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“I haven’t discussed it with her, but I’m sure you’re right. I’ll arrange something for her, but Ellie, you don’t sound very happy. Is something wrong?”
“No, I’m fine,” she lied, quickly adding, “it was just disturbing, finding that car and, uh, the victims.”
“Yes, of course, I should have realized. Is there anything you need? Anything I can do?”
“I don’t think so. I’m sure I’ll be back to normal soon, whatever that is.”
“You should paint, and spend time with those horses you’ve fallen in love with.”
“I will, and Noah” she thought. “Sorry, I have to run. Safe travels, dad.”
“Thanks, hon. I’ll speak to you soon.”
Ending the call and flopping back on the bed, she closed her eyes and thought about going to sleep curled up against Noah’s strong body. It was divine.
“Ellie?”
“Noah!” she exclaimed, her eyes popping open and abruptly sitting up.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, ambling over to her. “What are you doin’?”
“I guess I’m a bit tired from this morning, and Dad just called. He won’t be here for a couple of days.”
“That’s too bad.”
“It happens all the time. Do you need me?”
“Nope, I just came to tell you I moved my truck so you can bring out your SUV and unpack your things. We’ve cleared a decent path across the courtyard.”
“Unpack my car...” she mumbled, lowering her eyes.
“Ellie, what’s wrong,” he asked, sitting next to her, “and don’t say nothin’. That would be a lie, then I’d have to spank you, and as much as I like reddenin’ your ass I’d rather make things better, or at least try to.”
“I won’t lie to you,” she mumbled, “but I don’t know how to explain this. It’s complicated.”
“Most things are simple, then we overthink them and they become complicated.”
“Huh, that’s probably true. Regardless, I feel weird about it. Can I tell you later?”
“Sure, but maybe you should paint, or go out to the barn and visit with Candy and watch the foals. They’re havin’ a great time in the snow.” Hearing him parrot her father’s suggestion made her smile. “See, just the thought has brightened you up.”
“I’ll bring my sketch pad. I’ve never seen foals prancing around in the snow. That sounds like so much fun.”
“It is. Come out when you’re ready…and don’t worry,” he added, lowering his voice and putting his arm around her, “things will work themselves out. They always do.”
“It’s being here,” she suddenly exclaimed, unable to stop the words spilling from her lips. “I love it and I don’t want to leave.”
“Why do you think you have to leave?”
“I was only here because dad was worried about me being alone in the house with Bethany and the weird thumping sounds and we didn’t know what was going on but that’s all over now, so I guess I’m supposed to go, but I don’t want to, I want to stay here with you and Sherlock and—“
Her breathless confession was a whirlwind of words, but suddenly pushing her on her back and cutting her off, he grabbed her wrists and held them over her head.
“Ellie, you love bein’ here and I love havin’ you here, and it sure as hell doesn’t have to end. The problem’s solved. You’re stayin’.”
Before she could speak, he softly glided his lips over hers in a languid, loving kiss,, but the passion they shared took hold and she urgently writhed beneath him.
“Damn, girl,” he muttered, pulling back, “you’d better get your SUV, but I’ll be pickin’ this up tonight.”
