The Wanted Short Stories(16)
Author: Kelly Elliott

She smiled bigger. “I like that plan—a lot.”

Scott had arranged for a car to pick Jeff and me up at the airport. It was taking us to The Brown Hotel where we would be staying for the next five nights. I’d never been to Louisville, Kentucky, so this was all new to me.

After we checked in, we headed up to our suite.. The bellhop opened the door to the suite, walked in, and set our luggage down. The room was beautiful. I immediately made my way to the bathroom, and I wanted to let out a squeal when I saw the huge Jacuzzi tub. I moaned as I closed my eyes. I knew exactly what Jeff and I would be doing in there later tonight.

Jeff walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. “Hey, I know you’re tired, baby, but I need to head out and see the horses that Scott and I are interested in.”

I spun around and kissed him quickly. “Let me change into some jeans, and then I’ll be ready to go. Did the car wait for us?”

“Yeah. We have him all week. I believe Scott said the driver was staying in the hotel as well. I told him to give us a few minutes, and then we would be back downstairs.”

I changed and threw my hair up into a ponytail. I slipped my boots on and grabbed my jacket. It was fairly warm out but still colder than what it was in Texas.

“All right, let’s go see some horses!” I was excited to head to this particular horse ranch. I’d seen pictures of the ranch, and my mouth watered at all the horses. I would love to have more horses if I thought we had the time to take care of them all.

As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, Jeff’s cell phone rang. “It’s Pete,” he said as he hit Answer.

“Pete, how are you? Yes, the flight was great.” Jeff looked at me and raised his eyebrows.

I felt the blush move across my cheeks.

“We’re heading that way now. Yes, the driver has the address. Looking forward to it, Pete. See ya soon.” Jeff hit End and smiled at me.

The driver opened the door for us, and we both slipped into the car.

As we drove farther out of the city, the countryside grew more beautiful.

I let out a gasp and said, “Jesus H. Christ, look at these ranches. They’re huge. It’s beautiful here.”

There wasn’t any snow on the ground since it had been so warm, and everything seemed to be green, like it was spring.

The driver pulled into a driveway, and I couldn’t help but notice the sign—Notting Hill Ranch.

The driver hit a button and gave our names. Moments later the massive black iron gates opened. We began driving down the driveway, and on both sides was a six-plank white fence. Horses were scattered throughout the pastures, and my heart was pounding faster and faster as we got closer. There was nothing I loved more—besides Jeff and my children—than horses.

“Pete said he has the two horses ready if you want to go for a ride,” Jeff said.

I nodded my head in excitement.

The driver pulled up and parked next to a truck with a guy standing against it. He smiled and waved quickly. Jeff got out, turned, and reached his hand for mine to help me out.

“Jeff, Ari, it’s a real pleasure.”

“Pete, how are you? It’s nice to finally meet you in person,” Jeff said as he reached his hand out to shake Pete’s.

“Yes, sir, it is. Welcome to our little slice of heaven.”

I looked around and smiled. It sure was heaven. “It’s breathtaking here. The hills are just beautiful. I can only imagine how it looks with snow on them.”

Pete let out a small laugh. “It’s beyond beautiful. Let’s head to the barn.”

Jeff and Pete began walking, and I followed behind them. I wanted to take everything in. I wanted to know how they managed everything, how their barns were set up, how they ran the day-to-day operations of the farm. We walked into the barn, and I let out a gasp.

“Oh. My. God,” I whispered.

The first thing I noticed was the gray brick floor. Then, my eyes moved up to the stalls. They were gorgeous. The bottom part looked to be oak plank doors, and the top was a black metal mesh.

When my eyes kept moving up. “Holy hell.”

The barrel ceiling was cedar planks and absolutely breathtaking. This damn barn was nicer than our house.

“Ari…”

I snapped my head forward and looked at Jeff. He motioned for me to follow them to the other side of the barn.

“I take it you like our barn, Ari?” Pete said with a chuckle.

It wasn’t lost on me how this guy kept looking down at my legs and then my chest. Jerk. “Like it? I want to move into it. Is it heated in the winter?”

Pete blushed.

“No freaking way!” I laughed.

“My babies are spoiled, but they make me good money.”

When we stepped outside the barn, my eyes looked upon two of the most beautiful men I’d ever seen. Nothing but muscles…lean muscles with bodies built for endurance. My heart began pounding, and I was pretty sure I let out a moan.

“Ari, Jeff, I’d like you to meet Sweet Dancer and My Fair Charmer.”

I walked up to Sweet Dancer and looked into his eyes. Those beautiful brown eyes immediately captivated me.

I want him. I must have him.

“I’m riding Sweet Dancer,” I said before Jeff could claim him.

Sweet Dancer had to be at least two hands taller than My Fair Charmer. He was beyond perfect.

Jeff let out a chuckle.

“Ari, are you okay with an English saddle?” Pete asked.

I smiled. “I learned on an English saddle, so yes, I’m perfectly fine with that.”

Pete laughed and looked at Jeff.

Jeff raised his hands and said, “I might look rough and tough, but I have a softer side. I’ve ridden English plenty of times.”

Pete grinned. “Perfect. Well, they’re all saddled up. I think Sweet Dancer here is going to give Charmer a run for his money.”

I put my foot in the stirrup and got myself seated on top of my new boyfriend. Oh yeah, he feels good between the legs.

I glanced over to Jeff, and he was sitting on top of My Fair Charmer, just staring at me with a smirk on his face. I smiled, and he winked.

“If you get lost, don’t worry. They’ll bring ya back. Charmer here will do anything for oats, and it’s about time for his midday snack.”

Jeff and I started the horses off toward a trail as Pete yelled out for us to have fun.

I turned and yelled back, “Oh, we will! Trust me!”

We rode along in silence as Jeff checked out each horse. Once we came up to an open field, I peeked over at Jeff, and he started laughing.