on to her while I get her saddled for you,” he tells me.
I take her halter in my hand. She lowers her head so I can scratch her nose.
Stephen saddles the horse and helps me onto her, then hops on behind me, placing the reins in my hand and putting his hands on my hips.
“Remember, she was built to run and she’ll take off fast if you don’t control her.”
“I don’t know how…”
“Keep your feet in the stirrups away from her body. Don’t kick her or she’ll think this is the Kentucky Derby. Just hold up the reins and give her a little click with your tongue.”
I do as he tells me, and Crystal walks gently out of the paddock and onto a path that leads into the forest. I’m a little frightened, but having Stephen’s hands on me makes me feel safe.
“This is great,” I say but Stephen is preoccupied with rubbing my thighs.
“Once you get the hang of her, we can open her up a bit.” He nibbles on my neck.
“You mean run?”
“A little. Are you ready?”
I swallow hard but tell myself that he won’t offer if he doesn’t think I can handle it. “Yeah, let’s do it.”
“Give her a gentle tap with your foot.”
I tap my foot against her, and she leaps into action, taking large strides with the grace of a ballet dancer. The wind whips through my hair, and I feel like I’m flying.
“Hold tight. She’s gonna want to jump the stream,” Stephen warns.