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“If that’s what she is, but regardless, she’s the only Bitch From Hell I know.”
The lock was a keypad. Punching in the numbers, he pushed down the handle. As they stepped inside, a peach-colored, curly-haired, terrier mutt raced up, barking with joy spinning around in circles.
“He’s so cute,” she gushed, leaning down to pet him, then abruptly grabbed Noah’s arm. “Lord—now everything’s spinning.”
“You need to take it easy. One minute you’re dead on your feet, and the next—“
“Okay, okay. Just lead me to the couch. I feel like crap.”
“Forget the couch, I’m takin’ you to a bedroom. You need a good night’s sleep,” he said firmly, guiding her down a short hall with Sherlock happily trotting along beside them.
Opening a door and flipping a light switch, Noah helped her across to a wrought iron, double bed with nightstands on either side. But she paused her step and turned to face him.
“This is heaven,” she said softly, moving her arms around his neck. “I owe you a thank you kiss.”
As she gazed up at him, he could see the spark of erotic hunger in her eyes.
“Not at the moment, you’re drunk.”
“And you’re handsome,” she purred, pressing her body against his.
“Ellie, lie down. Or would you rather I send you home in a taxi? Is that what you want?”
“Okay, okay,” she grumbled, stepping away and flopping on the bed. “Ooh, you were right. I’m suddenly so tired.”
“I’m sure you are,” he remarked, removing her high heels, then striding to a closet, he found a blanket and laid it over her. “I’ll open the door to the bathroom and leave the light on so it won’t be pitch black if you wake up. If you need me, I’ll be in the room at the end of the hall.”
“Where’s Sherlock?” she mumbled, pulling the blanket up to her neck.
“He’s right here sniffing your shoes. You can get to know him in the mornin’. Until then, get some sleep.”
“I will, I can’t keep my eyes open.”
Quickly walking to the door, he turned off the overhead light, called to Sherlock, and stepped into the hall.
“Come on, fella. It’s time for our nightly walk.”
Even though he was tired, and a ranch hand lived in quarters above the barn, Noah wouldn’t be able to sleep without checking on the horses.
Especially his prized stallion, a magnificent reddish-gold palomino with a flaxen mane and tail. His professional name was Stetson, but his barn name was Sunny.
Racing ahead, the terrier stood panting impatiently at the kitchen door, then darted outside the moment Noah opened it. Following him across the yard, Noah strode quickly to the barn.
The stalls were double-sized and opened into individually fenced fields. Noah only closed them off during bad weather. Often on his late night visits, he would find Sunny standing in his paddock, his eyes wide, his ears pricked, his thick mane tossed by the wind, or rippling from a soft breeze.
The sight never failed to take his breath away.
And it did again.
Quickly grabbing a carrot, he quietly entered the stall. Sunny immediately turned and nickered, then ambled up to him.
“How are ya, big boy? Makin’ sure everything’s as it should be out there?”
The horse gave him a gentle nudge. Grinning, Noah fed the treat to the happy horse. But as he stroked Sunny’s neck, his mind wandered to the fiery, flirtatious female sleeping in his guest room. She was sexy as hell, but he sensed she was trouble with a capital T. She’d be out of his home—and his life—first thing in the morning.
CHAPTER FOUR
It was a barking dog that stirred Ellie from sleep, and slowly opening her eyes, she stared around the unfamiliar room. It wasn’t dark, but it wasn’t bright either. Dim light came through a curtained window.
