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“From Bethany?”
“Her, and the rest of the world when I want to escape.”
“I hope you never want to escape from me,” he muttered, wrapping her up and making her heart race. “Why the suitcase by the door? Are you goin’ somewhere?”
“Just here.”
“Bring it with you, then you’ll have a change of clothes in the mornin’.”
“I’m staying at your place tonight?”
“Do you have a problem with that?”
“Not a one!” she replied breathlessly, sinking into him.
“Speakin’ of Bethany, I spotted Matt in the motor court, and when I stopped to say hello she came out of the house.”
“And...?”
“It was strange. Those false eyelashes of hers…”
“Right? They’re so extreme,” Ellie remarked, pulling back to stare up at him. “Did you speak to her? What did you think?”
“Just the usual pleasantries, but the first thing that came to mind was, this woman is playin’ a part.”
“Oh, my gosh, Noah, you just gave me goosebumps.”
He took a breath, then moved his lips to her ear.
“I’ll be givin’ you more goosebumps tonight, but for a much better reason.”
* * *
A short time later, enjoying a delicious meal in a cozy booth at the Barnyard, Ellie once again found herself mesmerized by Noah’s piercing green eyes. But the bolted cellar door and mysteriously padlocked electrical panel refused to leave the forefront of her mind. She was convinced Bethany was behind it. What else was evil woman plotting?
“Would you share a hot fudge sundae with me?” Noah asked as the server removed their dinner plates.
“Absolutely.”
“Ellie,” he continued, lowering his voice, “I have a favor to ask, a big one.”
“You sound so serious. Is something wrong?”
“Sort of. Cody got a call just as I was leavin’ to pick you up. His mother had a fall.”
“Oh no, is she okay?”
“From what I understand she’ll be fine, but he needs to go home for a few days. How would you feel about helpin’ out at the barn until he gets back? I’d need you to actually stay there. You’d be welcome to use the guest room if you—“
“Are you kidding? I’d love to,” she said excitedly, cutting him off.
“You would?“
“Absolutely! In fact, you’d be doing me a huge favor. But that aside, there’s nothing I’d like better than to stay at your place and help you take care of the horses. Though I’d like to bring a canvas I’ve started.”
“Bring whatever you want. But why would this be a favor?”
“Dad’s away, and even with David and Matt at the house, I’m still a bit worried. Did Matt tell you about the wine cellar?”
