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When they were almost to the stable, he kicked Thunder to a trot, knowing that Dandelion would follow, and quickly dismounted before Thunder got to a complete stop and went to Dandelion to help Leila down. “Here, let me help you.” He placed one hand on Leila’s back while he held Dandelion steady. Heat radiated through her tank top, and she smelled of roses.
“Thanks.” She patted the horse’s neck. “That was a lot of fun. I can see myself doing this again.”
He was glad to hear that and stood a bit taller. “I’m glad. You looked like a natural.”
She laughed, and the sound rang in his ears. “I wouldn’t say that, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought.” She tipped her head tothe side and combed her fingers through her hair. “Gosh, I’m sure my hair’s a mess.”
Adler lightly brushed her face with his hand and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I think you look amazing.” His voice came out as a whisper, yet thick with emotion. She froze, and a small smile grew on her face.
His gaze fixed on her lips, and he placed his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her mouth to his. Heat seared through his chest as the kiss became more intense. She moaned in surprise, but it didn’t take long before she kissed him back, deepening the kiss. His heart flipped when her mouth opened and welcomed his tongue. She was delicious. Everything about her was perfect.
Their lips broke apart, and he held her close. “I’m crazy about you Leila.” She stiffened under his touch, but he tightened his hold on her so she couldn’t pull away. “I know this seems strange and off.” He cupped her face. “I can’t explain it, and I’m sure it makes you uncomfortable, unsure, but the moment I saw you at Elizabeth’s wedding, everyone else disappeared.”
“Stop, Adler. Look, I know there’s something between us. I felt it at the carnival and just now at the cabin.” She pulled from his hold. “But you don’t need to say those things.”
He held on to her arm. He needed her to believe him and to know she was the reason he couldn’t be with Desiree any longer. He couldn’t be with anyone else. Just being with a woman was no longer enough. “Listen, please.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Please, Leila.” His voice shook.
She turned. Her eyes looked damp, and she bit her bottom lip.
He bent his head to force her to look at him. “You’re the reason I couldn’t be with Deisree.” Her eyes narrowed, but he pressed on. “Yes you. Once we danced, something clicked, and I suddenly needed more out of a relationship then just sex.”
“What?” Confusion shrouded her eyes.
“I don’t know what I feel, and I sure don’t want to rush things, but I know I want to be with you. Just you. I want to get to know you and Skylar more.” He rubbed his hands on her arms. “But there’s no hurry, I promise. If you’ll be with me, we’ll take things at your pace.” They stood there, and their eyes locked. His heart stopped. He didn’t know why he’d told her all this now, but it was as if he suddenly needed her to know. This wasn’t going to just be a sex thing. Sure, he wanted that, he wanted all of her, but he wanted more than a quick tumble in the sheets. He’d wait until the end of time for her. “If you’re not ready for a relationship, if it’s still too soon, I’ll wait for you. If you want to just spend time getting to know each other, that’s what I’ll do. I don’t want to pressure you into anything.”
Now that was something new for him.
“You really want a relationship with me?” Her voice was a whisper.
“Yes, more than anything.” He slid his hands down her arms and wrapped her fingers with his. “And I won’t rush you. Just knowing you’re mine is enough.”
Her face lit up and she squeezed his hands. “I’d like that.”
He released his breath, and his heart started again as relief flooded him. “Thank God. Come on. I want everyone to see me with my girl.”
When they pulled up to the house, it was a small group. Really small. Just Tristan and Stacey. They climbed out, and he took her hand. “Well, not many people will be meeting my girl.”
Leila met his smile. “I guess not. Their loss.”
“So true.” Adler pulled her to a stop and drew her close to place a kiss on her lips. A hard and long kiss. When they separated, their gazes held until some cat calls got their attention. He ticked up his brow. Her smile was soft and genuine which caused his pulse race.
“So, I guess the cabin did its job once again huh?” Tristan laughed.
“You’re blushing,” Adler whispered to Leila.
“I’m sure I am. It’s still a little new.”
He winked and pulled her close.
What a night. Leila was totally enjoying herself, getting to really know Tristan and Stacey and being there with Adler. She watched him as he and Tristan joked about some things they’d done growing up. He was relaxed and so sure of himself.
She studied him as they talked. She’d always thought he was hot—you’d have to be blind to not think that. Perfection was Adler. His eyes large and deep, his skin soft and warm, his body muscular and strong, his hair always messy, his smile crooked and wide. Pure perfection, and she was cuddled next to him with his arm around her shoulder, holding her tight.
But it was getting near dinnertime, and she had been here all day. She had to get home to Skylar. She sat up.
His hand rubbed her neck. “You good?”
“Yeah.” She nodded. She didn’t want tonight to end, but it had to.
